What does ‘Tachi-waza’ refer to in judo?

Tachi-waza refers to the standing techniques in judo, which encompass a variety of throws and takedowns performed while both the judokas are upright. This aspect is fundamental to judo as it focuses on utilizing balance, leverage, and body movement to execute throws effectively. Tachi-waza includes techniques like hip throws (uchimata), shoulder throws (seoi nage), and many others that are essential for gaining an advantage in a match.

Understanding Tachi-waza is crucial for judokas since it allows them to capitalize on their opponent's movement and position while both are on their feet. Mastery of standing techniques forms the backbone of learning more advanced strategies within judo, making them a key component of training for practitioners.