Waza-ari
技あり
Second-highest score in judo and karate, literally “technique is here”. In judo two waza-ari give ippon, in WKF karate it is worth two points.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Waza-ari (技あり) literally means “technique is here”: waza is technique, ari means is, exists. It is a score one step below ippon. In judo, waza-ari is awarded for a throw in which the opponent lands on the back, but without enough force for ippon, and for a hold on the ground lasting longer than ten seconds. Two waza-ari by the same fighter give ippon (waza-ari awasete ippon). The IJF abolished this rule in 2017 and reintroduced it in 2018. From 2017 the former yuko, which was awarded for a throw onto the side, also falls under waza-ari. In sport karate under WKF rules, waza-ari is worth two points and is scored with a kick to the opponent's trunk.
Differences between arts and styles
Judo: a throw onto the back without enough force or control for ippon, a hold on the ground longer than ten seconds. Two waza-ari mean ippon and the end of the match. Karate (WKF): a kick to the opponent's trunk, including the back and sides, for two points. Above it stands ippon for three points, below it yuko for one point.
Relations to other terms
See also
The highest score in Japanese martial arts competitions, “one full point”. In judo it ends the match, in kendo it is the basic unit of scoring.
Chudan中段The middle height level a technique is aimed at: the torso from neck to waist. In kendo, it is also the name of the basic stance with the sword tip toward the opponent.
Osaekomi-waza抑え込み技A group of judo techniques in which the opponent is held on the back on the ground. Twenty seconds of uninterrupted holding means ippon in competition.