Renraku-waza
連絡技
Combinations in judo: the first technique provokes a reaction in the opponent, which the attacker immediately exploits for a second. The counterpart is counter-throws, kaeshi-waza.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Renraku-waza (連絡技) means “linked techniques”: renraku is connection, follow-up, waza technique. In judo it denotes combinations in which the attacker launches a first technique and uses the opponent's defensive reaction for a second. Combinations rest on every defence moving the opponent somewhere. When he defends against a forward throw, he leans back and opens himself to a backward throw, and vice versa. Typical pairs are ko-uchi-gari then seoi-nage, or o-uchi-gari then uchi-mata. A combination can also go from standing to the ground, for example from a throw into a hold. Besides renraku-waza, the Kodokan distinguishes kaeshi-waza, counter-throws, where the attacker instead exploits the opponent's attempt at a throw.
In practice
Combinations are practised as pairs or triples of techniques, first with an agreed reaction from the partner, later in randori. What matters is that the first technique is a real attack: when it is only hinted at, the opponent does not react and the second technique has nothing to follow up on.