🌀 Waza Types

Ashi-waza are techniques that use the legs or feet to sweep, reap, block, or off-balance an opponent.

Atemi Waza (striking techniques) refer to the art of targeting vital points through precise strikes.

Buki-waza are weapon-based techniques involving tools such as the bokken, jo, or tanto.

Hanmi-handachi waza are techniques where one practitioner is seated while the other remains standing. They study asymmetry, leverage, and vertical imbalance.

Henka-waza are techniques in which tori transitions from one technique to another, often to take advantage of uke’s reaction or resistance.

Jo-dori are techniques for disarming an opponent wielding a staff (jo). They require precise distancing and control of the weapon line.

Open to browse all techniques in this type.

Open to browse all techniques in this type.

Kaeshi-waza are counter-techniques — reversing an opponent’s technique against them. They depend on sensitivity, timing, and reading intent.

Katame-waza are grappling techniques that control, immobilize, or submit an opponent, including pins, joint locks, and strangles.

Ken tai ken refers to interactions between sword and sword. It studies timing, crossing lines, and initiative in armed exchange.

Nage-katame waza combine projection and immediate control. They bridge the moment between throwing and immobilizing.

Nage-waza are throwing techniques used to unbalance and project an opponent.

Ne-waza are ground techniques focusing on control and submission. They study pressure, weight distribution, and gradual dominance.

Sutemi Waza are sacrifice techniques involving an intentional loss of balance in order to unbalance the opponent.

Suwari-waza are techniques performed from a seated position. They emphasize posture, hip engagement, and grounded stability.

Tachi-dori are techniques where the defender (tori) disarms a standing opponent armed with a tachi (long sword).

Tachi-waza are standing techniques, usually involving attacks or defenses executed while both practitioners remain upright

Tanto-dori are techniques for disarming an opponent armed with a knife. They emphasize control of distance and decisive entry.

Open to browse all techniques in this type.

Ushiro-waza are techniques responding to attacks from behind. They explore awareness beyond direct vision.