Judo Terminology

Basic Terms

Judo
The way of softness and flexibility

Seiryoku-zenyo
Maximum efficiency

Jita-kyoei
Mutual Benefit

Randori
Free practice

Shiai
Contest

Kata
Forms

Tandoku-renshu
Solo practice

Uchi-komi
Repetitive practice

Nage-komi
Throwing practice

Kakari-geiko
Continuous attack practice

Yakusoku-geiko
Agreed upon practice

Renzoku-waza
Countinous techniques

Renraku-waza
Combination techniques

Tori
Attacker

Uke
Receiver

Dojo
Training Hall

Tatami
Mat

Sensei
Instructor

Dan
Black belt

Judoka
Judo player

Judogi
Judo uniform

Obi
Belt

Eri
Lapel

Sode
Sleeve

Suso
Skirt

Zori
Flip-flops

Reigi
Etiquette

Za-rei
Kneeling bow

Tachi-rei
Standing bow

Seiza
Formal sitting / Kneeling

Anza
Informal sitting / Cross-legged

Posture

Shizen-hontai
Basic natural posture

Migi-shizentai
Right natural posture

Hidari-shizentai
Left natural posture

Jigo-hontai
Basic defensive posture

Migi-jigotai
Right-defensive posture

Hidari-jigotai
Left-defensive posture

Movement

Ayumi-ashi
Walking step

Tsugi-ashi
Following step

Suri-ashi
Side step

Kumi-kata
Gripping forms

Hiki-te
Pulling hand / Sleeve hand

Tsuri-te
Lifting hand / Lapel hand

Ai-yotsu
Same grips

Kenka-yotsu
Opposing grips

Tai-sabaki
Body shifting / Body control

Mae-sabaki
Front shifting

Ushiro-sabaki
Rear shifting

Mae-mawari-sabaki
Front turning

Ushiro-mawari-sabaki
Rear turning

Throwing phases

Kuzushi
Breaking balance

Tsukuri
Entry / Fitting in

Kake
Execution / Completion

Nage
Throw

Kime
Control

Ukemi
Break-falls

Ushiro-ukemi
Backwards break-fall

Yuko-ukemi
Side break-fall

Mae-ukemi
Froward break-fall

Mae-mawari-ukemi
Forward rolling-breakfall

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Common English descriptions, not translations