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