Judo Techniques
Judo techniques are divided into throwing techniques (nage-waza) and groundwork techniques (ne-waza).
Essential throws
| Throw | Japanese | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip throw | O-goshi | Load opponent on your hip, turn and throw. The first throw most students learn. | Beginner |
| Shoulder throw | Seoi-nage | Duck under opponent’s arm, load on shoulder, throw forward. | Beginner |
| Foot sweep | De-ashi-barai | Sweep the advancing foot at the moment of weight transfer. Requires timing. | Beginner |
| Major outer reap | O-soto-gari | Reap opponent’s leg from outside while driving forward. | Beginner |
| Inner thigh throw | Uchi-mata | Sweep inner thigh while turning — one of the most beautiful throws in judo. | Intermediate |
| Drop knee shoulder throw | Seoi-otoshi | Drop to both knees while executing shoulder throw. Explosive entry. | Intermediate |
| Sacrifice throw | Tomoe-nage | Fall backward, place foot on opponent’s stomach, throw over your head. | Advanced |
Groundwork (Ne-waza)
| Technique | Japanese | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scarf hold | Kesa-gatame | Pin opponent on their back, control head and arm. 20-second pin wins. |
| Side control | Yoko-shiho-gatame | Pin from the side, chest-to-chest, controlling both hips and head. |
| Mount | Tate-shiho-gatame | Sit on opponent’s chest/stomach, controlling posture. |
| Arm lock | Juji-gatame | Cross-body arm bar — hyperextend the elbow. Opponent taps to submit. |
| Choke | Various | Collar chokes, cross chokes — using the gi. Age-restricted in youth competition. |
Ukemi is the most important technique. Before your kid throws anyone, they need to know how to be thrown safely. Forward rolls, backward falls, and side breakfalls should be practiced every session.