Terminology Glossary
In judo, it's common to use Japanese terms for techniques, positions, and commands, reflecting the sport's roots in Japanese culture and tradition. Below is a list of some common words you may hear:
Ashi-waza (AH-shee WAH-zah): Foot and leg techniques in judo, used for off-balancing opponents and executing throws. Examples include osoto-gari (major outer reap), deashi-barai (advancing foot sweep), and uchi-mata (inner thigh throw).
Atari (Ah-TAH-ree): The moment of initial contact between judo competitors, often used to gauge distance and timing for executing techniques.
Choke: A grappling technique used to restrict an opponent's airway or blood flow, typically applied using the lapel or sleeve of the judogi. Common choke techniques include okuri-eri-jime (sliding lapel choke) and hadaka-jime (rear naked choke).
Dojo (DOH-joh): A training hall or facility specifically designed for practicing martial arts, including judo. The dojo is considered a sacred space for training and self-improvement.
Gake (GAH-keh): The act of throwing an opponent in judo, executed with control and force to score points or achieve victory.
Grip Fighting: The strategic battle for grip control between judo competitors, essential for executing throws and other techniques. Grips can be established on the lapel, sleeve, collar, or belt of the opponent's judogi.
Hajime (HAH-jee-may): A command used by the referee or instructor to start or resume the action during a judo match or training session. "Hajime" is called to signal the beginning of the contest after the competitors have been positioned and are ready to engage.
Ippon (EEP-ohn): The highest score in judo, awarded for executing a throw with control and force, resulting in a complete victory. An ippon can also be awarded for a successful pin (osaekomi), submission (shime-waza or kansetsu-waza), or disqualification (hansoku-make).
Jigotai (Jee-GOH-tie): A defensive stance in judo, characterized by a low, wide base and bent knees, used to absorb and counter an opponent's attacks.
Judo (JOO-doh): The martial art and sport that originated in Japan, founded by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. Judo emphasizes the principles of maximum efficiency and mutual benefit, using balance, leverage, and technique to overcome opponents.
Judogi (joo-doh-GEE): The traditional uniform worn by judo practitioners, consisting of a jacket (uwagi) and pants (zubon). The judogi is made of thick, durable cotton fabric and is designed to withstand the rigors of judo training and competition.
Judoka (Joo-DOH-kah): A practitioner of judo, regardless of skill level or rank. Judoka come from diverse backgrounds and range from recreational practitioners to elite competitors.
Kata (KAH-tah): Prescribed forms or sequences of techniques practiced in judo, typically used for training and demonstration purposes. Kata may focus on specific aspects of judo, such as throwing (nage-no-kata), grappling (katame-no-kata), or self-defense (goshin-jutsu).
Kuzushi (Koo-ZOO-shee): The concept of off-balancing or breaking an opponent's balance in judo, essential for executing throws effectively. Kuzushi creates openings and vulnerabilities in the opponent's defense, making them more susceptible to being thrown.
Mate (MAH-tay): A command used by the referee or instructor to stop the action during a judo match or training session. "Mate" is typically called to pause the contest, address an issue, or reset the competitors to the starting position.
Ne-waza (NEH-wah-zah): Ground techniques in judo, including pins, submissions, and escapes, used when the contest transitions to the ground. Ne-waza techniques require skillful use of leverage, pressure, and control to immobilise or submit an opponent.
Randori (Ran-DOH-ree): Free practice or sparring in judo, where practitioners apply techniques against resisting opponents in a controlled environment. Randori allows judoka to test and refine their skills in realistic situations, without the constraints of formal competition rules.
Sensei (SEN-say): A term used to address or refer to a judo instructor or teacher, often translated as "teacher" or "master." Sensei are respected figures in the judo community and play a crucial role in guiding and mentoring students on their judo journey.
Shiai (SHEYE): A formal judo match or competition, where practitioners compete against each other to demonstrate skill and technique. Shiai are governed by a set of rules and regulations established by the International Judo Federation (IJF) or national judo organizations.
Sode (SOH-day): The sleeve of the judogi, often used for gripping and executing throws or chokes. Sode grips are common in judo techniques such as seoi-nage (shoulder throw) and tai-otoshi (body drop).
Tatami (TAH-tah-mee): The traditional mat used in judo training and competitions, typically made of foam or rice straw covered with canvas. Tatami provides a safe and supportive surface for practicing throws, falls, and groundwork in judo.
Uchikomi (OO-chee-koh-mee): Repetitive practice of judo techniques, focusing on proper form, timing, and execution. Uchikomi drills are used to develop muscle memory and conditioning, allowing judoka to perform techniques with precision and efficiency.
Uke (OO-kay): The person receiving a technique or throw in judo, also referred to as the "defender" or "receiver." Uke plays an active role in judo practice by providing realistic resistance and feedback to tori (the person executing the technique).
Waza (WAH-zah): Techniques in judo, including throws (nage-waza), groundwork (ne-waza), and striking techniques (atemi-waza). Waza are categorized based on their primary method of execution and include a wide range of techniques suited to different situations and opponents.
Waza-ari (WAH-zah AH-ree): A score in judo awarded for a technique that is almost but not quite an ippon (full point). A waza-ari is typically awarded for a throw that is executed with control and force but lacks the complete rotation or impact required for an ippon. In some cases, two waza-ari scores can also result in an ippon, leading to an immediate victory.