Training

Techniques

Kalaripayattu techniques are a combination of steps (Chuvatu) and postures (Vadivu). Chuvatu literally means ‘steps’, the basic steps of the martial arts. Vadivu literally means ‘postures’ or stances are the basic characteristics of Kalaripayattu training. Named after animals, they are usually eight in number. Styles differ considerably from one tradition to another. Not only do the names of poses differ, the masters also differ about application and interpretation. Each stance has its own style, power combination, function and effectiveness. These techniques vary from one style to another.

Judo Waza (Techniques)

There are three basic categories of waza in judo: nage-waza, katame-waza and atemi-waza. Judo is most known for nage-waza and katame-waza.

Judo practitioners typically devote a portion of each practice session to ukemi, in order that nage-waza can be practiced without significant risk of injury. Several distinct types ofukemi exist, including ushiro ukemi; yoko ukemi; mae ukemi; and zenpo kaiten ukemi

The person who performs a Waza is known as tori and the person to whom it is performed is known as uke.

Katame-waza (grappling techniques)

Katame-waza is further categorised into osaekomi-waza, in which tori traps and pins uke on his back on the floor; shime-waza, in which tori attempts to force a submission by choking or strangling uke; and kansetsu-waza, in which tori attempts to submit uke by painful manipulation of his joints.

A related concept is that of ne-waza, in which waza are applied from a non-standing position.
In competitive judo, Kansetsu-waza is currently limited to elbow joint manipulation. Manipulation and locking of other joints can be found in various kata, such as Katame-no-kata and Kodokan goshin jutsu.

Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)

Nage waza include all techniques in which tori attempts to throw or trip uke, usually with the aim of placing uke on his back. Each technique has three distinct stages:

• Kuzushi, the initial balance break;
• Tsukuri, the act of turning in and fitting into the throw;
• Kake, the execution and completion of the throw.

Nage waza are typically drilled by the use of uchi komi, repeated turning-in, taking the throw up to the point of kake.Traditionally, nage waza are further categorised into tachi-waza, throws that are performed with tori maintaining an upright position, and sutemi-waza, throws in which torisacrifices his upright position in order to throw uke.

Tachi-waza are further subdivided into te-waza, in which tori predominantly uses his arms to throw uke; koshi-waza throws that predominantly use a lifting motion from the hips; and ashi-waza, throws in which tori predominantly utilises his legs

Atemi Waza (Striking Techniques)

Atemi-waza are techniques in which tori disables uke with a strike to a vital point. Atemi-waza are not permitted outside of kata.