Ne-waza is the groundwork phase of judo, comprising three technique types: osae-komi-waza (pinning/holding techniques), shime-waza (strangles and chokes) and kansetsu-waza (joint locks, restricted to the elbow in competition). A pin held for 20 seconds, or a successful strangle or armlock that forces a submission (tap-out), scores ippon. Judo limits how long the action can continue on the ground before the referee stands the judoka back up, so ne-waza in judo is faster and more transition-focused than in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which descends from judo’s groundwork and expanded it into a complete ground-fighting system.
Key points
- Groundwork: pins, strangles, armlocks
- 20s pin or submission scores ippon
- Ground time is limited by the referee
- BJJ descends from and expanded judo's ne-waza
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