KODOKAN JUDO

Kodokan Judo Etiquette

Principle instructor Gareth Jones has gone to great lengths to incorporate and maintain the discipline, ethics of judo. Examples of this include demonstrations of judo at festivals, annual kata competitions within the club, and general judo etiquette being encouraged and enforced.

1. Always bow to the centre of the mat when you come on.
2. Always bow to the centre of the mat when you go off.
3. Bow to the centre of the dojo when entering and exiting.
4. The session should begin and end with a formal kneeling bow with judoka lining up in descending grade order.
5. Judoka must not come on the mat late or leave early without obtaining permission first.
6. Always bow to your opponent before and after practise, without exception.
7. If an outstanding throw is performed, it is customary to bow to the thrower as "Skill in judo does not happen by accident; for that reason alone, the pursuit of skill and its attainment deserve respect."
8. Talking should be kept to a minimum and all words spoken should be about judo.
9. Judo is reserved for sport, personal development and as a last resort of self defence.
10. No shoes, food or drink on the mat.
11. A dirty judogi is a sign of disrespect and should be washed at least weekly.
12. Kicking, punching, scratching etc. are all unacceptable.
13. No jewellery on the mat, girls should wear T shirts under their judogi.
14. Keep finger and toe nails short for everyones safety.

References from:

1. The Judo Manual by Tony Reay and Geoffrey Hobbs
2. Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano