Basics & Equipment

Basics

Judo is practiced as a sport, a fitness regime and a form of self defense. A typical Judo training session involves a combination of technical practice and randori, a form of one-on-one sparring where opponents attempt to resist and counter each others moves.

Equipment

The following equipment is required for Judo training or competition:

• a Judogi – a Judo practice uniform.

• Zubon – trousers worn with the judogi

• an Obi – a belt used to secure the judogi and zubon in place, which changes colour according to rank.

• a Tatami – a mat to practice forms and techniques on.

Judo uses the whole body for attack and defence techniques. The most important parts of the body for Judo training and sparring are:

• Ashi – Foot or leg
• Hara – Stomach
• Hiji – Elbow
• Hiza – Knee
• Kata – Shoulder (also ‘forms’)
• Koshi – Hip
• Kubi – Neck
• Mune – Chest
• Te – Hand/arm
• Tekubi – Wrist