Here’s a structured reference to help you learn and memorize essential Judo vocabulary. Each term is categorized and defined for easy understanding and use in practice.

Numbers (Counting in Exercises)

Ichi: One
Ni: Two
San: Three
Shi (Yon): Four
Go: Five
Roku: Six
Shichi (Nana): Seven
Hachi: Eight
Ku (Kyu): Nine
Ju: Ten
Ju-ichi: Eleven
Ju-ni: Twelve
Niju: Twenty
Hachiju-roku: Eighty-six

Judo Basics

Jigoro Kano: Founder of Judo.
Kodokan: The original Judo institute, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Tokyo, Japan.
Seiryoku Zenyo: "Maximum efficiency with minimal effort" – the first principle of Judo.
Jita Kyoei: "Mutual benefit and welfare" – the second principle of Judo.
Dojo: Training place.
Judoka: A person who studies Judo.
Sensei: Teacher.
Sempai: Higher-ranked student.
Kohai: Lower-ranked student.
-Dan: Major (black-belt) rank.
Yudansha: Black belt Judoka.
-Kyu: Minor (white-belt) rank.
Mudansha: White belt Judoka.

Judo Class Terminology

Joseki/Shomen: Place of honor (front wall of the dojo).
Tatami: Mat.
Judogi: Judo uniform.
Uwagi: Judo jacket.
Zubon: Judo pants.
Obi: Belt.
Eri: Lapel (of the jacket).
Seiza: Kneeling position.
Kiotsuke: Attention.
Rei: Bow.
Ritsurei: Standing bow.
Zarei: Kneeling bow.
Hajime: Begin.
Matte: Stop.
Sore-made: Finished, time is up.
Tori: Judoka performing a technique.
Uke: Judoka receiving a technique.
Ukemi: Fall.
Zempo Kaiten Ukemi: Forward rolling fall.
Onegai-shimasu: Please (work with me).
Arigato Gozaimasu: Thank you (more polite).
Gomen Nasai: Sorry.

Body Parts

Tai: Body.
Te: Hand.
Ashi: Foot.
Koshi (Goshi): Hip.
Kata: Shoulder.
Ude: Forearm.
Hiza: Knee.
Momo: Thigh.
Ashikubi: Ankle.
Kibisu: Heel.
Mune: Chest.
Atama: Head.
Kubi: Neck.
Ago: Chin.

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.
Randori: Free practice.
Kata: Form practice.
Kuzushi: Unbalancing.
Tsukuri: Fitting in.
Kake: Completion.

Tournaments

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 (do not move).
Hikiwake: Tie.
Hantei: Decision.
Yoshi: Continue.
Maitta: "I give up" (submission).

This vocabulary reference provides an organized and effective way to familiarize yourself with key Judo terms. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, mastering these terms will enhance your understanding of Judo’s techniques, traditions, and culture.

Basic Judo Vocabulary Reference