| The dojo or training hall is the place where judo is | | | | partners. Of course, sometimes accidents happen or |
| practiced and where the judo player is introduced to | | | | less skilful players prove to be clumsy, heads clash, |
| the sport and taught mat etiquette and safety | | | | shins are kicked when a foot sweep is mistimed, but |
| procedures. The tatami or mat is a vital piece of | | | | such mishaps ought never to become an excuse for |
| equipment because of the very nature of the sport. | | | | bullying. Anger has to be controlled. The hot-headed |
| Ideally the mat should be on a sprung surface, as this | | | | individual is his own worst enemy and can generally be |
| considerably reduces the kinetic energy created by | | | | easily provoked by a cunning opponent into making the |
| the impact of falling. | | | | kind of mistakes that can lose a contest. |
| Judo is a combat sport involving close bodily contact | | | | The sensei, judo teacher or instructor, has the job of |
| so discipline and hygiene are important considerations. | | | | making sure these things are communicated to and |
| The judogi should be washed after every training | | | | understood by all beginners and new members of a |
| session, the finger-nails and toe-nails should be clipped | | | | judo club. Higher grades should guide and look after |
| regularly and kept short to prevent the risk of injury | | | | lower grades and all grades should behave in a |
| and feet should be kept clean and, if necessary, | | | | mutually respectful way. Where beginners are |
| washed before practice. A pair of zori, or slippers, or | | | | concerned it is helpful for the sensei or instructor to |
| flip-flops should be worn when walking from the | | | | have a few experienced players on the mat to help |
| changing rooms to the dojo to avoid transferring dirt | | | | disseminate the information and teach these principles |
| and germs to the mat. If hair is long it should be tied | | | | by example. |
| back and female competitors must wear a T-shirt | | | | One of the procedures which helps to provide a |
| under the judogi. All jewellery, chains, rings and such like | | | | framework of courtesy and discipline in which to train |
| must be removed before practising. | | | | is the bow or salutation. Before and after each |
| In randori the prohibited actions should be clearly | | | | practice and each time they change partners within a |
| understood. Kicking, punching, hair-pulling, biting or indeed | | | | practice players bow to one another. The bow or rei is |
| any action likely to cause injury to an opponent are all | | | | also used to begin and end actual contests. This simple |
| unacceptable on a judo mat. Foul language and | | | | act is of immense value, since it allows both players to |
| displays of bad temper are also unacceptable. Judo | | | | show mutual respect and appreciation for one another |
| has an excellent reputation for sportsmanship and | | | | and clearly defines the beginning and the end of the |
| continues to fulfil Kano's ideal of mutual respect and | | | | combat situation. |
| mutual benefit in a competitive framework.The motto | | | | On the mat the sensei's word is law. It is truly important |
| of Gunji Koizumi, who founded the Budokwai in 1918, | | | | that there are senseis in judo and that they receive |
| was 'In skill opposed, in spirit united', which expresses | | | | the respect they deserve. Particularly at area or |
| the ideal rather succinctly. Practice fighting should | | | | national squad level, the players must not be allowed |
| never become personal. There is nothing wrong with | | | | to run the mat. They do not as a rule have the |
| fighting spirit and aggression in a judo context, but it | | | | maturity, the experience or the objectivity necessary |
| must be tempered with control and care for training | | | | to do so. |