General Terminology

Most Judo clubs use Japanese terminology which allows for a common Judo language world wide. Ai Yotsu - the term used when both practitioners use the same grip.

Ashi Waza - foot techniques

Atemi Waza - striking techniques

Ayumi Washi - the ordinary pattern of walking used in Judo.

Batsugun - the term used when a judoka gets instant promotion.

Budo - the generic term for martial ways

Bujutsu - martial arts

Bushido - way of the warrior.

Dan - the name given to a judoka of black belt rank.

Debana - instant where there is an opportunity to break balance as the opposing judoka makes a move.

Dojo - school or hall used for Judo training.

Eri - collar, lapel

Fudoshin - immovable spirit

Fusegi - a means of escape

Fusen Gachi - a win by default

Goshin Jutsu - the art of self-defence

Hajime - to begin

Hando no Kuzushi - unbalancing by reaction.

Hantei - the call by a referee for a judge’s decision.

Happo no Kuzushi - unbalancing in 8 directions.

Hidari - left

Hike-wake - when no decision can be made about a winner in Judo competition and instead a tie is called.

Hikite - the pulling hand which grips a sleeve.

Ippon - defeating the opponent in one move.

Jigotai - a defensive posture

Jikan - call by the referee to stop the clock.

Jita Kyoei - principle of mutual prosperity.

Joseki - a place of honour

Judo - gentle or flexible way.

Judo Ichidai - pursuing Judo as a way of life, not just as a sport or martial art.

Judogi - a Judo practice uniform

Judoka - one who studies Judo.

Ju no Kata - forms of gentleness, practiced as part of Judo training.

Ju no Ri - principility of flexbility or yielding.

Jujutsu - gentle art

Kaeshi Waza - counter techniques

Kake - the execution or completion of a technique

Kanksetsu Waza - joint locking techniques

Kappo - resuscitation techniques

Kata - forms

Katame no Kata - forms of grappling

Katsu - resuscitation

Kenka Yotsu - the term used when opponent’s use opposite grips, one right and one left.

Kiai - to give a ‘cry of the spirit’

Kime no Kata - forms of decision

Kinshi Waza - techniques that are prohibited in competition

Ki o tsuke - attention

Kodansha - a high ranking judoka used to describe ranking of 5th dan or above.

Kodokan - the institute in Japan where the art of Judo was founded.

Kogeki Soyo - a command ordering a judoka to attack.

Koka - a score less than a yuko

Koshi Waza - hip techniques

Kumikata - forms of gripping

Kuzure - a modified hold

Kuzushi - the technique of unbalancing an opponent

Kyoshi - a Judo instructor

Kyu - rank of a judoka marked by ability and experience

Maai - space or engagement of distance

Mae - forward/ front

Mae Sabaki - frontal escape

Mae Ukemi - falling forwards

Masutemi Waza - back sacrifice throws

Matte - stop

Migi - right

Mudansha - one without dan used to describe judoka who are below black belt.

Nage - throw

Nage no Kata - forms of throwing

Nagekomi - repetitive throwing practice

Nage Waza - throwing techniques

Ne Waza - techniques on the ground

Obi - belt

Okuden - secret techniques

Osaekomi - call from the referee to begin timing a pin or hold

Osaekomi Waza - pinning techniques

Osaekomi Toketa - to escape from a pin or hold allowing timing to be stopped.

Randori - free practice

Randori no Kata - forms of free practice

Randori Waza - free practice techniques

Rei - bow

Reiho - forms of respect, manners or etiquette

Renraku Waza - combination techniques

Ritseuri - standing bow

Seika Tanden - a point in the abdomen that is the body’s centre of gravity.

Seiryoku Zenyo - the principle of maximum efficiency

Seiza - a formal kneeling posture

Sen - an attack initiative

Sensei - teacher of Judo

Shiai - an official contest

Shiaijo - a pace used for competition

Shido - penalty equal to kokascore

Shihan - title given to a model teacher who sets the standard.

Shime Waza - choking techniques

Shinpan - judo referee

Shintai - moving in a forwards, backwards or sideways direction.

Shisei - posture

Shizentai - natural posture

Shomen - front of the dojo

Sode - sleeve

Soke - founder of a martial art, the Judo soke was Kano Jigoro.

Sono Mama - command to freeze action

Sore Made - time is up

Sute Geiko - throwing practice against a more skilled and experienced judoka.

Sutemi Waza - sacrifice techniques

Tachi Waza - standing techniques

Tai Sabaki - body control, turning

Te Waza - hand techniques

Tokui Waza - preferred technique

Tori - one who performs or demonstrates a technique (opposite of uke)

Tsugi Ashi - a style of walking which brings one foot up to the other.

Tsukuri - the position assumed when entering into a technique.

Tsurite - lifting hand

Uke - judoka receiving the technique (opposite of tori)

Ushiro - back/ rear

Waza - technique

Yakusoku Geiko - prearranged free practice

Yoko - side

Yoshi - resume action, continue

Zanshin - awareness