Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

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

Some martial arts are very popular—real crowd-pleasers—because they look good and have smooth techniques. But beware. They are like wine that has been watered down. A diluted wine is not real wine, not good wine—hardly the genuine article. Some martial arts don’t look as good, but you know they have a kick, a tang, a genuine taste. They are like olives; the taste may be strong and bittersweet, but the flavor lasts. You cultivate a taste for them. No one ever developed a taste for diluted wine.
Bruce Lee

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Nage-Waza
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Uchiokoshi is the fourth stage in the Hassetsu, the "Eight Stages of Shooting," in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
U
The supplementary conditioning system of Okinawan karate, comprising a set of traditional training tools used to build strength, structure, and striking power.
H
Qiangshu (枪术), also known as Spear Technique, is a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on the use of the qiang (枪), a spear.
Q
In the context of martial arts, particularly Krabi Krabong, "krabi" refers to a traditional Thai single-edged sword.
K
Geomdo (also spelled Kumdo or Gumdo) is a modern Korean martial art that focuses on swordsmanship.
G
Kyokushin is a style of Karate founded by Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama in 1964.
K
Xing Yi Quan, also spelled Hsing I Chuan, is one of the major internal martial arts of China.
X
The term "Samurai" refers to the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan.
S
Shotokan Karate is a traditional style of karate that originated in Japan. It was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, who is often regarded as the father of modern karate.
S
Boxing is a combat sport in which two participants, usually wearing protective gloves and other protective equipment such as hand wraps and mouthguards, throw punches at each other within a roped-off area called a boxing ring.
B
Fudoshin represents a state of mental equanimity in martial arts. It embodies unwavering focus and composure, even in challenging situations. Practitioners cultivate this "immovable mind" through rigorous training and discipline.
F
Biomechanics is the scientific study of the mechanical principles of living organisms, particularly their movement and structure.
B
Pankration is an ancient Greek martial art that combines elements of both boxing and wrestling, and it is considered one of the earliest forms of mixed martial arts (MMA).
P
The Okinawan martial art of traditional weapons, developed alongside karate and practiced using tools such as the bo, sai, nunchaku, and tonfa.
K
Hwarangdo, also known as the "Way of the Flowering Knights," was an elite group of young male warriors in ancient Korea, specifically during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). The Hwarang were originally established as a group of noble youths who were trained in various disciplines, including martial arts, literature, arts, and ethics.
H
No Items Found