Results of the Most Frequently used Nage-Waza and Katame-Waza Techniques by Female Judokas in the Olympic Games (2008-2024): A Quantitative Approach to Competitive Success

Technical training programs in Judo are primarily designed to facilitate progression through belt ranks-particularly the attainment of the Black Belt. However, there is a lack of structured technical frameworks explicitly oriented toward competition success, especially at the Olympic level. In recent years, Judo competitions have been analyzed from various perspectives, including foot-toground transitions [1], the impact of video reviews [2], and the influence of penalties [3] or rule changes [4,5]. Studies have also examined the effectiveness of Nage-Waza and Ne-Waza techniques [6] and the effectiveness of Te-Waza and Ashi-Waza [7]. However, these studies merely suggest adjustments for coaches rather than proposing structured training programs. We know that there are some techniques that are more effective than others and that many of them are prepared to be executed in the most important competition. And which techniques have been the most used in the last Olympic Games?

Based on these findings, this study aims to identify the most frequently used Nage-Waza and Katame-Waza techniques that have led to scoring actions in Olympic Judo competitions. The analysis includes matches from the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 (n=49), London 2012 (n=49), Rio 2016 (n=49), 2020 /2021 (n=49) and Paris 2024 (n=49), covering finals, bronze medal bouts, semifinals, and repechages.

This retrospective, quantitative study employs a descriptive methodology, focusing on Olympic competitors during 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 (2021) and 2024 Olympic Games. The data for this study were processed and collected following a standardized protocol of direct observation and review of publicly available official recordings of the videos available on olympics.com. Subsequently, the results of the combat were contrasted with the Official Results Book of the Olympic Games mentioned above. The techniques classified by the Kodokan Judo Institute [8] and the book Kodokan- Judo [9] served as the reference checklist.

The distribution and frequencies of the analyzed results are reported in Table 1.

Table 1:Description of the results analyzed.

The findings indicate that a limited set of techniques is consistently used to achieve scoring actions in Olympic Judo matches. Among Nage-Waza techniques, Ashi-Waza was the most utilized category (85 actions), followed by Te-Waza (48 actions), Sutemi-Waza (36 actions), and Koshi-Waza (14 actions). For Katame-Waza, Osaekomi-Waza was the most frequently applied category (35 actions), followed by Kansetsu-Waza (11 actions) and Shime-Waza (5 actions). The most commonly executed techniques in Nage-Waza were Seoi-Nage (27 actions), O-Soto-Gari (26 actions), Uchi-Mata (12 actions), Ko-Uchi-Gari (14 actions) and Tani-Otoshi (12 actions). In Katame-Waza, the most frequently used techniques were Kuzure-Yoko-Shio-Gatame (11 actions), Juji-Gatame (10 actions) and Kuzure-Kami-Shio-Gatame (8 actions) [10, 11].

The data confirm that Nage-Waza techniques were significantly more prevalent than Katame-Waza techniques [6]. A general analysis of the technique classification shows that all major Judo technique categories were represented [7]. Additionally, fewer actions involving Sutemi-Waza were recorded. This aligns with the recommendations of the International Judo Federation, which advised a reduced emphasis on these techniques following rule revisions in 2013 due to their lower effectiveness [5].

Based on the results, this study presents a proposed technical framework for Nage-Waza and Katame-Waza actions aimed at enhancing competitive success (Table 2).

Table 2: Technical program..

Techniques marked with three asterisks (***) are prioritized in the proposed program, followed by those with two asterisks (**), and finally those with one asterisk (*).

Techniques marked with an “X” are not recommended for judokas under 14 years old due to their complexity and existing regulations that restrict their use [10].

None.

No conflict of interest.

1. Nagai S, Takito M, Calmet M, Pierantozzi E, Franchini E (2019) Successful transition to groundwork combat during Junior and Senior Judo World Championships. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 19(2): 206-215.
2. Kons RL, Saldanha Da Silva Athayde M, Ceylan B, Franchini E, Detanico D (2021) Analysis of video review during official judo matches: Effects on referee’s decision and match results. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 21(4): 555-563.
3. Balci S, Ceylan B (2020) Penalties in judo: The impact of shido on match durations and results. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 20(4): 659-667.
4. Calmet M, Pierantozzi E, Sterkowicz S, Challis B, Franchini E (2017) Rule change and Olympic judo scores, penalties and match duration. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 17(4): 458-465.
5. Ito K, Hirose N, Nakamura M, Maekawa N, Tamura M (2014) Judo kumi-te pattern and technique effectiveness shifts after the 2013 International Judo Federation rule revision. Archives of Budo 10(1).
6. Deval VC, García JMG, Luís FM, Durana ALD de (2010) Effective ways of struggles applied by teenage female judoka during Spanish Judo Cadets Championship. Archives of Budo 6(1): 39-43.
7. Adam M, Smaruj M, Tyszkowski S (2011) The diagnosis of the technical-tactical preparation of judo competitors during the World Championships (2009 and 2010) in the light of the new judo sport rules. Archives of Budo 7(1).
8. Instituto Kodokan de Judo. (2022, September 23). Nombres de las técnicas de judo.
9. Martinez LG (1989) Kodokan judo (1^st). Editorial Eyras.
10. Garcia JG, Deval VC, Sterkowicz S, Molina R (2009) A study of the difficulties involved in introducing young children to judo techniques: A proposed teaching programme. Archives of Budo 5: 121-126.
11. Uzawa T (1981) Progresión del alumno. In Pedagogía del judo pp: 4-82