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Throwing in Aikido

Throw to Win

Throwing one's opponent to the ground as a sign of his defeat is something we know from knight tournaments in medieval Europe. There, the opponents attempted to knock each other off their horses with long lances. In one of Japan's oldest martial arts, sumo, the opponent is supposed to be thrown out of the ring.
In this video from 2024 (Kobudo; Shibukawa Ichiryū Jūjutsu), we see how throwing is first used to ward off the attack and then to control the opponent on the ground as quickly as possible. Controlling the attacker without throwing him is possible if he can be brought to the ground by his arms.
The alternative to throwing in modern budo disciplines (gendai budo) are kicks or strikes, as in karate, or the famous atemi in aikido, which can, of course, also result in the attacker falling to the ground. In judo as a competitive sport, throws are the method of choice. Aikido inherited throwing from Daitoryu Aikijujutsu.

Throwing in Aikido

In Aikido on the tatami, where victory or defeat isn't the goal, throwing primarily serves to successfully complete a sequence of movements (techniques). This allows Nage to freely let his ki flow, which is good for his physical and mental health.
This video from 2009 shows the techniques zenpōnage, kirikaeshi, and kaitennage from Tsuzukiwaza 1 with Yoshigasaki Sensei as Nage. It's obvious that such harmonious movements are only possible on the mat. An attacker on the street would a) likely attack differently and b) do everything to avoid falling. Throws in a real self-defense situation carry the risk of serious injury to an attacker who is not skilled in falling. Courts would consider such an act of self-defense excessive, and the victim would face conviction.

Throwing in the street

Yoshigasaki: "...and that was an error of Master Tohei. He thought you always had to throw (people). And that's wrong. In real life, you mustn't throw. Why?"
A: "Maybe the person will be hurt."
Yoshigasaki: "No, you don't have the right to throw other people! You don't have the right to do that."

Bosco Gurin 2019

Magic Throwing

These recordings were taken a few months before Ueshiba Morihei's death. According to the founder, he demonstrates acting in unity with the universe. Thus, he doesn't need techniques. With just a few movements (acts), he dominates body and mind of his uke.
Yoshigasaki Sensei said this only works with one's own students. In fact, Ueshiba establishes a special kind of connection with the attackers (Aiki) and can thus control them at will. Obviously he has developed this ability over his long practice.
Ueshiba wants to to show how the "forces" of the universe work. Aikido is a suitable means of exploring these.

Repeated Throws

Probably following Ueshiba Morihei's example, in the case of demonstrations (embukai) many aikido masters like to be attacked continuously to demonstrate numerous techniques for minutes. In some cases, this looks like an ego-show or at least like a simple effort to promote the skills one can acquire in aikido.
The video shows a short excerpt from the 2024 "All Japan Aikido Embukai". The aikidoka here from Shirakawa-Dojo appears very energetic (Ki) and she is absolutely confident. For her, it seems to be meditation in movement. Of course, one should not forget that her uke must be able to fall very well. But falling is another matter ...

PS: I recommend the recently published article by Stefan Neumann from Aikido Hechingen on Ukemi (in German), english version here.