Judo takes consist of more than 67 official techniques recognized by the International Judo Federation, each demanding precision, timing and technical mastery. In this full article we present the families of essential techniques, from standing movements to sacrificing projections, to help you understand and progress in this fascinating martial art.
Here is what we will explore together:
- Different families of techniques (Waza) and their classification
- The most effective standing sockets according to the three main categories
- The 10 essential techniques that every judoka has to know
- Specific training methods to improve your practice
- Our practical tips for optimal technical progress
What is a judo take?
A judo take corresponds to a projection or control technique that allows to unbalance and bring down your opponent. Each movement is based on precise biomechanical principles: the use of adversary force, the search for imbalance (Kuzushi), optimal positioning (Tsukuri) and technical execution (Kake).
We distinguish these techniques according to their mechanism of action: some use arm force to lift, others exploit the hip pivot as a support point, while leg techniques favour mowing or scanning. Each catch has its ideal application time and specific success conditions.
The judo officially has 67 projection techniques divided into several categories, plus ground control techniques. This technical richness explains why judo learning requires patience and regular training to achieve satisfactory mastery.
Large families of judo techniques (Waza)
The judo technical system is organized around four large, distinct families, each responding to particular situations and opportunities during the fight.
The Nage Waza combine all the projection techniques to bring down the opponent. They are divided into three subcategories according to the main mechanism used: arm techniques (Te Waza), hip techniques (Koshi Waza) and leg techniques (Ashi Waza).
The Katame Waza concern ground work with three specialties: capital assets (Osaekomi Waza) that keep the adversary on the back, bottlenecks (Shime Waza) that exert pressure on carotid or trachea, and luxations (Kansetsu Waza) that mainly affect the elbow joint.
The Atemi Waza represent typing techniques, taught only in katas and prohibited in competition to preserve the physical integrity of practitioners.
We recommend that beginners begin by mastering the basic techniques of each family before exploring more complex variants. This step-by-step approach ensures a solid understanding of fundamental principles.
Standing catches (Tachi Waza)
Standing techniques are the core of the judoka's technical arsenal. They represent about 80% of the decisive actions in competition and require perfect coordination between the work of the hands (Kumikata) and the commitment of the whole body.
We observe that the success of these techniques depends on three main factors: the initial imbalance of the opponent, the optimal placement of the attack body, and the total commitment to execution. Even a slight imbalance, created by an opponent movement or caused by our actions, opens a window of opportunity of only a few fractions of a second.
The effectiveness of standing catches is also based on reading combat and anticipation. Experienced judokas develop this ability to feel opposing intentions and create conditions conducive to attack. This tactical dimension distinguishes judo from purely physical combat sports.
Regular inlet movement training (Tsukuri) without projection allows to automate technical gestures and improve the flow of execution. We recommend 20 to 30 rehearsals per technique during each training session.
Arm Techniques (Te Waza)
Arm techniques primarily exploit the strength of the upper limbs to lift, pull or push the opponent towards its fall. They are particularly suitable for judokas with good upper body strength and developed shoulder flexibility.
Ippon Seoi Nage remains the most emblematic arm technique. The execution consists of passing under the opponent by bending his knees, grasping his sleeve with one hand and his reverse with the other, then lifting him on his back before throwing him in front of himself. The crucial technical point is the placement of the elbow under the opponent's armpit.
Morote Seoi Nage uses the same principle but with both hands gripping the adversary judogi. This variant offers more power but requires total body engagement. We recommend this technique to medium size judokas against larger opponents.
Tai Otoshi skillfully combines arm action and leg placement. The advanced foot blocks the progression of the opponent while the arms pull and push simultaneously to create a forward fall. This technique does not require lifting the opponent, which makes it accessible to all templates.
Competition statistics show that arm techniques account for about 35% of successful projections in combat, with a particularly high success rate among judokas under 70 kg.
Hip techniques (Koshi Waza)
Hip techniques use this joint as a support and rotation point to project the opponent. They require excellent coordination and are often the most spectacular movements of judo by their amplitude and power.
O Goshi represents the fundamental hip technique we teach first. The execution requires placing his hip under the center of gravity of the opponent, surrounding his waist with the arm, then making a rocking while straightening. The initial flexion of the legs and the precise placement of the hip determine the success of the movement.
Harai Goshi adds a leg sweep to hip action, creating a movement of rare efficiency. The outer leg sweeps the supports of the opponent while the hip lifts it and makes it tilt. This technique requires perfect timing but offers projection possibilities in several directions.
Uchi Mata, although classified in leg techniques by some schools, intensively uses hip action. The internal mowing of the thigh combined with hip movement makes it one of the most widely used techniques in international competition.
| Technical | Difficulty | Combat effectiveness | Recommended age of learning |
| O Goshi | Average | 75% | 8-10 years |
| Harai Goshi | High | 85% | 12-14 years |
| Koshi Guruma | Average | 70% | 10-12 years |
Leg Techniques (Ashi Waza)
Leg techniques group all movements that mainly use the action of the lower limbs to cause the opponent to fall. They are characterized by their speed of execution and their discretion, making them difficult to anticipate.
De Ashi Barai is the basic leg technique, consisting of sweeping the opponent's foot at the exact moment when it transfers its weight over it. Timing remains absolutely crucial: scanning must occur during the foot movement phase, neither before nor after. We observe that this technique represents 15% of the successful projections in junior competition.
O Soto Gari uses a powerful mowing of the opponent's rear leg from outside. The attacker shall place his body close to the opponent, lift his upper leg of attack and slash with force by pulling simultaneously with the arms. This technique is particularly suitable for large judokas.
Ko Uchi Gari and Ko Soto Gari represent small mowers inside and outside. These subtle techniques require less force but require millimetric precision in placement and timing. They chain perfectly with other attacks to create effective combinations.
Progressive learning advises you to master simple scans first before approaching more complex mowers like Uchi Mata or Ashi Guruma. This progression respects biomechanical logic and limits the risk of injury.
Sacrifice Taking (Sutemi Waza)
Sacrifice techniques imply that the attacker agrees to fall to project his opponent. This category is divided into rear sacrifices (Ma Sutemi Waza) and side sacrifices (Yoko Sutemi Waza), each with specific tactical advantages.
Tomoe Nage perfectly illustrates the principle of the rear sacrifice. The attacker drops on his back, places a foot on his belly or hip, and uses his legs as a lever to throw him over his head. This surprising technique requires flexibility and coordination but offers projection possibilities even against a stronger opponent.
Side sacrifice techniques such as Yoko Otoshi or Tani Otoshi exploit lateral displacement to unbalance the adversary. Tani Otoshi consists of placing his leg behind the opponent's leg and falling back as he falls. This counter-attack technique is particularly effective against hip techniques.
We recommend learning these techniques to judokas already with good control of falls (Ukemi). Indeed, the execution of an ill-controlled sacrifice technique can cause injuries to both the attacker and the defender.
Competition statistics show that sacrifice techniques account for about 20% of senior combat projections, with a higher success rate at the end of combat when fatigue alters defensive reflexes.
The 10 best known judo shots
We selected the ten most emblematic judo techniques, those that any practitioner should know and master to build a solid and versatile technical arsenal.
- Ippon Seoi Nage: emblematic projection par excellence, taught from the first years of practice
- O Goshi: fundamental hip technique, base of all projections using this mechanism
- From Ashi Barai: basic foot sweep, developing the sense of timing and precision
- Osoto Gari: powerful outside mowing, technique of choice of large judokas
- Uchi Mata: spectacular interior mowing, the most widely used technique in international competition
- Harai Goshi: hip scanning combining power and amplitude
- Tomoe Nage: rear sacrifice projection, surprising and effective technique
- Tai Otoshi: body fall combining arm action and leg placement
- Ko Uchi Gari: small interior mowing, subtle and precise technique
- Juji Gatame: hand wrench on the ground, the most widely known control technique
This selection covers all technical families and enables all the basic mechanisms of judo to be addressed. We recommend that 60% of the technical training time be devoted to these ten movements during the first three years of practice.
How to train with judo?
Methodical training of judo techniques follows a proven pedagogical progression which guarantees progressive assimilation and control of movements. We structure our sessions in four distinct and complementary phases.
The Ukemi (chutes) are the prerequisite for any technical learning. We devote 10 to 15 minutes per session to the practice of front, rear and side falls. This preparation builds the confidence necessary to engage fully in the learning of projections.
The Tandoku Renshu (work alone) allows to repeat technical movements without partner. We recommend 20 repetitions of each movement in front of a mirror to correct placement defects and automate gestures. This phase develops the gesture memory indispensable to the running fluidity.
The Uchi Komi (repetitions with partner) represent the heart of technical training. The partner offers progressive resistance to refine placement, timing and coordination. We recommend series of 10 alternating repetitions between partners, with particular attention to the quality of execution rather than speed.
The Komi Nage (real projections) crown the technical work by allowing the complete execution of the movement. This phase requires an experienced partner able to fall correctly and offer resistance adapted to the practitioner's level.
Tips for mastering judo techniques
Our teaching experience has enabled us to identify the key factors that accelerate technical progress and promote control of judo movements. Here we share our most effective recommendations.
Regular training takes precedence over intensity. Two weekly sessions of two hours each give better results than an intensive six-hour session. This regularity allows the gradual assimilation and consolidation of gesture automations.
Video study effectively completes practical training. We recommend the analysis of champion fighting in its weight category to understand the technical application in real-life situations. This approach develops Judoka culture and inspires new technical solutions.
The work of flexibility determines the success of many techniques. We recommend 15 minutes of specific stretching after each session, emphasizing the mobility of hips, shoulders and ankles. Insufficient flexibility limits the amplitude of movement and increases the risk of injury.
Patience in learning remains fundamental. We observe that a technique requires about 500 correct repetitions to be assimilated and 2000 repetitions to be controlled. This temporal perspective avoids frustration and encourages the perseverance necessary for progress.
Finally, we stress the importance of practice with various partners. Each morphology, each combat style brings its specific challenges and enriches the technical experience. This diversity effectively prepares for competitive situations where adaptability becomes crucial.
The art of judo lies in this subtle alchemy between perfect technique, optimal physical condition and tactical intelligence. We encourage you to approach this learning with patience, humility and determination to discover the richness of this fascinating discipline.
