Discover the joy of expressing your otaku spirit through Wotagei! Finding a starting point can be challenging, but fear not. In this blog, I’ll provide valuable tips and tricks to help you become a skilled uchishi (Wotagei player)!
General terms to look for
To kick things off, let’s familiarize ourselves with some essential Wotagei terminology. Understanding these terms is crucial for grasping the rest of the guide.
Uchi (打ち): This term translates to “hit” or “strike.” Rather than saying “I’m dancing,” the action of performing wotagei is described as striking or hitting.
Uchishi (打ち師): Refers to someone who practices and performs wotagei.
Waza (技): Literally translating to “skill/technique,” it denotes one whole action in wotagei.
Sabi Waza (サビ技): This type of waza is performed during the chorus (sabi in Japanese).
〇Eight (〇エイト): In wotagei, every sabi waza is structured around 32 counts, comprising 8 counts repeated four times. Each set of 8 counts is known as an “〇-Eight.” For example, “2-Eight” corresponds to the second round of 8 counts, spanning counts 9 to 16.
Wazaren (技連): This term refers to a video format showcasing multiple wotagei waza consecutively.
Torch (トーチ): Torch is a subset of wotagei waza that includes Torch theories. These theories, loosely based on torch twirling, represent advanced techniques for creating circles in wotagei.
Chinese Torch (中国トーチ): Similar to Torch, Chinese Torch involves creating circles using torch theories. However, these theories are specifically developed by uchishi within the Chinese region.
Chinese Waza (中国技): Chinese waza typically align with the wotagei style popularized by Yoruru, a well-known Chinese uchishi.
Ori-waza (オリ技): This term means “original skill” in wotagei, it represents an uchishi’s unique waza. The creator of the waza is referred to as the “honke” (本家), which translates to “head family.”
What do I begin with?
Your initial waza is akin to your first best friend; it holds the power to shape your entire wotagei journey. While some uchishi start with the fundamentals, others dive headfirst into intricate torch waza. For newcomers, I’ve devised a plan that serves as a solid starting point.
To begin, focus on mastering the fundamentals. Whether you lean towards a power-based wotagei or a torch-centric approach, these foundational skills are universal. Strong control of strength and familiarity with elements like kurasan are essential components applicable to both torch and power types.
Next, acquaint yourself with basic waza within the two subtypes. Begin by exploring waza such as Suzanoo(スサノオ), Izanagi(イザナギ), and various derivatives of Muramasa(ムラマサ) and Amaterasu(アマテラス) for the power-based style. For torch waza, start with any Duna! waza like shiranui(不知火), as it encompasses fundamental aspects crucial to all torch techniques. This will introduce you to basic torch theories like windmill and 16 torch.
Now, reflect on your preferences and consider what you want to delve into next: torch or power-based wotagei. Trust your instincts and choose based on what feels right for you.
However, keep in mind that this doesn’t imply limiting yourself. Building a diverse arsenal of waza allows for a more unique and versatile wotagei performance.
Where to learn waza
Now, you might wonder where to find tutorials for these waza?
This guide isn’t designed as a step-by-step tutorial but rather as a roadmap to finding resources and starting points.
To kickstart the first phase of my plan, I recommend checking out “Wiggle’s Guide to Wotagei” at this link: [link].
This resource thoroughly covers all fundamental waza except for torch-based wotagei.
Next, visit Duna!’s YouTube channel. There, you’ll find a tutorial for his skill “(不知火)Shiranui” and covering basic torch theories. While the tutorial is in Japanese, it’s designed to be easy to follow, providing valuable insights into torch-based wotagei.
Here’s a reminder: watch the video mirrored. If you don’t, you may end up learning the waza backward, resulting in a miss.
You can find a chrome extention which mirrors youtube here:YT Mirror (google.com)
or you can download the video and mirror it using VLC or program of choice.
(Path #1) Power-kei waza to learn next
(Path #2) Torch-Kei waza to learn next
Here in this bilibili vid is a detailed 90 minute torch theory video which can help in the torch learning process: 90 minute torch
Where to find community
Now, if you’re seeking feedback and collaboration from fellow uchishi, many enthusiasts gather on Twitter. Additionally, there’s an active Discord community called the World Wotagei Discord! You can join by following this link: [join here!].
Some general tips before ending the guide
- drink plenty of water and stretch
- focus on getting the waza correct first before trying to go fast
- Ask the owner of the waza before making a derivative waza.
- Have fun
Welcome to the wotagei community!
Taiga Kara Faiya 
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