Waza-Ari
/ˌwɑː.zə ˈɑː.riː/noun
A scoring term in judo indicating a significant technique that falls short of an ippon.
Did you know?The Japanese word waza can mean not only a technique or skill, but historically also a deed, trick, or supernatural act—giving the scoring term an unexpectedly magical undertone.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
waza
“A deed, act, skill, technique, or sometimes a marvelous or supernatural act”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
ari
“Exists; is present—the formal or literary form of the existential verb”
1882
Japanese
技あり
“Literally, “technique exists”; associated with the scoring vocabulary developed in modern Kodokan judo”
20th Century
Japanese
waza-ari
“A judo score for a technique that demonstrates substantial control and effectiveness but is incomplete for ippon”
Modern English
English
waza-ari
“A judo scoring term, also used figuratively for a partial or impressive success”