Formal kneeling
Seiza is formal kneeling. Some dojos use it at the start or end of class, and some offer alternatives when kneeling is uncomfortable.
Reference
Commands & Calls
Words you hear at the start and end of training.
- Seiza say-zah
- Rei ray
Bow
Rei means bow, a sign of respect before and after practice, partner work, and competition.
- Hajime hah-jee-meh
Begin
In practice or competition, hajime tells judoka that the action should start.
- Matte mah-teh
Stop or wait
Matte pauses the action. When you hear it, stop, make space, and wait for the next instruction.
- Sore-made soh-reh mah-deh
That is all
Sore-made ends the match or practice exchange. When you hear it, stop and wait for the result or next instruction.
- Sono-mama soh-noh mah-mah
Don't move
Sono-mama freezes both judoka in place during ne-waza, usually so the referee can address a penalty or injury without losing position.
- Yoshi yoh-shee
Continue
Yoshi restarts the action after sono-mama, once both judoka are back in their frozen positions.