Basic Movements in Judo – Kihon-dōsa (基本動作)

In judo, mastering basic movement patterns is essential for executing techniques (waza) effectively and safely. These movements help you control your balance, generate power, and respond dynamically to your opponent. Below are key fundamental motions that every judoka should study deeply.

Click the video to explore and practise each movement.

Ayumi-ashi (歩み足) – Advancing Footwork

Ayumi-ashi is often mistaken for “normal walking,” but in judo it refers to a highly specific, coordinated, and gliding forward motion.

Misconception: In normal walking, the left leg moves forward while the right arm swings forward, and vice versa.
Correct ayumi-ashi: The left leg and left shoulder/arm move forward together, and the same applies for the right side.

This creates a movement that appears robotic—on a consistent horizontal level—with no rise or fall in height, yet it should still look and feel natural.

Most importantly, suri-ashi (摺足), or sliding foot movement, must be applied:

Keep your toes in contact with the tatami at all times.
Never let your feet rise unnecessarily.
The motion should be smooth and continuous.

Ayumi-ashi is typically used for forward (mae) and backward (ushiro) movement. For lateral movement, tsugi-ashi is preferred. In kata, ayumi-ashi helps you move from one position to another with grace and precision. In technique execution (waza), a single ayumi-ashi step often initiates the throw.

“Master the way you walk on the tatami—this is where judo begins.”

Tsugi-ashi (継ぎ足) – Sliding Foot Follow Step

Tsugi-ashi is a sliding step in which one foot moves first, and the other follows without crossing or overtaking it.

The motion is continuous and fluid.
No pauses or bounces.
Suri-ashi is again essential to maintain control and balance.

This movement can be performed in all directions and is commonly used in:

Randori (free sparring),
Shiai (competition),
Kata (formal demonstration of techniques).

The non-crossing nature of tsugi-ashi helps maintain a strong centre of balance and keeps your stance stable while advancing or retreating quickly.

Tai-sabaki (体捌き) – Body Management / Evasion

Tai-sabaki refers to controlled and strategic body repositioning. It’s crucial for effective execution of throws, counters, and evasions. Rather than resisting force, judoka use tai-sabaki to redirect or neutralise an attack through repositioning.

Types of Tai-sabaki:

Mae-mawari-sabaki (前回り捌き) – Forward circular movement
Used to pivot around the opponent to initiate or follow through with techniques like seoi-nage or uchi-mata.
Ushiro-sabaki (後ろ捌き) – Straight backward movement
Used to gain distance or reset your stance when an opponent pressures forward.
Ushiro-mawari-sabaki (後ろ回り捌き) – Circular backward movement
Often used in self-defence kata or to evade a direct strike or grip attempt.

Tai-sabaki appears in both modern and classical kata, such as Kime-no-Kata and Kodokan Goshin Jutsu, and is vital for both nage-waza (throwing techniques) and atemi-waza (striking techniques).