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Judo Etiquette by Phil Brain, 6th dan Click here. |
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Judo Etiquette by Phil Brain, 6th dan Click here. |
UQ Judo Club Handbook
John Harvey is a former UQJC member who was honoured by having the
UQ dojo named after him.
He wrote an excellent Club handbook that is presented in full below.
It covers the history of judo, outlines details of the philososphy
and etiquette of judo (which we'd all do well to study), and gives a
comprehensive glossary of judo terms in Japanese.
Anyone with an interest in judo would benefit from reading his
handboodk.
This handbook is intended as an introduction to Judo for new members of the Queensland University Club. It is not an instruction manual nor is it the final word on any of the subjects it covers. What it provides is a background to many of the concepts within Judo. Treat it as a framework on which you the Judo player can build your own view of the sport. Some of the concepts touched upon at length are philosophical rather than practical. This is intentional since there are any number of good technical texts on Judo - most of them written by Westerners. When philosophical aspects are covered, they are often shrouded in such esoteric language that what is being discussed becomes obscured. I have attempted to interpret these in a straight forward manner. In doing so it is possible that the subjects may not appear as deeply philosophical as in fact they are. It should be remembered that this handbook is merely an introduction and should be seen simply as a statement that such concepts exist. In your practice of Judo you will find many different opinions on what Judo is actually about. Do not be worried by this, treat such differences as variations of a theme. Each can contribute in some way to your learning. "Towards all things enlarge the Spirit and sharpen the Mind".
For a person who undertakes Judo, progress depends on two related abilities
It is worth noting that breakfall practice is not just for beginners and is required of all grades during preliminary exercises.
The next basic skill is that of throwing, with its 3 elements, break the balance, fit in, and throw, common to all throws.
This is followed by other skills - ground holds, strangles, kata. The aim is to build up a bank of experience upon which the student can call.
Very largely this is the purpose of the kyu grades.
When this bank of experience is attained, the application of it becomes important. To practitioners of Judo, the aim is not merely to master the physical techniques of Judo but to train the mind to assimilate the spirit and philosophy behind Judo and thus become better adjusted members of the community.
This is a purpose of the Dan Grades - to know when application is appropriate.
There are of course shades between the two.
The last injunctions of Jigaro Kano should be borne in mind by all who practice Judo.
"Judo is the road to make use of the power of the body and mind most efficiently. This practice of offence and defence through constant training means the cultivation of the human body and spirit and the embodiment of this spirit into one's own. In this manner one improves his personality and contributes to the world. This is the ultimate aim of a Judo exponent."
The Judo of today is based on the traditional martial art of Japan - Ju Jutsu. On a mechanical comparison the techniques are very similar but Ju Jutsu was learned as a series of tricks.
The key principle of Ju - of not replying to force with direct force - is attributed historically to the founder of the Yoshin ryu, a physician from Nagasaki named AKI YAMA SHINOBU.
Legend claims that he had an insight into the value of yielding in response to an attack while observing trees during a snow storm.
Pine trees stood erect and broke before the storm, but the willows shed snow from their branches by yielding to the force and then sprung back undamaged.
Akiyama is then reputed to have developed 300 Ju Jutsu movements and established the YOSHIN RYU style. Others learned and established their own RYU.
Very largely, Ju Jutsu was the prerogative of the SAMURAI or warrior caste; their rigid code of ethics subsequently blossomed into the vaunted Japanese notion of BUSHIDO - virtue in warriorhood.
In 1873 two government edicts ended the existing social structure: the Samurai were forbidden to wear swords and lost their hereditary pensions. This was the time of the Meiji Restoration in which Japanese seemed to consider much of their own culture as out dated.
Some Samurai unsuccessfully rebelled against these strictures but because of this and the prevailing mood of the time, the prestige of martial arts suffered.
During the period 1870 - 1890 many of the Ju Jutsu masters continued to practice, earning a living teaching the skills handed down to them through many generations. In general, there was little interest among the young generation.
Jigaro Kano, the future founder of Judo was then a student at Tokyo Imperial University in Literature. He became enthused by the stories about Ju Jutsu and in 1877 was accepted by Shihon (Master) FUKUDA of the Tenjin Shinyo Ryu which concentrated on Atemi Waza (striking techniques), Shime Waza (strangles) and Hobaku-Ho (methods of arrest and subduing).
Following this he was taught by Shihan Iso of the same Ryu, who specialised in throwing techniques.
In 1881, Kano obtained his degree in literature and undertook a further degree in Philosophy. At the same time he enrolled in an entirely new style, Kito Ryu, with Master II KUBO and studied form techniques - (Kata).
By the end of 1882, Jigaro Kano had clarified his own analysis of the methods and techniques of Ju Jutsu to the point he felt he could instruct within a Ryu of his own. This style he named KODOKAN JUDO.
The Kodokan, literally Hall of Learning, was established in the EISHOJI ZEN temple in Shitaya, Tokyo, with 12 mats and by 1883, 9 students.
The Ju principle, as noted earlier, was not originated by Kano but adopted. The difference lay in the blending of techniques and the philosophies taught by the founder.
By 1886 Kodokan Judo was well established and recognised as a superior form of Ju Jutsu. In that year however, the Japanese government decided to select a style to be taught in military academics, police departments and public schools. The selection was by contest and the Kodokan with a team of fifteen men, defeated all comers and was adopted as a government approved sport throughout Japan.
Kano had taken pains to make Judo a safe system. In doing so he discarded all Ju Jutsu moves considered dangerous. However, although many new Ryu sprang up, they did not all follow exactly the code of Kodokan but preferred to retain the traditional and dangerous techniques as well as the new.
These Ryu were also popular and worked on the same principles as the Kodokan; relations were cordial, grades were mutually recognised and so on.
The reason that today there is only one Judo - Kodokan style - is the entry into and defeat of Japan in the 2nd World War.
During the occupation after the war, all practices of martial arts were prohibited because many of the instructors of the various Ryus had taught unarmed combat to the military. Private instruction in Judo and practice by the Police forces were tolerated.
However, the Kodokan was allowed to re-establish itself largely unhindered. In prewar Japan, Kano by then head of Education in the Ministry of Education had taken a stand against the worst aspects of militarism.
From this time on Judo spread across the world in a unified style. In 1948 the British Judo Association, the Judo Federation of Australia and the European Judo Union were formed. Three year later the International Judo Federation was formed and this is now made up of the -
The first world titles were held in Tokyo in 1956 and twenty one countries entered.
1964 saw Judo's entry to the Olympic Games where it is now a mandatory sport.
At the present time Judo is played officially in about 114 countries and World Titles attract around 80 countries as entrants.
This is a far cry from the days of 1882 with 12 mats and 9 students.
Jigaro Kano was an educationalist and his statements on the objectives of Judo show this clearly.
The prime maxims of Kodokan Judo are -
Judo is intended as a sophisticated physical activity which can stimulate and satisfy an enquiring mind.
There is scope for an athlete to train for prowess in contest but equally, a philosophical player may get a glimpse of deeper meaning through the dynamic meditation that Judo can be.
Judo will not turn an athlete into a searcher for wisdom against his will but the avenue is there. The idea is that mind and body can develop together in harmony (see Section on Breath Control).
The philosophy to be pursued in Judo is a personal thing but a certain predisposition does exist.
Judo is Japanese in origin and is derived from Ju Jutsu. Ju Jutsu was a Samurai art and entailed a devotion to practice consistent with the precepts of the BUSHIDO ethic.
The Samurai did not seek perfect understanding (nirvana), he looked towards Bushido, perfect warriorhood.
Bushido was a development out of the original Shinto religion of Japan: In Shinto life is seen as a gift of the gods. One must not risk ones life pointlessly. However the GIRI (rectitude or duty) notion overlays this. Under this idea, it is always fitting to protect life as long as life is appropriate.
It is then by understanding the idea of death with detachment that life can be truly valued. In any case, life is impermanent and overcoming the fear of death allows life to be more fulfilling. The delicate flower of the Cherry tree is symbolic of this impermanence, a brief moment of glory then gone.
With this detachment from life and death as a goal, Zen Buddhism philosophy with its apparent contempt for worldly matters perfectly suited the Samurai, as an esprit de corps and another overlay occurred.
Zen is a subtle concept. It is claimed by some to be close to the original Buddhism as taught by Gautama. It is not encumbered with dogmas, beliefs, symbols, temples or monastic vows. It is not religion, a system of ideas or metaphysics. There is nothing to seek, no merit to be gained, but it is not nihilism.
Reality is the only fact, all else is assumption; act accordingly. Zen precepts cannot be grasped while the mind proceeds from assumption, prejudice or conceptual distinctions.
Clear instructions come from the Zen Master and Samurai swordsman Odagiri Ichiun (C 1600).
"When with a sword you confront the enemy, if the distance is too far, advance towards him and strike.Modern Judo is not a martial art in this Samurai sense but its rules do provide for a symbolic death in the form of an outright win (or loss) by Ippon."When from the first the distance is just right, strike him from where you are. No thinking is needed.
"The great mistake in swordsmanship is to anticipate the outcome of the engagement; you ought not to be thinking of whether it ends in victory or defeat. Let the Nature take its course and your sword will strike at the right moment." (from Zen and Japanese Culture, D.T. Suzuki, Routledge and Keagan Paul and Princeton University Press).
The ever-changing patterns of movement in Judo insist that if sense is to be made of a situation, it will be intuitively, not logically and every Judoka has this experience at some time. An opportunity presents itself: the thrower intuitively realises and strikes without the hindrance of calculated effort. The timing is right of its own accord.
In a more Western phrasing it is perhaps as Trevor Leggot wrote in "The Demonstration of Throws"
"Remember that, as one teacher told me, you are trying to outwit not the opponents brain, but his bodily reactions. In contest he has no time to think but relies on the reactions of the body as trained in Judo."And (the teacher went on to say) the body is quite a stupid thing."
Breath control is an aspect of Judo which is often neglected. It is a process with philosophical overtones but it has the practical benefit of increasing physical capability.
Some dojo practice Zazen (sitting meditation) for a few minutes at the beginning and end of a session. The idea is to breathe deeply and concentrate on that action, excluding all else. Control and regulate each breath.
The concept is that breath control is a means to achieve mental awareness.
A person can after all survive a day without water, many days without food but only 4 minutes without air. Breathing is integral to the life process and control of it is attended by a deeper perception of its significance.
The practical aspect of breath control is based on the premise that a controlled breathing pattern will subdue emotions and give unhindered access to thought processes.
Uncontrolled anger is often associated with inflamed breathing, fear catches the breath in the throat. Both reduce the ability to call on the total energy available when mind and body act in unison. Serenity and detachment are the goal. These are accompanied by tranquil breathing.
On a more pragmatic level again, knowledge is advantage. Therefore to practice even breathing is to tell an opponent nothing except that you are unconcerned.
However such contemplations are not static exercises in the context of Judo. The chance for Ippon must be taken without a conscious decision. Breath control is just one more step in achieving the right frame of mind for taking it.
The most obvious case of breath control is the KIAI. At moments of psychological tension some players will utter a loud cry as they summon up the last reserves of energy. This cry is spontaneous and is called Kiai.
It is often claimed that the cry will shatter the opponents presence of mind and render him more open to attack. This is a possibility but it is certain such a cry has the effect of tightening the lower trunk muscles and thereby providing a better base for the other muscles to work on at a time when all effort is concentrated on one goal.
Often it seems that extra strength is suddenly available and it is this ability to focus effort that is most important to Judo success and that is assisted most by breath control and kiai.
In classic terms the vitality (ki) received from inspired air is the energy which unites mind and body. Ki is said to be centred upon the lower abdomen. The mind has the power to release this potential and lead it through the limbs of the body so long as they remain pliable and receptive. A kiai is part of the release of this energy expressed as sound. So a good Kiai must come from the stomach, the source of Ki. This ability to focus Ki is called Kokyu.
The place where judo is performed and practised is called the Dojo. Judo exponents of long standing tend to regard the dojo as an entity in its own right, one of cleanliness and dignity. (This is in keeping with the Japanese Shinto concept of Kami.)
The focus of this entity is the upper seat (Kamiza) which is decorated with the Club badge, a photo of Jigaro Kano and the Calligraphy for JU and DO.
Conduct within a Dojo is supposed to enhance its dignity and cleanliness. Hence a set of rules for behaviour have been developed. In a Japanese Club, these would be strictly maintained as it is part of their culture. However ours and most Western Clubs use far less than the traditional etiquette.
Nevertheless it is part of a Judo players education to learn these rules. At least one can know the rules and choose not to follow them.
Dojo rules are simple: Most are commonsense and concerned with safety. Others are etiquette or courtesy.
The Judo Grading System is based on levels of demonstrated skill. It is similar in this respect to those used in gymnastics, squash, water-skiing and other sports.
There are two distinct categories of grade, Kyu and Dan.
The former are the student grades and are distinguished by coloured belts.
The latter are the advanced grades, and are usually associated with black belts.
The Judo Federation of Australia uses six kyu grades:
| Title | English | Permitted Colour of Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Ro kyu | 6th kyu | white |
| Go kyu | 5th kyu | yellow |
| Yon kyu | 4th kyu | orange |
| San kyu | 3rd kyu | green |
| Ni kyu | 2nd kyu | blue |
| Ik kyu | lst kyu | brown |
A raw novice starts wearing a white belt. After an elementary course, if registered by the JFA, the novice can be graded by a certified instructor to Rokyu.
Following grades depend on entering some form of competition and in the case of later kyu grades, depend on winning a number of points.
The changeover point from kyu grades to Dan grade is a subtle one but is best expressed by:
Very largely a brown belt has already seen and been taught most of the techniques he will ever use. It is application that characterises the Dan ranks.
Promotion within the Dan ranks does not carry a change in the colour of belts until 6th Dan is achieved. Even then black is the customary colour except on ceremonial occasions such as demonstrations or gradings.
The Dan grades are:
| Title | English | Permitted Colour of Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Shodan | 1st Dan | black |
| Nidan | 2nd Dan | black |
| Sandan | 3rd Dan | black |
| Shidan (Yondan) | 4th Dan | black |
| Godan | 5th Dan | black |
| Rokudan | 6th Dan | alternating red and white blocks |
| Shichi dan | 7th Dan | alternating red and white blocks |
| Hachi dan | 8th Dan | alternating red and white blocks |
| Kudan | 9th Dan | red |
| Judan | 10th Dan | red |
An able beginner with an excellent instructor and extreme dedication could reach first Dan in two years. This is exceptional. Within the University Club four to six years is typical. Students often have other priorities.
The possession of a dan grade does not automatically indicate coaching prowess. Many dan grades concentrate in the contest area or on personal practice.
Up to 6th Dan, competition success is usually necessary to become eligible just to do the examination. An increasingly high degree of technical expertise and application is required for these grades.
After this, the grades are awarded for contributions to Judo and understanding outside the competitive area, e.g. development of new techniques, training methods etc.
In Australia there are few very high grades. Such grades are not easily obtained.
The grade of 10th Dan is now considered virtually unobtainable, and
represents a sort of mythical perfection. No one living possess one.
Even if it were offered, to accept it could be seen as conceit.
This does not apply to the only seven ever awarded.
Holders of 10th dan grade:
In effect though, it means Judo has only 9 dan grades.
For the Syllabus for the various Grades see the Handbook of the Judo Federation of Australia.
In Japanese society, the traditional role of women required their acceptance of male dominance.
The "manly" virtues of strength, endurance and competitiveness were paramount. It was unusual for a woman to be interested in such things.
Judo however was different. It was conceived by an educationalist as a preparation for life. There was no logical reason to exclude women.
Surprisingly the old attitudes held until 1923 when Kans formally established a womens' division at the Kodokan.
However contest work was still ruled out on the grounds that despite their lack of physical strength, the will to win would lead women into forceful Judo. The thought of women appearing rough and ungainly on the mat lead Kano to the conclusion that womens Judo should consist of Randori, Kata and self defence.
This cultural bias persisted and the task of emancipating women in Judo fell to Western Judo women, in particular, the British. In fact it was not until 1980 that a Womens' World Title was held. (The British open was a de-facto World Titles).
(Ed: There had not been a full Womens section in Judo at the Olympics until Sydney 2000.)
The principle that women may wish to undertake competition is now accepted and even Asian countries sent competitors to the 1980 titles.
The dedication required of a woman champion is no less that that required of a male champion, but the old attitudes die hard.
Not everybody wishes to be a champion and most of the women who regularly slip into a leotard and judogi do so because judo is a source of enjoyment.
The exercises are comprehensive, the sport is safe and it is a satisfying emotional outlet.
A good example is Dame Enid Russel Smith of Britain who began Judo at 34 in 1937 and received her 4th Dan in 1971. More women of every age should ask themselves whether they could not do the same.
Beginners need to know quickly what is expected of them. Thus the following typical syllabus for a yellow belt grading is included. Remember that Gradings are always conducted according to the syllabus in the J.F.A. handbook. The following is only an interpretation, not the official syllabus.
The form of the grading is straightforward. Oral questioning with oral or demonstrative replies.
Knowledge of the above should provide a basis to succeed at a Yellow belt. (Gokyu)
One important point: know the grade. It is Gokyu rank, not a yellow belt rank.
There are three factors common to all throws. Unless they are present, it will fail.
This involves the acts of throwing, choking and holding the opponent down. Most usually it is classified as standing or tachiwaza Randori (throwing techniques only) or ground or newaza Randori (grappling holds only).
In serious training both should be incorporated.
Randori should be practised with speed and flexibility. It does not matter if you are thrown. If so, learn. Using strength in Randori defeats its purpose, which is to increase skill.
The word means form. The Katas are a series of pre arranged routines of throws, blows, kicks, holding techniques where each proponent knows in advance what the opponent will do.
Training in such Ju Jutsu tricks is given in Kata since their use in Randori would result in injury.
Kata is the grammar of Judo. It ensures accuracy in balance and movement and promotes a deeper understanding of self control.
Whenever some technique or movement must be repeated many times, this practice is classed as Uchikomi.
Most usually it is used to perfect the tsukuri part of A throw - by moving in, then out in sets of 10 - 20 repetitions.
Judo injuries are few given that it is a contact sport. Most of them are not serious and nearly all could be avoided with a little fore knowledge.
Causes are usually something other than the actual practice.
Firstly inexperience and overenthusiasm among beginners will lead to knocks and abrasions unless dojo discipline is strict. This requires mutual co-operation.
Secondly lack of fitness leads to sprains and muscular strains where the player attempts to work beyond the present level of capability.
Thirdly and most of all the lack of sufficient warming up exercises takes its toll. Judo has a range of stretching exercises that is the envy of other sports - use them.
Hints:
Self medication is only advisable where the injury is plain and straight-forward and a doctor would prescribe the same treatment. Common sense is the greatest aid. Never take chances.
Abrasions: keep clean and antiseptic. A good alternative is a spray on antiseptic coating of 'plastic skin".
Stubbed Toes: temporarily bandage to an adjacent toe to provide mechanical strength.
For more serious injuries such as bruising, sprains or muscle tears use R.I.C.E., an acronym for REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION.
To relieve the worst of the pain and swelling get the affected part cold by applying ice packs (or even cold water). Apply pressure using an elastic padded bandage (except for suspected fractures). Repeat the cold treatment at intervals until the prospect of immediate further swelling is gone. Elevation helps in this.
Keep body weight off the affected part. Do not heat or massage at an early stage.
Get the affected part moving (within the limits of pain) as early as possible. Unnecessary immobility is in fact counter productive.
Initially bandages or rubber strips can be used to provide support. However their continued use invites dependence on the artificial and the muscles never regain their strength.
(From "The Illustrated Guide to judo" Reag/Hobbs)
The following glossary includes most of the Japanese terminology which is in common use in Judo. It is not intended to be a fully-comprehensive dictionary of Japanese terms, only a guide to cover most Judo circumstances. Generally, the names of techniques are derived from verbs, which when changed into a noun undergo certain superficial changes. In the glossary, therefore, the noun form is given, and then in brackets, the verb form (which can be looked up in a dictionary), for example - harai (v. Harau) - to sweep.
Where a noun is shown to have several numbered sub-divisions (e.g. kata) each sub-division has its own different Japanese ideograph. Reading it in Japanese would present no confusion but when the sound only is represented in English (phonetic) script, confusion can arise. The Judo enthusiast should remember at all times that the English translation can only be, and is, phonetic. Some of the words included in this glossary are used solely in contests.
One might ask why Judo retains the terminology of its origin - Japanese. As with music and fencing, it is found more convenient to maintain the original. It can be used as a lingua franca throughout the world which makes for convenience and efficiency in international relations. Japanese is fairly easy to pronounce. There is hardly any flexion and the voice pitch can be kept constant. The following grammatical rules may assist with pronunciation, but like all grammatical.rules they are often broken. However, they should prove sufficient for Judo.
Practice slowly and emphatically for some time; the terms will soon become easier, quicker and begin to sound more natural.
Selected common peculiarities
AIKI A form of self-defence, based on special principles
(lit. harmony of spirit).
AIKIDO The 'way' of Aiki.
AITE Opponent, partner.
ARASHI Storm (e.g. yama arashi = mountain storm).
ASHI Leg, foot.
ASHIWAZA Leg/foot technique.
ATAMA Head.
ATE Strike, hit.
ATEMIWAZA Hitting or punching technique.
AYUMI ASHI A manner of walking in which each foot leads the
other successively.
BUDO Military arts/concepts.
BUJITSU Martial arts (all inclusive).
BUSHI A knight of feudal Japan (a social class).
BUSHIDO The moral ethical code of the Bushi, formulated
originally c. 14th century.
BUTSUKARI See UCHIKOMI.
CHITSAI Small.
CHIKARA Strength.
CHUI A caution (penalty).
DAN 'Leader' grade generally black belt.
DE (v. DERU) To come out, to advance (e.g. deashiharai).
DO (a) Way, path, etc. This word was used frequently in
Chinese and Japanese philosophy in the sense of the way of doing an act
in the moral and ethnic sphere as well as the simple physical.
Professor Kano 'borrowed' it from these sources. (b) Trunk of the body.
DOJO Hall or room in which judo is practised.
ERI Collar of a jacket.
FUSEGIKATA Method, form, of defending.
FUSEGU To defend.
GAKE (V.KAKERU) To hang, hook, block.
ARAMI (v.GARAMU) To entangle, wrap, bend.
GENKI Energetic, lively, active.
GONOKATA Forms of strength.
GOSHINJITSU The art of self-protection (in all its forms).
GYAKU Reverse, upside down.
HA Wing.
HADAKA Naked.
HAIRIKATA The way of entering for a (technique).
HAJIME Start, referee's call to commence a contest.
HANE Spring (e.g. hanegoshi = spring hip).
HANSOKU Disqualification (penalty).
HANTAI To oppose.
HANTEI Judgement, the referee's call at the end of a draw
contest calling on the corner judges to indicate who in their opinion
was the better of the two contestants.
HARA Stomach.
HARAI (BARAI) (v. HARU) Sweep, reap.
HIDARI Left.
HIJI Elbow.
HIKI (v. HIKU) Pull.
HISHIGE (v. HISHIGU) To crush, squash, smash.
HIZA Knee.
HON (a) Point (see IPPON); ultimate score awarded in a
contest. (b) Basic or classical form. (c) Number suffix for counting
long cylindrical objects, therefore ippon seoinage = one arm sholder
throw.
IPPON One point (score value of ten points).
IPPON SOGO GACHI Compound win by IPPON made up of a score of
WAZA-ARI added to the benefit of a KEIKOKU penalty.
ITSUTSUNOKATA Forms of five.
JI A Japanese ideograph.
JIGOTAI Defensive posture.
JIKAN Time out (the referee's instruction to the timekeeper
when a break or pause in the contest is necessary).
JITA KYOYEI The principle that individual advancement benefits
society as a whole.
JITSU (JIUTSU or JUTSU) Art.
JOSEKI The place in a dojo or hall where the seniors or VIPs
sit.
JU (a) Soft, gentle. This word is a word taken from Taoist
philosophy and embodies the opposite of hard, extreme, unreasonable.
Hence the use of ju in judo does not imply soft (as a synonym of easy),
but rather reasonable, efficient. Physical action in judo is not meant
to be easy (weak) so much as economic, by using the body to its best
advantage and taking active advantage of any and all weaknesses the
opponent may offer, so that maximum effect can be attained with maximum
efficiency. A supple branch laden with snow bends and sheds its load.
Then returns to its original shape - this is JU. (b) Ten.
JUDO A form of wrestling in which clothes are worn by the
contestants. The clothes and belt (encircling the waist twice) allow
for greater range of technique. The depth of judo in the use of
TACHIWAZA (techniques done in the standing position) and NEWAZA
(techniques done in ground- work positions) requires skill plus
physical and mental fitness being increasingly raised to an extremely
high standard. In promotion examinations (grading contests) no
allowance is conceded to size or weight; success depends solely on the
individuals attributes.
JUDOGI The clothes worn when practising or competing at judo.
JUDOKA A person who practises judo. A very senior player (at
least 4th dan).
JU-JUTSU (UIUJITSU) A name covering all forms of fighting,
without weapons, with very drastic methods.
JUNOKATA The forms of 'gentleness'. Showing the principles of
'giving way'.
JUSHIN Centre of gravity.
KAESHI (GAESHI) To counter (e.g. osotogaeshi - major outer
counter).
KAESHIWAZA Counter techniques.
KAKE The point of the throw, the point of maximum power.
KAI (KWAI) Society, club.
KAKU (GAKU) An angle. (a) Upper, top. (b) Paper. (c) God(s).
KAMIZA 'Upper seat'; the instructors' side of the Dojo.
KANSETSU A joint, articulation.
KANSETSUWAZA Technique of locking limb joints.
KAO Face.
KARATE (Literally empty-handed) a system of fighting without
weapons, striking with the hand, feet, elbows, etc.
KARATEDO The 'way' of karate.
KARUI Light.
KATA (a) Form. A stylized set of techniques used to develop
the performr's posture, balance and appreciation of the various judo
techniques. (b) one side. (c) Shoulder (e.g. kataguruma = shoulder
wheel).
KATAI Hard.
KATAME (GATARE) (v. KATEMERU) To harden, tighten, hold (e.g.
katagatare shoulder hold).
KATSU (or KAPPO) Methods of resuscitation.
KEIKO Practise.
KEIKOKU Warning (penalty; equivalent to 7 points).
KEMPO A method of fighting, similar to boxing.
KEN Sword.
KENDO The way, of the sword (Japanese two-handed fencing).
KENDOGU General equipment for practising kendo.
KERU To kick.
KESA A Buddhist monk's surplice, worn diagonally across the
body. Thus there is the technique known as kesagatame but which in free
translation into English is referred to as scarf hold.
KI Psychic energy said to be centred in the SAIKATANDEN.
KIAI A shout used to harden the body and strengthen the will
when maximum effort is required.
KIME (v. KAKERU) To decide.
KIMENOKATA Forms of decision, which is the kata of
self-protection.
KIRI (v. KIRU) Cut, as with a knife.
KO (a) Small, minor (e.g. kouchigari = minor inner reaping).
(b) Lecture, study, think. (c) old, ancient.
KODOKAN The headquarters of judo in Japan (Tokyo).
KOKA A score, almost a yuko.
KOSHI (GOSHI) Hips, (e.g. koshiwaza = hip techniques).
KOSHIKINOKATA The forms of the old style. All techniques are
supposed to be performed in armour.
KUBI Neck.
KUMIKATA Method of holding the judogi.
KURUMA (GURUMA) (a) Wheel (e.g. oguruma = major wheel). (b)
Vehicle.
KUZURE (v. KUZURERU) To crumble, collapse, break-down. Thus a
free translation of kuzurekesagatame would be broken scarf hold.
KUZUSHI The balance broken.
KYU A judo 'student' grade.
MA Exact, just, absolutely.
MACHI-DOJO Back-street gymnasium.
MAE Front.
MAKIKOMI To wrap or roll up, to throw by rolling oneself so
that the opponent is whipped off his feet.
MANAKA Centre.
MASUTEMIWAZA Technique whereby the performer (tori), falls
straight on to his back.
MATA The inside top of the thigh.
MATTE Wait, break.
MAWARI (v.MAWARU) To turn round.
MEIJIN Expert, master.
MI Body (human).
MIGI Right (as opposed to left).
MIZU Water.
MOMO Thigh.
MON Gate, junior grade.
MOROTE Both hands, two hands (e.g. morote seoinage = both
hands shoulder throw).
MUNE Chest.
NAGE (v. NAGERU) To throw (e.g. nage waza - throwing
techniques).
NAGENOKATA The forms of throwing. 15 selected throws executed
both left and right to train the participants in body control and
appreciation of judo technique.
NAME Wave (of water).
NAMI (v. NARUBERU) To place in a line, range in a row.
NE (v. NERU) To lie down.
NEWAZA Technique done in a lying down position.
0 Big, large, major (e.g. ouchigari major inner reaping).
OBI Belt.
OKII Big.
OKURI (v. OKMU) To send forward (e.g. okurierijime sliding
lapel necklock).
OSAEKOMI Holding (e.g. osaekomiwaza - holding technique(s);
referee's call signalling to the tire-keeper that a hold is effective.
OSHI (v. OSU) To push.
OMSHI (v. OTOSU) To drop (e.g. taiotoshi body drop).
OWARI The end.
RANDORI Free practice.
REI Bow.
RENRAKU Connection, contact.
RENRAKUWAZA Combination technique.
RENSHU To practise.
RENZOKUWAZA Comprehensive name for throws linked up in any
way.
RITSUREI Standing bow.
RONIN An unretained SAMURAI warrior.
RYOTE Two hands.
RYU School. Attached to most of the names of the old jiujitsu
systems (e.g. Kito Ryu).
SAIKATANDEN The lower abdomen.
SAMURAI A knight of feudal Japan (a social class). See bushi.
SASAI To support, prop (e.g. sasaitsurikomiashi propping
drawing ankle).
SEI RYOKU SENYO The principle of maximum efficiency in the
use of mind and body.
SENAKA The back (of a body).
SENSEI Teacher, senior.
SENSHU A competitor, champion.
SEOI (v. SEOU) To carry on the back (e.g. seoinage).
SEPPUKU The bushi method of committing suicide. Normally
erroneously called 'harakiri'.
SHIAI Contest.
SHIAIJO Contest area.
SHIDO Note (penalty).
SHIHAN Master, past-master, founder.
SHIHO Four quarters, four directions.
SHIKI Style, ceremony.
SHIME (JIME) (v. SHIMERU) To tighten, strangle.
SHIMEWAZA Technique of neck-locking.
SHIMOZA 'Lower seat'; the ordinary members' side of the DOJO.
SHISEI Posture.
SHITA Below, underneath.
SHIZEN Nature.
SHIZENTAI Natural (upright) posture.
SODE Sleeve.
SONOMAMA Freeze, do not move.
SORE MADE Referee's command: that is all, finish.
SOTO Outside, outer (e.g. osotogari major outer reap).
SUKUI (v. SUKUKU) To scoop up.
SUMI Corner.
SUTEMI (v. SUTERU) To throw away.
SUTEMIWAZA Technique whereby the attacker throws away his own
body, sacrifices his own posture.
TACHI (v. TATSU) To stand.
TACHIWAZA Technique done in the standing position.
TAI Body.
TAI-SABAKI Body movement.
TAISO Physical exercise.
TANI valley (e.g. taniotoshi = valley drop).,
TATAMI Rice straw mats used in dojos and Japanese houses.
TATE Vertical.
TE Hand (e.g. tewaza = hand techniques).
TEKUBI Wrist.
TOKETA Hold broken. A command given by a referee to indicate
to the timekeeper, the contestants and the onlookers generally that a
contestant has effectively broken the hold by which he was being
secured.
TOKUI Favourite, special (e.g. tokuiwaza = favourite
technique).
TOMOE Turning over, twisting over, whirling over. It is
difficult to find the exact translation in English but tomoenage freely
translated is commonly known in English as stomach throw.
TORI (v. TORU) (a) The name used often in technical
explanation for the person who throws. (b) To grasp, to hold in the
hands.
TSUGI ASHI A manner of walking in which one foot leads at
each step and the other never passes it.
TSUKURI The action of breaking the opponent's balance.
TSURI To 'fish' up (e.g. tsurikomi = to 'fish', lift up and
pull forward).
TSUYOI Strong.
UCHIKOMI (v. UTSU) To beat against. A repetitive exercise
where the throwing technique is taken to the point of kake.
UDE Arm.
UE Above, on top of.
UKE (v. UKERU) To take. The name used often in technical
explanations for the person who is thrown.
UKEMI The 'breakfall'.
UKI (v. UKU) To float. Buoyant.
URA Back, rear, reverse.
USHIRO Behind, back of (e.g. ushirogoshi = back of hip).
UTSURI (v. UTSURU) To change, move (e.g. utsurigoshi =
changing hip).
WAKARE (v. WAKARU) To divide, separate (e.g. yokowakare =
side separation).
WAZA Technique.
WAZA-ARI A score, almost an ippon (score value of 7 points).
WAZA-ARI AWASETE IPPON IPPON achieved by having scored two
WAZA-ARIS.
YAMA Mountain.
YOKO Side (e.g. yokosutemiwaza - a sacrifice throw with the
attacker falling onto his side in order to execute the technique).
YOSHI Carry on. A referee's instruction to contestant to
carry on with the contest.
YOWAI Weak.
YUBI Finger or toe.
YUKO A score, almost waza-ari (score value of 5 points).
YUSEIGACHI A win by superiority.
ZAREI Kneeling bow.
ZAZEN Sitting meditation.
ZORI Toe grip straw sandals.