The place where judo is learned is called a dojo. Please remove your shoes and place them in the entry of the gym. There is an area to the right of the gym to hang your jackets and hats. Judogi’s (judo costumes) are located inside the dojo and may be borrowed until you decide to buy one, but please return it after class. White belts hang in this area also. As a beginner judoka, this is the belt that is worn with your judogi. It is expected that a student learns to tie his or her own belt properly, although we understand that it may take some time to learn to do this. If help is needed feel free to ask a higher belt judoka for assistance.
Please arrive to class on time. Attend the mat, remove your sandals, and before getting on the may bow (rei) toward the mat. After bowing you are ready to get on the mat. During this time warm-up and practice is encouraged. Horseplay is discouraged. When the sensei wants to start the class you will hear them call “Line up!”. Students are required to line up opposite the sensei in a straight line according to rank and remain quiet. You will then hear several Japanese words in which you will respond with an action. The first time everyone will kneel then come to attention while kneeling, and bow. The sensei will then turn toward the opposite wall. We will again come to attention while kneeling and bow. This is the traditional method of “bowing in” a judo class. At the end of class you will line up again so that the class may formally “bow out”. After the second bow, Sensei’s will stand first followed by higher rank judoka’s. Do not stand until the person on your right hand side has stood up. This is a sign of respect for those who have achieved higher rank than yourself.
In the dojo, a judo student must:
- Be punctual at all scheduled meetings.
- Wear traditional judogi properly at all practice sessions.
- Wear a white T-shirt under the judo uniform (applicable to women only).
- Keep their judogi clean and in good repair.
- Wear the belt of their earned rank.
- Keep their bodies clean and finger and toe nails trimmed.
- Remove all jewelry and hard objects when exercising.
- Avoid chewing gum or having candy or food in their mouths while on the mat.
- Abstain from practicing judo while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Refrain from engaging in idle talk while on the mat.
- Remain quiet and attentive when not practicing.
- Be courteous and helpful to each other at all times.
- Use the correct forms of standing or kneeling bows.
- Sit in an acceptable manner while on the mat.
- Obey the instructions of their Judo instructors and address them in the proper manner.
- Accept instruction from an authorized instructor only.
- Practice only those techniques that are appropriate to the age, aptitude and ability of their partners.
- Seek to practice with higher ranking opponents.
- Engage in competition only when authorized by the instructor.
- Follow the rules of the contest.
- Respect the referee’s decision at all the times.
- Obey the dojo rules relating to first-aid treatment of injures.
As you may discover, judo is a close contact sport and therefore personal hygiene is very important. Judoka’s are expected to keep their bodies clean. Fingernails and toenails must be clean and trimmed for obvious reasons. Judogi’s must be clean and in good repair. All jewelry must be removed prior to walking on the mat. Sandals, or zori’s, must be worn in the dojo. Any foot covering such as a slipper may be worn as long as it is not worn outside.
Vocabulary
Sensei – teacher or instructor
Dojo – place where Judo is practiced
Gi (Judogi) – Judo uniform
Anza – sitting position with legs crossed
Ritsurei – Standing bow
Zarei – kneeling bow
Rei – Bow
Sensei Ni Rei – Bow to Sensei
Randori – free practice
Uke – the partner who “receives” a technique