SPEAK THE
LANGUAGE
OF JUDO.
From your first bow to your first Ippon, discover the Japanese words and phrases that connect Judoka around the world.
EXPLORE THE DICTIONARY ↓ONE SPORT.
ONE LANGUAGE.
Judo began in Japan, and its language remains part of the sport wherever it is practised.
Whether you’re listening to your coach, learning a new throw or watching a competition, understanding Japanese terminology helps you feel more confident on the mat.
You don’t need to learn everything at once. Start with the words you hear most often, then build your knowledge as your Judo develops.
HAJIME.
BEGIN.
The command to start or resume a contest or practice. ↗IPPON.
FULL POINT.
A decisive score that ends a contest. ↗REI.
BOW.
The traditional expression of respect in Judo. ↗THE JUDO
DICTIONARY.
Search by Japanese term, English meaning or Japanese characters. Choose a category to narrow the results.
NO MATCHING TERMS.
Try another word or select a different category.
THE WORDS
CONNECT
THE WORLD.
Judo is practised in countries around the world, but its Japanese terminology provides a shared language for learning and training.
Understanding these words is another way of connecting with the traditions, principles and history of Judo.
START SMALL.
KEEP LEARNING.
LISTEN.
Pay attention to the Japanese words your coach uses during training. Repetition makes them familiar.
CONNECT.
Try linking a term to the movement, technique or instruction it describes.
PRACTISE.
Use this dictionary to revise a few terms at a time. Your vocabulary will grow alongside your Judo.
LEARN THE WORDS.
LIVE THE JUDO.
The best place to learn Judo is on the mat. Come along, meet our coaches and discover the language of Judo through practice.