Waza: techniques you start and answer
Waza (技) are the techniques. The four basic strikes are men, kote, do, and tsuki. Shikake-waza are the ones you start. Oji-waza are the ones you use to answer. A technique only counts when hasuji, the striking part, ki-ken-tai-ichi, and zanshin are present. Collecting names is not the same as being able to cut.
Four basics
Men is the centre of the head. Kote is the wrist. Do is the side of the trunk. Tsuki is the throat, and it is taught only when the sensei allows it, because a bad tsuki is dangerous. Each has its own page.
Shikake-waza
You create the chance: debana as they start, harai to clear their shinai, or a plain men from seme. The first cut has to look like a real cut. If it is only a feint with no threat, the second cut is also empty.
Oji-waza
Suriage, kaeshi, nuki, and uchiotoshi receive and return. They belong mostly to go-no-sen. Practise them at a speed where the motodachi’s cut is readable. A block that does not return is not yet a waza.
Hong Kong keiko
Most clubs spend the first year on men, kote, and kirikaeshi. Renzoku-waza such as men-kote come after the first cut is credible. Do not collect debana and kaeshi names for a grading video if your sensei still wants straight men.
Frequently asked questions
- How many waza should I know for ikkyu?
- Clean basics and reiho. Your sensei says when applied waza belong in the exam.
- Where is the full list?
- The technique encyclopedia and the dictionary. This page is the map, not every entry.