Here are some common Japanese terms one would hear in a typical judo class or competition.
Basic Terms & Directions
Japanese |
English |
Sound |
Sensei | Instructor | |
Hajime | Begin / Start | |
Mate | Stop | |
Sore Mate | That is all | |
Seiza | Kneel | |
Rei | Bow | |
Ritsu Rei | Standing Bow | |
Kyotsukei | Attention | |
Migi | Right | |
Hidari | Left | |
Dojo | Judo Practice Room | |
Tori | Person doing the technique | |
Uke | Person whom the technique is applied to | |
Ukemi | Breakfall | |
Kuzushi | Breaking a person's balance | |
Uchikomi | Practice a technique without completing it |
Body Parts & Clothing
Japanese |
English |
Sound |
Ashi | Foot | |
Ashi Kubi | Ankle | |
Hiza | Knee | |
Goshi | Hip | |
Do | Body | |
Kata | Shoulder (also means a set of pre-arranged techniques) | |
Te | Hand | |
Kubi | Neck | |
Atama | Head | |
Judogi | Judo Suit | |
Obi | Belt | |
Eri | Jacket / Collar |
Competition Specific Terms
See the Referee Signals Page for visuals of scores and penalties.
Japanese |
English |
Sound |
Shiai | Competition / Tournament | |
Shiaijo | Competition Room | |
Joseki | Honoured Table | |
Ippon | Score: Full Point | |
Wazari | Score: Half Point | |
Yuko | Score: Quarter Point | |
Shido | Penalty: Minor | |
Hansukomake | Penalty: Disqualification | |
Sono Mama | Freeze / Don't Move | |
Osaekomi | The hold down has started | |
Toketa | The hold down is broken |