Teaching My Teammates: Judo Terms & Concepts (1): Ashy Feet?
I think martial arts are some of the best methods of physical education. Several martial arts serve as systems of phys ed internationally, even today. Several of my teammates expressed interest in improving their understanding and use of the Japanese terminology behind one of the grappling arts we train, Judo. This is my way of giving back to them for helping me with my martial arts training. This article series began as a private chat among my jiujitsu and judo competition team but I started building quizzes at the end of each week to help them test themselves. The series will continue until I get tired of it or they give up trying to learn.
“Judo Word of the Week”
Waza = Technique
General technique classifications:
Tachi waza = standing techniques
Newaza = ground techniques
Atemi waza = striking techniques
Nage waza = throwing techniques
Renraku waza = combination techniques
Nage waza classifications:
Ashi waza = foot/leg techniques
Te waza = hand techniques
Koshi waza = hip techniques
Sutemi waza = sacrifice techniques
Kaeshi waza = counter techniques
Newaza classifications:
Katame waza = grappling techniques
Osaekomi waza = hold-down techniques
Kansetsu waza = joint lock techniques
Shime waza = strangling techniques
Other uses of “waza”:
Waza Ari = “there was a technique” (1/2 point in judo competition)
Uki waza = floating technique
If you learn NOTHING, learn this:
WAZA means “technique”
A Very Specific Way to Learn “Ashi”
I just thought of the best possible way for you guys to remember “ashi waza”. So if you read earlier, you know that waza means technique. The first part is what you need now, “ashi.” We all know <teammate’s name> is good at footsweeps. He’s also got a nice uchimata and a good osoto gari.
He’s probably so good at those because his feet are hella ASHI. Ashi. Like ashy. But ashi. <teammate’s name>. Footsweeps. Feet. Ashy. Ashi. Ashiwaza. <teammate’s name>. Footsweeps. Osoto. Uchimata. <teammate’s name>. Ashy. Ashi. Foot/leg techniques. Osoto. Uchimata. Ashiwaza. Footsweeps.
Sorry, <teammate’s name>. But thank you, no one will ever forget this now.
