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Nage-Waza

What is Nage-Waza?

"Nage-Waza" is a term in Judo that refers to throwing techniques. In Japanese, "nage" means "throw" and "waza" means "technique." These techniques are fundamental to Judo and involve various methods of throwing an opponent to the ground. Nage-Waza is a crucial aspect of Judo training and competition.

Nage-Waza can be categorized into several types based on the mechanics and principles of the throws:

  1. Te-Waza (Hand Techniques): Throws that primarily use the arms and hands. Examples include Ippon Seoi Nage (one-arm shoulder throw) and Tai Otoshi (body drop).
  2. Koshi-Waza (Hip Techniques): Throws that primarily use the hips. Examples include O Goshi (major hip throw) and Harai Goshi (sweeping hip throw).
  3. Ashi-Waza (Foot and Leg Techniques): Throws that primarily use the legs and feet. Examples include De Ashi Harai (advanced foot sweep) and O Soto Gari (major outer reap).
  4. Ma-Sutemi-Waza (Rear Sacrifice Techniques): Throws where the practitioner falls directly onto their back to execute the throw. Examples include Tomoe Nage (stomach throw) and Sumi Gaeshi (corner reversal).
  5. Yoko-Sutemi-Waza (Side Sacrifice Techniques): Throws where the practitioner falls onto their side to execute the throw. Examples include Yoko Gake (side hook) and Yoko Guruma (side wheel).

Each type of Nage-Waza requires precise timing, balance, and coordination to be executed effectively. Practitioners spend significant time drilling these techniques to develop the necessary skill and understanding. Mastery of Nage-Waza is essential for success in Judo, both in practice and competition.

Related Article: Judo: The Gentle Way of Overcoming Opponents

The minute you don a black belt, the minute you step in front of a class to teach, you are seen as an expert on violence. It doesn’t matter if you have absorbed a complete philosophical system with your martial art. It doesn’t matter if the art gave you, for the first time, the confidence to view the world as a pacifist. It doesn’t matter if you studied as a window to another age and culture. It doesn’t matter that you have found enlightenment in kata or learned to blend in harmony with the force of your attacker. It doesn’t matter because you are about to teach a martial art, an art dedicated to Mars, the God of War. A MARtial art. Even if somewhere over the years you have lost sight of this, your students have not.
Rory Miller

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