Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
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.
- 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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Open the Judo Throws & Techniques Guide →In practice
Ne-waza (ground/grappling techniques) covers judo's pins, armlocks and strangles, complementing the standing throws of nage-waza — while judo is often perceived primarily as a throwing sport, elite competitors frequently transition seamlessly from a throw into ground control, since a match can be won just as decisively on the ground via a well-executed pin or submission.
FAQ
What does ne-waza mean in judo?
Ground techniques — covering pins (osaekomi-waza), armlocks (kansetsu-waza) and strangles (shime-waza), used once a match transitions from standing to the ground.
Can a judo match be won entirely through ne-waza?
Yes — a successful pin held for the required duration, or a submission via armlock or strangle, both award ippon (an outright win) just as a clean throw does.