Self-Defence/Judo/Terms [Notes]

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
# Self-Defence/Judo/Terms #




<callout type="Navigation" class="small">

* [[../|(UP)]]
{{indexmenu>.#2|nsort tsort}}


</callout>


<panel title="Summary">


Having an understanding of japanese terms leads to a better understanding of the intent of the moves, and therefore leads to more effective learning.


</panel>


## Terms ##

The terms are loosely broken down into the following:

* Before learning:
    * [[#Formality/]]
    * [[#Ryu (School) and Dojo (Place of Learning)]]
    * [[#Founders and Teachers/]]
    * [[#Manners / Etiquette / Respect/]]
    * [[#Start and End of Class/]]
    * [[#Ryu Foundation Principles/]]
        * [[#Kuzushi (Unbalancing)]]
    * [[#Goal/]]
* Keywords to help understand the names of techniques:
    * [[#Keywords/ Directions/]]
    * [[#Keywords/ Counting/]]
    * [[#Keywords/ Body parts/]]
    * [[#Keywords/ Basic Technique name elements/]]
    * [[#Keywords/ Student Thrower/Throwee/]]
* Foundations learning:
    * [[#Taiso (Warmup)]]
    * [[#Ukemi (Breakfalls)]]
    * [[#Standing Positions/]]
    * [[#Movement/]]
    * [[#Grabs/]]
* Techniques:
    * [[#(Nage) Throws and Grappling (Katame) Categories]]
* Putting into Practise
    * [[#Randori (practice)]]
    * [[#Hashime! (start)]]
    * [[#Competition/]]


### Formality

Japanese culture is very formal and ordered culture. Formality leads to attention to detail, and attention is the basis of learning. So japanese or not, formality is good for you.

Secondly, this isn't dance...it's a martial art. Being thrown around can lead to injury to yourself or your practice partner if incorrectly done. 

The risk of injury is removed by being in control. 

For this reason alone there has always been in dojos the world over a strict policy of paying focused attention in order to learn the moves precisely. 
When your instructor says stop -- *immediately* freeze. He may be doing it to get you to feel/understand a precise part of a move -- but he may also be stopping before its too late someone getting hurt. Don't take it lightly. As they say, *"Goofing around is all fun...until someone gets hurt"* -- don't do that in a dojo.

<WRAP tip>
In other words, if your teacher is being strict (but fair), it's a good thing: it's to ensure you don't hurt yourself.
</WRAP>


### Respect

Respect is very very important in the martial arts.

For one, respect your practice partners. You're asking your practice partner to put up with being thrown around by you, which isn't always fun -- especially when you haven't mastered the move well, and they risk getting a little hurt in the process. Respect the fact that that person is willing to do that for you.

For another, your instructors and *sensei* aren't frozen burgers flippers down at the local fast-food joint. Have respect for their skill, and the investment in time they've put in to be good, and then the time they're putting in to teach you. 
Respect their dedication, their learning, their humility. 



Right. With Formality and Respect expressed first, let's continue...

### Ryu (School) and Dojo (Place of Learning)


There are many *ryu* schools of the martial art (Judo, Karate, etc. etc.) 

You're learning one of them, in a *dojo* (class room/establishment), which was set up by the head teacher (sensei). You are studying under one of his chosen instructors.

##### Parts of the Dojo 

* *Ryu*  =  (school of thought)
    * Note: as in branch or "school of thought" on how to do something. 
    * Note: can have many dojo's that teach the school's way.
* *Soke* = ryu founder.
    * The Judo Ryu was founded by *Jigori Kano*. 
* *Dojo* =  (Place of learning), the *Do* (Way) of the *Ryu*.
    * *Genken* = The *dojo*'s entrance 
        * it's generally on the south side, opposite of *Shomen* side of dojo.
        * where you get on and off the mat
    * *Shomen* =  *Do-jo* front (where the *Kamiza* will be)
        * *Kamiza* = (kami=god) shelf, on north side of dojo.
    * *Embujo* = theatre / work area (between *Shimoza* and *Joseki*)
    * *Joseki* = (upper seat)
        * Where a picture of Jigori Kano is placed.
        * Where the higher belts sit
    * *Shimozeki* = the area where lower ranked black belts sit
    * *Shimoza* = lowest ranks (non-belt area)
        * Where non-belt (the lowest) users sit.
        * Near the entrance
        * Haven't seen it used in our dojo (the children appear to line up in the *Shimozeki*)
    * *Nafudakake* = Name board of club members
    * *Tatami* = the mats
* Dojo teachers:
    * *Sensei* =  Teacher
        * Patrick Toner is the sensei who started this dojo.
    * *Kyoshi* =  instructor
        * Cameron Clarke is your instructor
    * *Shihan* =  Model or Expert Teacher
        * It's a title -- you still address them as Sensei if a Shihan is teaching you.
    * *Judoka* = (judo)(student)
        * that's you...
    * *Deshi* = (student)
    * *Yudansha* = one who has earned a black belt.

![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11851202/Posted/General/Judo/dojo-plan.png)


##### Training Outfit

* *Gi* = outfit
    * eg: *Judogi* = (judo)(outfit) worn by judoka (judo)(student)s.
* *Zubon* = pants
    * note: everybody remembers 'gi', everybody forgets their 'zubon'...
* *Obi* = belt
    * eg: obi-otoshi = (belt)(drop) 
* *Sode* =  Sleeve -- one part of a good grip on the opponent.
* *Eri* =  collar, lapel -- the other part of a good grip on the opponent.
    * <WRAP tip>Grab high and tight, to get good rotation, but not so tightly that you get caught up by it.</WRAP>



### Manners / Etiquette / Respect

We've said that formality and respect is important. 

You apply it right from the moment you enter the *dojo*. 

<WRAP tip>
Hopefully, in time, the respect and humility to learn while being in the dojo will one day extend beyond the end of the class, into your everyday life...
</WRAP>

* *rei-shiki* = Mat Manners
* *Shisei* =  Posture
* *Rei* =  Bow
    * *Ritsu-rei* = (standing) (bow)
        * Done entering and leaving the dojo (from the Genkan) (leaving behind the outer world), towards Jigori Kano's picture.
        * Done entering and leaving the mat (coming with a mind to learn).
        * Done before and after practicing with a partner (coming with a mind to practice and no intent to harm, and no ill-will if an accident occurs).
    * *Za-rei* = kneeling bow, done from the *seiza* position
        * towards Jigori Kano's picture, towards your sensei, towards your instructor.
* *Seiza* =  formal kneeling position
* *Anza* = relaxed, cross-legged position 
    * Don't do this unless permitted by your instructor.
        * <WRAP tip>It's considered poor form to lay about on the *tatami*, or sit with your feet extended out in front. Sit either in *seiza* position, or when permitted, *anza* position.</WRAP>

* *Ki o tsuke* = Attention



The rituals are most apparent at the start and end of each class.


##### Start of class

* Senior Judoka in the Shimoseki (or Shihan in your case) says "Kamiza-Ni"
* everyone half-turns left towards the Kamiza 
    *...and is silent 8-10 seconds
* Senior Judoka says "Rei" (bow)
    *...everybody does a "ZaRei" (bow) to the Kamiza
* pause 10 seconds
* Senior joduka in the Shinoseki (or Shihan in your case) says "Sensei-Ni"
    * everbody half-turns towards the Sensei (in the Joseki)
* Second ranked judoka says "Rei" (bow)
* Stay seated until the instructor and all black belts are standing.
* Class begins.


PS: alternate is "O negashimas sensei/s" and "Domo Arigato Gozamashita sensei/s"


##### End of class

Same as start, except you start with Rei to instructor, before Kamiza. In other words:


* Senior *joduka* in the Shinoseki (or Shihan in your case) says "Sensei-Ni"
    * everbody half-turns towards the Joseki
* Second ranked judoka says "Rei" (bow)
* Senior Judoka in the Shimoseki (or Shihan in your case) says "Kamiza-Ni"
* everyone half-turns left towards the Kamiza and is silent 8-10 seconds
* Senior Judoka says "Rei" (bow)
    *...everybody does a "ZaRei" (bow) to the Kamiza
* pause 10 seconds
* Stay seated until the instructor and all black belts are standing.
* Class ends.

##### Learning

* *Hai!* (understood!). If your instructor has shown you something, and asked you you if you understood, and you got it, say so...


##### Be considerate to your training partners

* Be clean (nothing like being stuck under a smelly person....!)
    * That includes keeping your *gi* as well...
* Cut your nails *and* toe-nails dilligently (so you don't scratch your partner)
* Don't wear jewelry of any kind (that can cut the other person, or choke you, or get ripped out of an earlobe).


##### Be considerate to your whole class
* Learn to tie your own *obi* fast and securely, rather than holding up the whole class in between bouts.






### Ryu Foundation Principles
Judo is based on some basic principles that underlie everything else:

* *Ju no ri* = principle of flexibility, or yielding
* *Seiryoku Zenyo* = principle of maximum efficiency



### Kuzushi (Unbalancing)

A smaller person can knock a larger person over either by having great strength, or smarts.

A core concept of judo *nage* (throws) is for *tori* to use *smarts* -- not *strength* --  in order to keep balanced, while using the *least* force (see the *Seiryoku Zenzo* above) to unbalance *uke* and knock *uke* over.

![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11851202/Posted/General/Judo/kuzushi.png)

* *Kuzushi* = Unbalancing the opponent (the *uke* in this case)
* *Hando no Kuzushi* = Unbalancing the opponent by reaction
* *Debana* = Instant of opportunity to *kuzushi* (break balance) as the opponent initiates a motion

<WRAP tip>Tip: Consider how you use the *Hiki-te* to lift up and *Tsuri-te* pull forward, in order to *kuzushi* so you can safely *tsukuri* without being thrown off balance yourself:</WRAP>

![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11851202/Posted/General/Judo/ippon-seoi-nage-posture.png)





### Goal

Why do we do all this? 

It isn't about a 'goal'. There is a *do* (way of life).

But a benefit of learning the *do* is:

* *Fudoshin* = imperturbability, equanimity, composure, in part due to determination and fearlessness, and or prior experience at meeting life's challenges.
   * "Mental calmness, not skill, is the sign of a matured samurai"
       * *(or someone who doesn't yet know what's going on ;-) )*







### Keywords: Directions


You're learning Judo *waza* (Moves/Techniques).


Moves, by their very nature, imply *move*ment of some kind in a *direction...*


Therefore, it stands to reason that before you learn any Judo moves, understand which direction the name of the Judo move is implying you are to move yourself, or your opponent.


* *Mae* = front
    * Note: that said, the dojo-front is *shomen* (not *dojo-mae*). Don't yet know why.
* *Ushiro*  = backwards
    * eg: *ushiro ukemi* = (back)(breakfall)
* *Yoko*  =  Side
    * eg: *Yoko ukemi*  =  (side)(breakfall)
    * eg: *Yoko Kaitan Ukemi*  =  (side) (rolling) (breakfall)
* *Miji*  =  right
* *Hidari* = left
* *Sumi* = corner 
    * eg: Sumi Gaeshi = (corner)(reversal) throw


![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11851202/Posted/General/Judo/kuzushi2.png)


### Keywords: Counting

To learn moves/techniques, you have to listen/watch carefully your instructor to break down the technique (waza) into parts -- and then you have to repeat the operations over and over again until they become second nature.

Repetition implies counting...  

* 1 - Ichi
* 2 - Ni
* 3 - San
* 4 - Shi
* 5 - Go
* 6 - Roku
* 7 - Shichi
* 8 - Hachi
* 9 - Ku
* 10 - Ju
* 11 - Juichi (10 plus one) 
* 12 - Juni (10 plus 2) 
...




### Keywords: Body parts

In judo many of the forms and techniques learn have names that describe the part of your or your opponents body involved.

Knowing the body part helps you understand the *intent* of the move, and therefore learn it better.

* *Tai* = body
    * eg: *Tai-otoshi((http://www.kodokan.org/e_waza/04taiotoshi.html))* = (body)(drop)
* *Kubi* =  neck
* *Kata* = shoulder
    * note: same word as -- but no relationship to -- 'form/builing block'.
* *Mune* = Chest
* *Hara* = stomach
* *Koshi* =  hip
* *Waki* = Armpit
* *Ude* =  Arm
    * eg: Ude Gaeshi = (arm)(reveral) throw
* *Hiji* = elbow
* *Te-kubi* = wrist ....or (hand)(neck)
* *Te* = Hand/arm
    * eg: *kara-te* = (open)(hand)
* *Yubi* = finger
* *Mata* = upper thigh
* *Hiza* = knee
* *Ashi* = foot/leg
    * eg: *Ashi-waza* = (foot)(techniques)
* *Kibisu* = heel
    * eg: *kibisu-gaeshi = (heel)(counter)

![](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11851202/Posted/General/Judo/body-parts.png)


### Keywords: Basic Technique name elements


* *Kaiten* = (rolling)
* *Ukemi* = (breakfalls)
* *Kata* = (formal) forms (building blocks)
    * eg: *Kumi Kata* = (Gripping) (form)s
    * eg: *nage kata* = (throwing)(form)s
    * eg: *katame no kata* = (grappling)(form)s
* *Waza* =  "Technique", (one or more forms put together as a technique). So, once you know the word for standing, top, leg, arm, wrist, you can build the following words:
    * eg: *Nage Waza* = (throw)(techniques)
        * eg: *Mae Nage Waza* = (front) (throw)(techniques)
    * eg: *Tashi-Waza* = (Standing)(techniques)
    * eg: *Osae komi Waza* = (Pin/hold)(downward/inward)(techniques)
    * eg: *Ude-Waza* = (arm)(techniques)
    * eg: *Waki-Waza* = (Armpit)(techniques)
    * eg: *Shime-Waza* =  Choking technique
    * eg: *Te-waza* = (Hand)(technique
    * eg: *Kansetsu Waza* = joint locking technique
        * (not just Tekubi-waza/Wrist locking tecnique)
    * eg: *Koshi waza*
    * eg: *Kaeshi-waza* = (counter)(techniques)
    * eg: *Atemi-waza* = (strike)(techniques)
    * eg: *Suwari Waza*((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwari_Waza)) = (seated defence)(techniques) done from *seiza* against another person in *seiza*
        * Note: more common in other martial arts (eg: aikido) than judo.
    * eg: *hanmi handachi waza* = (seated defence)(techniques) done from *seiza* against a standing person.
        * Note: more common in other martial arts (eg: aikido) than judo.
* *Kaeshi* (or *Gaeshi*) = counter

    * eg: *Kaeshi-waza* = (counter)(techniques)
* *Fusegi* = escapes
    * Note: although the ref uses: *Toketa Osae komi* to state you have (escaped)(pin)(hold) and stop timer. Don't know why yet they are different.
* *Nage* = throw
    * eg: *Tachi Waza* = (Standing)(techniques)
    * eg: *Nage Waza (throw)(techniques)
    * eg: *Mae Nage Waza* = (front) (throw)(techniques)
    * eg: *Yoko Kaitan Ukemi* = (side) (rolling) (breakfall)
* *Osae Komi* = (Pin/hold)(downward/inward)
* *Otoshi* = (Drop)
    * eg: Tai-Otoshi((http://www.kodokan.org/e_waza/04taiotoshi.html)) = (body)(drop)
* *guruma* = Wheel
    * eg: *Yoko guruma* = (side)(wheel)
* *gaeshi* = reversal
    * eg: Sumi gaeshi = (corner)(reversal) throw



### Keywords: Student Thrower/Throwee
Once you know how to stand, and move yourself, let's learn to move someone else.

PS: When practicing all the following, know who's doing the technique (waza).

* *Tori* =  Person applying the tehnique (onto an uke)
* *Uke* =  Person who the technique is being applied to.






---- 


<WRAP important>
The *kake* (execution) -- the final flashy move that throws a person -- is visually the first thing people see/remember. 

But it's rarely (if ever) the one to concentrate on to get the move right. Instead, it's the *setup* (hands in right place, rotation, posture of back at that point, location of head, and chest, and therefore your distribution of weight, therefore your own balance, are the lego blocks you need to isolate, understand, get right first, before you can *Kuzushi* (break uke's balance), and *tsukuri* (turn into and fit into the throw) in order to *kake* (execute) the throw.
</WRAP>

### Taiso (Warmup)

Before you start learning kata(forms) and waza(forms), you have to warm up.

* *Taiso* = warmup
    * Done before practicing breakfalls.
    * In case you're wondering about the 'why' of some of the exercices, they're chosen for a reason:

        * The running backward is so you can swiftly move backwards, or handle being pushed backwards, without losing your balance.
        * The running sideways is to be able to move to the side (*yoko*) swiftly without losing your balance.
        * Pulling yourself across the ground with just your arms is to strengthen your *Hiki-te* (pulling hand), needed for *nage* (throws) later.

        * Find a way to strengthen your *tsuri-te* (lifting hand), also needed for *nage* (throws) later.

        * etc.





### Ukemi (Breakfalls)

After doing basic *taiso* (warmup) and strengthening, you start your lesson.

The first lesson is to learn how to handle being thrown, without being harmed.

* *Ukemi* =  breakfalls
* *Ushiro Ukemi* = (backwards) (breakfall)
* *Ushiro kaiten Ukemi* = (backwards) (rolling) (breakfall)
    * <WRAP tip>Tip to the wise: each roll, tilt your head to the opposite side. One time to the right, one time to left. This is so that you get used to protecting your head no matter which way you are rolled backwards. Don't, and you risk getting seriously hurt one day.</WRAP>

* *Mae ukemi* = (front) (breakfall)
* *Mae kaiten Ukemi* = (front) (rolling) (breakfall)
   * But that term is used in aikido, whereas in judo:
   * *Zenpo Kaiten Ukemi* = Front (?) (rolling) (breakfall)

* *Yoko Ukemi* = (side) (breakfall)
* *Yoko Kaiten Ukemi* = (side) (rolling) (breakfall)

<WRAP tip>
It can't be stressed enough that when you do *ushiro ukemi* ((backward)(breakfall)), you *have* to tuck your chin in as you fall. *All* the way in. You do that so that as you fall backwards, your shoulders protect your head from *ever* hitting the mat. Being thrown onto your head -- even on a nice soft tatami -- can stun you, and make you lose. Never ever let your head hit the ground. If it's tucked well in, it won't.
</WRAP>





### Standing Positions


If *kuzushi* (breaking balance) of *uke* is the basis of being able to knock over *uke*, then it stands to reason that you should invest some thought
in how you keep your own balance while standing: you don't want your balance to be taken away from you easily (or you will be *uke* rather than *tori*)

Standing positions include:

* *Jigotai* = defensive position.
    * A well grounded/balanced position, legs apart, bent, lower your *hara* (stomach) to lower your center of gravity, slightly forward, breathing is lower.
    * grounded, quickly able to move
* *Shizentai* = grounded (lowered) position, one foot forward. Depending on which foot is forward, it's
    * *Miji Shizentai*  =  (right) facing *shizentai* (ie, left foot forward)
    * *Hidari Shizentai* = (left) facing *shienztai* (ie, right foot forward)


### Movement
Once you have throught about learning how to have a grounded posture, consider how you move:

* *Ayumi Ashi* = (normal)(leg) (means "Normal walking/movement")
* *Tsugi Ashi* = Walking by bringing one foot up to another





### Grabs

Before you can grapple, learn how to hold the opponent.

* *Sode* =  Sleeve
* *Eri* =  collar, lapel
* *Hiki-te* = (pulling)(hand)
* *Tsuri-te* = (lifting)(hand)

<WRAP tip>
Avoid getting stuck holding only one way -- or you'll limit yourself to only being able to throw in the same direction every time -- and even a dim opponent will start seeing a strategy to exploit that weakness...

For example, if your hold the *eri* with the right hand, and the *sode* with the left, you will have a natural limitation to throwing to the left. Learn to Grip, but without getting stuck. Then learn to quickly swap grip (left hand shoots from sode to eri, and right hand from eri to sode) in order to throw to the right.

</WRAP>




### (Nage) Throws and Grappling (Katame) Categories

Judo can roughly be broken down into two primary groups, which can be subdivided again:

* *Nage kata* (Throw)(Forms), which can sub-categorized as:
    * *Tachi Waza* = Standing throw (techniques)
        * *Te Waza* = 15 Hand techniques
        * *Koshi Waza* = 11 Hip techniques
        * *Ashi Waza* = 21 Foot/Leg techniques
    * *Sutemi Waza* = (Sacrifice) throw (techniques)
        * *Ma Sutemi Waza* = (Rear) (Sacrifice)(techniques)
        * Yoko Sutemi Waza* = (side) (sacrifice)(techniques)
* Grappling Forms (katame no kata)

    * *Osaekomi-waza* 5 (pin/hold)(techniques)
    * *Shime-Waza* = 5 (strangulation)(techniques)
    * *Kansetsu-Waza* = 5 (joint)(techniques)

<WRAP tip>You can find out more about the moves in each section further along.</WRAP>




### Randori (practice)
*Randori* = free practice of applying the (kata) forms and waza (techniques) you've been taught.




### Hashime! (start)

The words used during practice (and later during Competition) are:

* *Hashimae* =  Start!
    * *Kokegi seyo* =  Attack!
* *Mate* =  Stop!
* *Sone mama* = Freeze!
* *Yoshi* = resume...
* *Osae-komi* = (Pin/hold)(downward/inward) (starts timing towards 20 seconds for a *waza ari* (nearly/technique) (point)

* *Jikan* =  stop the clock (hold is broken)
* *Randori* = Free practice to practice waza and





### Competition

* *Shiai* =  Contest
* *Shiaijo* =  contest area
* *Shinpan* =  Referee

You compete to win the most points:
* *Ippon* =  Full technique point, which ends the bout decisively.
* *Waza Ari* =  Nearly a Technique Point

* *Yuka* =  less than an ippon
* *Koka* =  less than a yuka

##### Competition: How to win points

A forceful well executed *nage* gets a full *ippon* (10 points), which wins you the bout.
If you can't win by throw, you go for controlling uke on the floor for 25 seconds. It's about showing you have full control over the person.

A near perfect throw, or 20 second holddown, gets a wazari, and the fight continues.

Wazari azasete ippon: two wazare makes an ippon, and that too ends the fight.

Sore made: the fight has finished, and a winner is declared.


If you are being pinned down, you have to show that Tori doesn't have full control over you, using:
* *Osae komi Toketa* = escape from Osae Komi Waza = ie, escape from (pin)(hold)(techniques)
    * Term used by ref to stop clock, as the pin/hold is broken





----

### Nage (Throws) - In Detail

*Nage Waza* are the techniques to throw.

Each throw has 3 parts to it:

* *Kuzushi* =(breaking balance)
* *Tsukuri* = turning into and fitting into the throw
* *Kake* = the execution and completion of the throw

Throws can be sub-categorized as:

* *Tachi Waza* = Standing throw (techniques)
    * *Te Waza* = 15 Hand techniques
    * *Koshi Waza* = Hip techniques
    * *Ashi Waza* = Foot/Leg techniques
* *Sutemi Waza* = (Sacrifice) throw (techniques)
    * *Ma Sutemi Waza* = (Rear) (Sacrifice)(techniques)
   * Yoko Sutemi Waza* = (side) (sacrifice)(techniques)
 




### Osaekomi-waza (Pins/Holds) - In Detail

Once you've dropped someone, you have to quickly pin them down.
* *Osae-komi Waza* = (Pin/hold)(downward/inward)(techniques)

<WRAP tip>
Too often beginner *Toke* throws, and then stands there, a bit surprised that the throw actually worked, and precious time is lost: uke quickly gets back up, and Toke has to start all over again. Whereas if a pin, had been quickly put in place, uke would have been finished off...duh!
</WRAP>




### Escapes

* *Osae-komi Toketa* = escape from (Pin/hold)(downward/inward)(techniques)


## References
* http://judoinfo.com/terms.htm
* http://judoinfo.com/dalien2.htm
* http://www.bigginhilljudoclub.co.uk/Dojolayout.htm
* http://kendoinfo.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/definitive-dojo-layout/
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_judo_techniques
* http://judoinfo.com/kuzushi1.htm