The three basic types of judo techniques are throwing techniques, or nage-waza; grappling techniques, or katame-waza; and striking techniques, or atemi-waza. All three of these are taught within kata or forms training, although the striking techniques are not legal in judo competition. Free sparring or free practice, called randori, is also an integral part of judo.
Throwing Techniques
Throwing techniques can be divided into two further categories -- standing techniques, or tachi-wazi, and sacrifice techniques, or sutemi-waza. Standing techniques are, as the name indicates, done while standing. They are further defined according to the part of the body that is used to throw the opponent, such as the hand, hip, foot or leg. Sacrifice techniques involve the thrower, or tori, dropping and taking the opponent, or uke, with her. These are defined according to how the tori falls, onto the back or the side.
Grappling Techniques
Grappling techniques are generally used when both fighters are on the mat, although some can be employed while standing. Grappling techniques fall into three basic categories: joint locking techniques, choke holds and pinning techniques. In Japanese, these are called kansetsu-waza, shime-waza and osae-komi-waza, respectively. Points targeted in the choking techniques are the chest, lungs, windpipe and carotid arteries.
Striking Techniques
Striking techniques are only practiced within the kata, as employing a technique incorrectly or too forcefully could result in injury or death. These are divided into either arm strikes (ude-waza) or leg strikes (ashi-ate). Weapons used include the tips of the fingers, the edge of the hand, the fist, the toes, the ball of the foot, the heel and the knees. The back of the head or the forehead may also be used. Types of blows can include strikes, punches, thrusts, jabs, chops and kicks.
Form or Kata Practice
As with many martial arts, judo includes the practice of kata or forms. These are movements that are put together in a specific sequence to help the student learn the techniques so they become part of the student's muscle memory. Included in the kata are all three categories of techniques: throwing, grappling and striking. Because both tori and uke know what movement is coming next, the strikes can be practiced safely.
Free Practice
Also called randori, free practice is the most important method of practicing the techniques, along with the kata. In this style of sparring, most of the grappling or throwing techniques may be used as long as care is taken not to cause injury. A few of these techniques are particularly dangerous and are not permitted in randori or competition.
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