06/08/2026
In judo, a Tokui Waza is a judoka’s favourite, signature technique that they have developed to a high level of expertise and that they can execute effectively at any time. Often described as a ‘signature throw’ or ‘special skill’, it’s the technique a judoka feels most comfortable and natural performing. A judoka’s tokui-waza is a cornerstone of their strategy, used to score and win matches, and is a technique for which they often become well-known for.
A Tokui Waza is not just a favoured move but one that is practised thousands of times until it becomes an almost effortless and instinctual response. It becomes a central part of a judoka’s strategy, a go-to move that is reliable under pressure and can be used in various situations, much like a professional wrestler’s finishing move.
A judoka may have more than one Tokui Waza, and these ‘favourite techniques’ can evolve or change over time as the judoka develops new skills or their body changes. Training, however, should also involve consciously working on less familiar techniques to become a more well-rounded competitor.
