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Training
in Judo encompasses three major areas:
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Ukemi (Falling & Tumbling)
• Nage-Waza (Throws)
• Katame-Waza (Ground Fighting) |
Ukemi
Ukemi
is perhaps the most basic, yet most essential skill to master
in Judo. Knowing how to properly fall and avoid injury is
what allows Judoka (Judo Practitioners) to practice at full
strength, yet avoid injuring their training partners. Ukemi
includes not only falling techniques, but also basic tumbling,
such as rolls and flips.
Nage-Waza
(Throws)
There
are 65 Official Nage-Waza, or throwing techniques, in Judo
as sanctioned by the Kodokan, the leading authority and
founding body of Judo, and this does not include the many
variations that can exist for a single technique. This large
body of techniques allows for many throw-counter throw situations
and gives the Judo student an option for almost any situation.
The throws are divided into two major classifications: Tachi-Waza
(standing throws) and Sutemi-Waza (Sacrifice Throws).
Tachi-Waza:
Standing throws are initiated when both people are in a
standing position. They are sub-divided into Te-waza (hand/arm
throws), Koshi-waza (hip throws), and Ashi-Waza (leg throws).
Te-Waza
include such techniques as shoulder throws and arm throws,
where the Judo student uses the opponents arm or shoulder
to hurtle them to the ground. Koshi-waza
includes a variety of techniques where the Judo student
uses their hip as a fulcrum to toss their opponent to the
ground. And finally, Ashi-waza includes
sweeps, foot blocks, knee wheels, single and double leg
take-downs, and similar techniques.
Sutemi-waza,
or sacrifice throws, requires the Judo student to hit the
ground first, using their momentum to lob their opponent
into the air. These tend to be more advanced throws, and
can be dangerous as a failed sutemi-waza technique leaves
the Judo student on the ground while his opponent is still
standing.
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