Atemi / Atemi-waza
当て身 / 当て身技
Precision strikes aimed at vital anatomical targets to disrupt an attacker before a throw or joint lock.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[ah-teh-mee wah-zah]/
Alternative NamesStriking vital points, Disruptive strikes
Definition
Atemi-waza applies quick strikes to vulnerable targets (Kyusho) in Jujutsu and Aikido. Rather than aiming for a knockout punch, Atemi breaks the attacker's mental concentration and balance (Kuzushi), facilitating joint locking.
Related Terms
Kyusho急所
Anatomically vulnerable pressure points on the human body targeted for strikes and joint manipulation.
Kuzushi / Off-balancing崩しFirst and essential phase of any throw in Judo or Aikido: breaking the opponent's balance.
Nage-waza / Throwing Techniques投げ技Category encompassing all throwing and takedown techniques in Judo, Aikido, and Jujutsu.
Armbar / Juji-gatame十字固めFoundational joint lock hyperextending the elbow joint using hip leverage in BJJ, Judo, and MMA.