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Atemi-Waza

What is Atemi-Waza?

"Atemi-Waza" refers to striking techniques in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and Karate. In Japanese, "atemi" means "strike" or "blow," and "waza" means "technique." Atemi-Waza involves using various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, to deliver strikes to an opponent's vital points.

While Judo primarily focuses on throws (Nage-Waza) and grappling (Katame-Waza), Atemi-Waza can still play a role in self-defense and some traditional Judo kata (pre-arranged forms). In other martial arts, such as Karate and Aikido, Atemi-Waza is more prominently featured.

Key aspects of Atemi-Waza include:

  1. Target Areas: Strikes are often aimed at vulnerable or vital points on the opponent's body, such as the eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus, groin, and joints. These targets can incapacitate or distract an opponent, creating opportunities for further techniques.
  2. Types of Strikes: Atemi-Waza encompasses a variety of striking techniques, including:
    • Tsuki (punches): Strikes delivered with a closed fist.
    • Uchi (strikes): Strikes delivered with the edge of the hand, knuckles, or other parts of the hand.
    • Geri (kicks): Strikes delivered with the feet or legs.
    • Empi (elbow strikes): Strikes delivered with the elbow.
    • Hiza (knee strikes): Strikes delivered with the knee.
  3. Applications in Judo: In Judo, Atemi-Waza is not typically used in competitive matches but may be included in self-defense scenarios and traditional kata. For example, in the Kime-no-Kata (Forms of Decision), Atemi-Waza is used to demonstrate self-defense techniques against various attacks.
  4. Principles: Effective Atemi-Waza requires proper targeting, timing, speed, and power. Practitioners must also maintain balance and control to avoid overcommitting to a strike and becoming vulnerable to counterattacks.

While Atemi-Waza is not the primary focus of Judo, understanding and practicing these techniques can enhance a practitioner's overall martial arts skill set and provide valuable tools for self-defense.

Related Article: Judo: The Gentle Way of Overcoming Opponents

Personal greed and egoism are things that cause human beings to forget respect for others and to violate rules that have been established for the sake of peace and friendship.
Mas Oyama

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