Application of Kodokan Classified Judo Techniques in Shiai

Abstract

Judo techniques are classified by the Kodokan into throws, grappling techniques and strikes. For use in randori (free practice) and shiai (matches), 68 nage-waza (throws) and 32 katame-waza (grappling techniques) have been identified in the official Kodokan list since 2017. The remaining 129 techniques found in the recognised Kodokan kata and in atemi-waza are outside the scope of this review. The correct identification, terminology and classification of techniques is important as the 100 nage-waza and katame-waza techniques are listed in the IJF Sports and Organisation Rules, they are used as the teaching syllabus in the IJF Academy, they are used to define the scoring techniques in the IJF Database and by the IJF Media Department to describe our sport. There are many forms and variations of techniques which can be found in books and literature written by expert judoka over the last century, key texts have been reviewed to identify alternate terminologies. Technical similarities and differences have been clarified. The text was then reviewed by the Kodokan for technical accuracy. The clarification of the forms and variations are grouped into the eight categories of te-waza, koshi-waza, ashi-waza, ma-sutemi-waza, yoko-sutemi-waza, osaekomi-waza, shime-waza and kansetsu-waza. A review of Kodokan terminology addresses naming conventions and identifies techniques that are forbidden in modern day shiai. The differences between tachi-waza and nage-waza and between ne-waza and katame-waza are explained. The use of the Kodokan classification in all aspects of IJF affairs respects the origins of the way of judo developed by Jigoro Kano as an education.