All judo techniques fall into one of three categories, and each category is further subdivided.
| Nage-waza | Tachi-waza | Te-waza |
| Koshi-waza | ||
| Ashi-waza | ||
| Sutemi-waza | Ma-sutemi-waza | |
| Yoko-sutemi-waza | ||
| Katame-waza | Osae-komi-waza | The term ne-waza (mat work) is sometimes used in place of katame-waza, but it is misleading in that not all katame-waza are executed while lying on the mat. Some strangleholds and joint locks, for example, can be applied from a standing position. |
| Shime-waza | ||
| Kansetsu-waza | ||
| Atemi-waza | Ude-waza (arm strikes) | Atemi-waza are techniques for disabling an assailant by attacking with the fist, the knife edge of the hand, the fingertips, the elbow, the knee, the ball of the foot, the toes, the heel, the forehead or the back of the head. The technique may take the form of striking, punching, chopping, thrusting, jabbing or kicking. The result of making forceful contact with a vital point can be pain, loss of consciousness, coma, disablement or death. Ate-waza are practiced in kata, never in randori nor shia |
| Ashi-ate (leg strikes) |
