wazas

Waza is a Japanese term with a broad meaning that translates to "technique" or "skill." In various Japanese martial arts, such as Judo, Karate, and Aikido, waza refers to the specific movements, actions, and principles that practitioners learn and execute. The concept of waza is central to the training and understanding of these disciplines, encompassing everything from offensive and defensive maneuvers to the strategic application of force and body mechanics.

In Judo, for example, waza are categorized into nage-waza (throwing techniques) and katame-waza (grappling techniques), which further break down into subcategories like tachi-waza (standing techniques), suwari-waza (kneeling techniques), and osaekomi-waza (holding techniques). Each waza has a name, a specific sequence of movements, and underlying principles that aim to achieve an effective outcome, such as throwing an opponent or controlling them on the ground. The mastery of waza involves not just memorizing the physical form but also understanding the timing, distance, and application of energy.

Similarly, in Karate, waza includes striking techniques (tsuki-waza, uchi-waza), kicking techniques (geri-waza), and blocking techniques (uke-waza). Aikido also utilizes a wide array of waza, often involving joint locks and throws derived from an attacker's momentum. The term waza emphasizes the practical, learned aspect of martial arts, distinguishing it from innate abilities or pure physical strength. Developing proficiency in waza requires dedicated practice, repetition, and a deep comprehension of the martial art's philosophy and physics.