Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

Atemi-Waza

What is Atemi-Waza?

"Atemi-Waza" refers to striking techniques in traditional Japanese martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and Karate. In Japanese, "atemi" means "strike" or "blow," and "waza" means "technique." Atemi-Waza involves using various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, to deliver strikes to an opponent's vital points.

While Judo primarily focuses on throws (Nage-Waza) and grappling (Katame-Waza), Atemi-Waza can still play a role in self-defense and some traditional Judo kata (pre-arranged forms). In other martial arts, such as Karate and Aikido, Atemi-Waza is more prominently featured.

Key aspects of Atemi-Waza include:

  1. Target Areas: Strikes are often aimed at vulnerable or vital points on the opponent's body, such as the eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus, groin, and joints. These targets can incapacitate or distract an opponent, creating opportunities for further techniques.
  2. Types of Strikes: Atemi-Waza encompasses a variety of striking techniques, including:
    • Tsuki (punches): Strikes delivered with a closed fist.
    • Uchi (strikes): Strikes delivered with the edge of the hand, knuckles, or other parts of the hand.
    • Geri (kicks): Strikes delivered with the feet or legs.
    • Empi (elbow strikes): Strikes delivered with the elbow.
    • Hiza (knee strikes): Strikes delivered with the knee.
  3. Applications in Judo: In Judo, Atemi-Waza is not typically used in competitive matches but may be included in self-defense scenarios and traditional kata. For example, in the Kime-no-Kata (Forms of Decision), Atemi-Waza is used to demonstrate self-defense techniques against various attacks.
  4. Principles: Effective Atemi-Waza requires proper targeting, timing, speed, and power. Practitioners must also maintain balance and control to avoid overcommitting to a strike and becoming vulnerable to counterattacks.

While Atemi-Waza is not the primary focus of Judo, understanding and practicing these techniques can enhance a practitioner's overall martial arts skill set and provide valuable tools for self-defense.

Related Article: Judo: The Gentle Way of Overcoming Opponents

The minute you don a black belt, the minute you step in front of a class to teach, you are seen as an expert on violence. It doesn’t matter if you have absorbed a complete philosophical system with your martial art. It doesn’t matter if the art gave you, for the first time, the confidence to view the world as a pacifist. It doesn’t matter if you studied as a window to another age and culture. It doesn’t matter that you have found enlightenment in kata or learned to blend in harmony with the force of your attacker. It doesn’t matter because you are about to teach a martial art, an art dedicated to Mars, the God of War. A MARtial art. Even if somewhere over the years you have lost sight of this, your students have not.
Rory Miller

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Taihojutsu
Taihojutsu, also spelled Taiho-jutsu, is a Japanese martial art specifically developed for law enforcement and self-defense.
T
Kendo
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasizes swordsmanship and mental discipline.
K
Nanquan
Nanquan (南拳), also known as Southern Fist, is a style of Chinese martial arts originating from the southern regions of China.
N
Muay Lopburi
Muay Lopburi is a traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that is the foundation of modern Muay Thai. Originating from the Lopburi province in central Thailand, Muay Lopburi is known for its emphasis on boxing techniques, particularly punches and footwork.
M
Chakra
The chakram (also known as chakra) is a traditional throwing weapon that originated in the Indian subcontinent.
C
Parrying
Parrying is a defensive technique used in combat sports such as boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) to deflect or redirect an opponent's attack, typically a punch, away from its intended target.
P
Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings, also known simply as rings, are a piece of equipment used in gymnastics and fitness training.
G
Kimedashi
Kimedashi is a sumo wrestling technique where a wrestler forces their opponent out of the ring by immobilizing their arms.
K
Malícia
Malícia in Capoeira is a complex and nuanced concept that refers to a blend of cunning, strategy, deception, and awareness.
M
Taijijian
Taijijian (太极剑), also known as Tai Chi Sword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines the principles and movements of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) with sword techniques
T
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are fundamental concepts in Chinese philosophy and culture, representing the idea of dualism and the interconnectedness of opposites.
Y
Muay Korat
Muay Korat is another traditional style of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art that is the predecessor to modern Muay Thai.
M
Wushu
Wushu is a modern exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
W
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
Gatka
Gatka is a traditional form of martial art that originated in the Punjab region of India.
G
No Items Found