Basics To Get You Started

Jigoro Kano – is the founder of judo

Judo – Means the gentle way

Seiryoku Zenyo – maximum efficiency with minimal effort (first principle of judo)

Jita Kyoei – mutual benefit and welfare (second principal of judo)

Session Terms To Learn

Rei – bow

Ritsurei – standing bow

Zarei – kneeling bow

Hajime – begin

Matte – stop

Dojo – training place

Judoka – person who studies judo

Sensei – teacher

Sempai – higher-ranked student

Kohai – lower-ranked student

Dan (suffix) – major (black-belt) rank

Yudansha – black belt judoka

Kyu (suffix) – minor (white-belt) rank

Mudansha – white belt judoka

Tori & Uke

Tori – Attacker

Uki – Receiver

Migi– Right

Hidari – Left

Your Judogi

Judogi – Judo Suit

Obi – Belt

Eri – Collar

Sode – Sleeve

Zori – Footwear

Techniques

Waza – technique

Tachi-waza – standing technique

Katame-waza – holding technique

Ne-waza – ground technique

Nage-waza – throwing technique

Osaekomi-waza – pinning technique

Shime-waza – choking technique

Kansetsu-waza – joint lock technique

Tokui-waza – favorite technique

Renshu – practice

Uchikomi – fitting in practice

Keiko – trading techniques

Randori – free practice

Kata – form practice

Body Parts

Tai – body

Te – hand

Ashi – foot

Koshi – (goshi) hip

Kata – shoulder

Ude – forearm

Kote – wrist

Hiza – knee

Momo – thigh

Ashikubi  – ankle

Kibisu – heel

Mune – chest

Atama – head

Kubi – neck

Ago – chin

Tournament Terminology

Shiai – competition

Ippon – full point (victory)

Wazaari – half point

Yuko – minor score

Shido – minor penalty

Hansoku-make – major penalty (disqualification)

Osaekomi -pin

Toketa – pin is broken

Sonomama – freeze (i.e., do not move)

Hikiwake – tie

Hantei – decision

Yoshi -continue

Maitta – “I give up” (submission)

Ippon gachi – victory by ippon

Yusei gachi – victory by judges’ decision

Kiken gachi – victory by withdrawal / injury

Sogo gachi – compound victory by points plus penalties