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Waza-Ari

技あり

WAH-zah AH-ree

A half-point score in judo. Two waza-ari scores equal ippon and win the match.

Context & Usage

Waza-ari is awarded for a throw that partially meets ippon criteria (e.g., lands on the side rather than fully on the back) or a 10-19 second hold-down. In modern IJF rules (post-2010), only ippon and waza-ari exist — yuko and koka scores have been eliminated.

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