Terminology

A searchable glossary of Japanese judo terms and their English meanings, collected from the belt syllabi (103 terms). Type a Japanese term or an English meaning to filter.

Anza
Sitting cross-legged
Ashi Waza
Foot / leg throwing techniques
Atemi Waza
Striking techniques
Ayumi Ashi
Normal walking footwork
Batsugan
Instantaneous promotion
Bogyo
Defense to a technique
Dojo
Judo school
Domo Arigato
Thank you
Dr. Jigoro Kano
Founder of judo
Eri
Lapel / collar (part of judogi)
Gake
Dashing / hooking action with the leg
Gari
Reaping action with the leg
Goshi Waza
Hip / waist throwing techniques
Goshinjitsu No Kata
Forms of self defense
Hai
Yes
Hairi Kata
Groundwork entry
Hajime!
Start
Hansoku Make
Disqualifying penalty
Hansoku-make
Disqualification
Hantei!
Decision!
Harai / Barai
Sweeping action with the leg
Hidari
Left
Iie
No
Ippon
One point — full score
Itsutsu No Kata
Forms of five
Jigo Hontai
Fundamental defensive posture
Jita Kyoei
Mutual benefit and welfare — principle of judo
Joshi Goshinho
Forms of self defense for women
Ju No Kata
Forms of gentleness
Ju-Jitsu
Martial art judo developed from
Judogi
Judo uniform
Judoka
Judo player
Junbi Undo
Warm-up exercises
Kaeshi Waza
Counter techniques
Kake
Execution — 3rd phase of a throw
Kansetsu Waza
Joint locking techniques
Kata
Formal, pre-arranged practice
Katame No Kata
Forms of grappling
Katame Waza
Grappling techniques
Kime No Kata
Forms of decision
Kiyotsuke!
Attention!
Ko
Small or Minor
Koho
Rear
Koshiki No Kata
Forms of antiquity
Kumi Kata
Forms of gripping
Kuzure
Variation of a technique
Kuzushi
Off balance — 1st phase of a throw
Kyoshi
High kneeling posture
Ma Sutemi Waza
Rear-falling sacrifice techniques
Maki Komi
Winding action in a throw
Mate!
Stop
Matte!
Stop!
Migi
Right
Mudanshai
Holder of any rank below black belt (kyu grades)
Nage No Kata
Forms of throwing
Nage Waza
Throwing techniques
O
Big or Major
Obi
Belt
Onegai Shimasu
Please (invitation to practice)
Osae Komi
Hold down (referee call)
Osaekomi
Hold down (referee call)
Otoshi
Dropping action in throws
Randori
Free practice
Rei
Bow
Renraku Waza
Combination / faking techniques
Risutsu Rei
Standing bow
Seiryoku Zenyo
Maximum efficiency — principle of judo
Seiryoku Zenyo Kokumin Taiiku
Maximum efficiency national physical education
Seiza
Sitting on knees
Sensei
Teacher, Instructor
Shiai
Tournament
Shiai-jo
Tournament Hall
Shido
Penalty
Shiho
Four corners (as in hold-down pins)
Shime Waza
Strangling techniques
Shizen Hontai
Fundamental natural posture
Shumatsu Undo
Cool-down exercises
Sode
Sleeve (part of judogi)
Sono Mama
Freeze — don't move
Sore Made!
That is all! (end of match)
Soto
Outside
Tachi Waza
Standing throwing techniques
Tatami
Judo mat
Te Waza
Hand / arm throwing techniques
The Kodokan
First judo school (est. 1882)
Toketa!
Hold down broken (referee call)
Tokui Waza
Favourite technique
Tori
Person performing the technique
Tsugi Ashi
Following-foot (shuffle) footwork
Tsukuri
Entry / fitting in — 2nd phase of a throw
Uchi
Inside
Uchi Komi
Repetition practice without throwing
Uke
Person receiving the technique
Ukemi
Falling methods / breakfalls
Uwagi
Jacket (part of judogi)
Waza Ari
Near-ippon throw
Waza-ari
Half point
Yoko Sutemi Waza
Side-falling sacrifice techniques
Yoshi
Continue
Yudanshai
Holder of any rank above black belt (dan grades)
Za Rei
Kneeling bow
Zempo
Front / Forward
Zubon
Trousers (part of judogi)