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BeyondDojo

Glossary

The words on the mat

Every term with a one-paragraph definition first, the deeper story second. Original spelling and language where it matters.

I

Ippon一本
The full point in judo that ends the match immediately: a throw that lands the opponent largely on the back with speed, force and control, a pin held for 20 seconds, or a submission by arm lock or strangle.

K

Kumi-kata組み方
Grip fighting in judo: how a fighter takes hold of the opponent's jacket to control posture and set up throws. Most judo exchanges are decided in kumi-kata before a throw is attempted.

N

Ne-waza寝技
Ground techniques in judo and Japanese jujutsu: pins (osaekomi-waza), strangles (shime-waza) and joint locks (kansetsu-waza). The counterpart of standing techniques, tachi-waza.

W

Waza-ari技あり
The half point in judo, awarded for a throw that is nearly ippon but lacks one element such as landing fully on the back, or for a pin held between 10 and 19 seconds. Two waza-ari in one match equal ippon and end it.