Judo is a martial art of Japanese origin created by Jigoro Kano in 1882 and has been widely practiced ever since. The sport is much more than just a sport, as it teaches discipline, respect and personal development.
As well as being a physical activity that demands a lot from the body, Judo is a practice rich in philosophy and culture. To help you understand more about this martial art that is so popular all over the world, we have created a judo glossary with the main terms.
The terms chosen to explain the sport are fundamental for any practitioner, from beginner to black belt. So check out the Judo Glossary and learn more about the martial art!
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Judo glossary: complete list
See which judo glossary terms we’ll cover in this list!
- Dojo
- Hajime
- Ippon
- Judogi
- Kata
- Kumi-kata
- Kuzushi
- Matte
- Ne-waza
- Obi
- Osaekomi
- Randori
- Rei
- Sensei
- Shiai
- Shido
- Sutemi-waza
- Tachi-waza
- Taisabaki
- Tatami
- Toketa
- Tori
- Tsugi-ashi
- Uke
- Waza-ari
- Yuko
Judo glossary: understand the terms better
It’s time to get to know the judo glossary better and understand its main terms.
Dojo
The dojo is the place where judo is practiced. It is often considered a place to learn a lot of techniques, but also to grow personally.
Hajime
Hajime is the command given by the referee to start the fight.
Ippon
A term used to designate the maximum score in a judo competition, which ends the fight instantly. It can be obtained by a perfect throw, a 20-second immobilization, an arm lock or a successful choke.
Judogi
Name of the uniform worn by judo practitioners. It consists of a jacket (uwagi), pants (zubon) and a belt (obi).
Kata
This is the set of pre-arranged techniques that demonstrate the principles and fundamentals of judo.
Kumi-kata
Kumi-kata is the grip or apprehension of the opponent, essential for the execution of throwing techniques.
Kuzushi
It means the act of throwing your opponent off balance and is one of the fundamental principles for successful judo techniques.
Matte
In judo, matte is the command given by the referee to temporarily stop the fight.
Ne-waza
Name given to judo techniques performed on the ground, such as immobilizations, arm locks and chokes.
Obi
Obi is the name of the belt used in judogi to tie the jacket. It also symbolizes the judoka’s level of rank.
Osaekomi
Osaekomi is the command used by the referee to indicate that an immobilization technique is being performed correctly in a judo fight.
Randori
This is the free training that takes place when judokas practice their techniques without the rigidity of the forms (katas), simulating a real fight.
Rei
This is the greeting in judo and is an essential part of the sport’s etiquette. It is performed at the beginning and end of a practice or competition.
Sensei
Japanese term meaning “teacher” or “master”, used to refer to judo instructors.
Shiai
This is the name of the judo competition in which athletes compete to score points and win their fights.
Shido
Shido is the name of the penalty given by the referee for minor violations of the rules of judo, such as evasion or the use of improper posture.
Sutemi-waza
Name given to sacrificial techniques in judo, where the practitioner uses their own body as a lever to throw their opponent.
Tachi-waza
Judo techniques performed standing up, usually throws.
Taisabaki
Body movement used to deflect an opponent’s attacks and position oneself strategically during a fight.
Tatami
Tatami is the padded mat on which judo is practiced.
Toketa
Toketa is the name of the command used by the referee to indicate that the immobilization has been broken.
Tori
The name of the practitioner who performs the technique during training.
Tsugi-ashi
This is the displacement technique used in judo, when the practitioner slides their feet on the mat quickly and synchronously.
Uke
Uke is the name given to the partner who receives the technique, helping to train the tori, the performer of the technique.
Waza-ari
This is the half-point awarded for a near-ippon, such as a good throw or an immobilization of 10 to 19 seconds.
Yuko
A lower score than waza-ari. It is no longer used in the current rules, but it is still very relevant in some discussions and histories of the sport.
Judo glossary: complete list
- Dojo
- Hajime
- Ippon
- Judogi
- Kata
- Kumi-kata
- Kuzushi
- Matte
- Ne-waza
- Obi
- Osaekomi
- Randori
- Rei
- Sensei
- Shiai
- Shido
- Sutemi-waza
- Tachi-waza
- Taisabaki
- Tatami
- Toketa
- Tori
- Tsugi-ashi
- Uke
- Waza-ari
- Yuko
Judo glossary
Judo is a very important sport for those who practice it, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. As well as providing an effective system of self-defense, this martial art promotes values such as respect, discipline and humility, which are essential for living together in society.
With a lot of training, judo fighters develop impeccable motor skills, as well as a lot of coordination, balance and strength, significantly improving their physical fitness.
Judo also teaches important principles such as mutual respect. In training, practitioners of the sport learn valuable lessons on relevant topics such as ethics, teamwork and overcoming challenges.
These teachings are essential not only for forming good judokas, but also for generating citizens who are aware and responsible, capable of making a positive contribution to society as a whole!
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