I still remember the first time I walked into a dojo. It was hard to follow and understand all the sensei’s instructions. They constantly switched back between Japanase and English. After all, Judo is a Japanese art developed by Kano Jigoro. I was completely lost during my first sessions, and my sensei walk behind me and explain all these concepts to me. I’m not sure if you’ll be as lucky as I was with my instructor. I believe this article has all the judo slang and terms that you’ll need as a beginner or intermediate judoka.

Judo slang and sayings

Ippon. Ippon is the highest score you can achieve in Judo. It’s accomplished by doing a full throw with high speed and force so that your opponent lands on their back, by holding down your opponent on their back for 20 seconds, or if they tap out or pass out during a choke or lock. An ippon automatically ends the fight. The referee signals it by raising their arm straight up.

Judoka. A judo practitioner is known as a judoka. You could be considered a true judoka after earning your brown belt.

Maitta. When a judoka gives up it is referred to as maitta. They would tap their opponent or the floor two times to give up. This usually happens when a technique (waza) like a joint or choke is applied on them.

Newaza. Ground techniques are known as newaza. They are part of katame-waza (grappling techniques). Newaza includes hold down techniques (osae kami waza) and joint locks (kansetsu waza). These techniques are used to limit the mobility of your opponent.

Randori. A randori is a free style practice, also known as sparring. These practices are usually carried out in dojos. Scores are not officially kept. This is one of the best ways to improve your judo skills.

Uke. The uke is the person receiving the technique. For example, if you do an O-goshi to your friend, he would be the uke.