Blog
News, tips and analysis from the world of judo.
Latest articles
Judo opponent scouting: how to analyze an opponent
Judo opponent scouting step by step: stance, favorite grip, go-to throw, groundwork, time and penalties. How to watch video and build a game plan.
Judo referee: the role, video review and how to become one
What a judo referee does on the mat, how the judges and video review (Care System) work, the usual pathway to become a referee and the qualities that matter.
BJJ armbar: from closed guard, mount and the back
The BJJ armbar from closed guard, mount and back control: hip placement, thumb up, the pivot that makes it work and the mistakes that let the arm escape.
Ashi-guruma: the judo leg wheel, step by step
Ashi-guruma (leg wheel) step by step: the straight leg blocking at the knee, the turning arms, how it differs from o-guruma and harai-goshi, counters.
Judo for toddlers and preschoolers: classes for ages 3 to 5
Judo for toddlers and preschoolers explained: what happens in a class for 4 and 5 year olds, typical games, session length and what kids gain from it.
BJJ stripes: how stripes work on a jiu-jitsu belt
BJJ stripes explained: why there are four, where they go on the belt, how coaches award them and what a stripe really says about your level.
Benefits of judo: body, mind and club life
The benefits of judo for kids and adults: all-round fitness, learning to fall safely, confidence and respect for others. What the mat gives you, and its limits.
Judo shoulder injury: AC joint separation and prevention
Judo shoulder injury: why landing on the point of the shoulder damages the AC joint, other injuries to know, and how breakfalls and strength prevent them.
Judo injuries: the most common ones and how to avoid them
Common judo injuries: knees, shoulders, fingers, neck and ears. What causes them on the mat, how to prevent them, and the signs that mean you see a doctor.
- Ashi-guruma: the judo leg wheel, step by step
- De-ashi-barai: how to time the advanced foot sweep
- Hadaka-jime: the judo rear naked choke, step by step
- Hane-goshi: the spring hip throw, technique and tips
- Hane-makikomi: the springing wraparound throw explained
- Harai-goshi: how to do the sweeping hip throw
- Harai-tsurikomi-ashi: the lift-pull foot sweep in judo
- Hiza-guruma: the knee wheel throw step by step
- Judo gokyo: all 40 Kodokan throws in 5 groups
- Juji-gatame: entries, finish and rules of the judo armbar
- Kami-shiho-gatame: the judo north-south pin and escapes
- Kata-gatame: judo shoulder hold setup, pressure and escapes
- Kata-guruma: the judo shoulder wheel, from kata to shiai
- Kesa-gatame (scarf hold): how to hold it and escape
- Ko-soto-gake: the minor outer hook in judo
- Ko-soto-gari: the minor outer reap to the heel
- Ko-uchi-gari: the minor inner reap and how to use it
- Koshi-guruma: the hip wheel throw with a headlock
- Kumikata: judo gripping, grip fighting and grip penalties
- Kuzushi in judo: off-balancing, tsukuri and kake explained
- Nage-waza: the 5 families of judo throws explained
- Ne-waza and katame-waza: judo ground techniques explained
- O-goshi: the major hip throw, judo's first hip throw
- O-guruma: the large wheel throw in judo
- O-soto-gari: the major outer reap step by step
- O-soto-guruma: the large outer wheel throw in judo
- O-uchi-gari: how to land the major inner reap
- Okuri-ashi-barai: the double foot sweep in judo
- Okuri-eri-jime: the sliding collar choke in judo
- Sankaku-jime: the judo triangle choke from the turtle
- Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi: block the ankle, lift and pull
- Seoi-nage: ippon seoi-nage and morote seoi-nage explained
- Sode-tsurikomi-goshi: the sleeve lift hip throw
- Soto-makikomi: the outer wraparound throw in judo
- Sukui-nage: the scooping throw in judo explained
- Sumi-gaeshi: the judo corner reversal explained
- Sumi-otoshi: the judo corner drop, hands only
- Tai-otoshi: the body drop throw without the hip
- Tani-otoshi: the valley drop, technique and counters
- Tate-shiho-gatame: the judo mount pin, holds and escapes
- Tomoe-nage: the judo circle throw, step by step
- Tsuri-goshi: the lifting hip throw with a belt grip
- Tsurikomi-goshi: the lift-pull hip throw explained
- Uchi-mata: technique, variations and how to land it
- Ude-garami: the judo kimura and americana armlock
- Ukemi in judo: how to breakfall backward, sideways and forward
- Uki-goshi: the floating hip throw, technique and setup
- Uki-otoshi: the floating drop, a throw with no leg contact
- Uki-waza: the floating side sacrifice throw in judo
- Ura-nage: the judo back throw that punishes attacks
- Ushiro-goshi: the judo back hip counter, step by step
- Utsuri-goshi: the changing hip counter in judo
- Yoko-gake: the side sacrifice foot sweep in judo
- Yoko-guruma: the side wheel counter in judo
- Yoko-otoshi: the judo side drop sacrifice throw explained
- Yoko-shiho-gatame: judo side control, transitions, escapes
- Yoko-wakare: the side separation sacrifice throw
- How to tie a judo belt: step-by-step guide
- Judo belt colors and order: from white belt to red belt
- Judo black belt grading: what the shodan exam involves
- Judo black belt: age, requirements and how long it takes
- Judo blue belt: syllabus and the step into competition
- Judo brown belt: the last kyu before black belt
- Judo dan grades: from shodan to judan explained
- Judo green belt: the typical 3rd kyu syllabus
- Judo orange belt: typical syllabus and what comes next
- Judo red belt: who wears it and what it means
- Judo white belt: what you learn as a beginner
- Judo yellow belt: typical syllabus and what the coach checks
- Blue and white judogi: who wears blue and the dress rules
- Golden score in judo: rules and how to prepare for it
- Hajime, matte, osaekomi: judo referee commands explained
- Hansoku-make in judo: direct disqualification vs three shido
- Illegal techniques in judo: banned moves and penalties
- Ippon in judo: the exact criteria that end a match
- Judo age categories: cadets, juniors, seniors and veterans
- Judo referee: the role, video review and how to become one
- Judo rules: a complete guide to how a match works
- Judo weigh-in: how it works, tolerance and random checks
- Shido in judo: the penalties and how to avoid them
- Waza-ari in judo: criteria, 10 seconds and two waza-ari
- Yuko in judo: the history of yuko and koka, and the 2025 return
- History of judo: from jujutsu to the Olympic Games
- Jigoro Kano: life and legacy of the founder of judo
- Judo at the Olympics: history, format and weight classes
- Judo bow (rei): standing and kneeling bow explained
- Judo in Japan: schools, universities, police and training trips
- Judo kata: the 7 Kodokan kata and what each one is for
- Judo meaning: why judo is called the gentle way
- Judo moral code: the 8 judo values and what they mean
- Judo terminology: Japanese judo terms with meanings
- Katame no kata: the 15 groundwork techniques in 3 sets
- Kodokan: history, role and visiting the home of judo
- Nage-no-kata: the 15 throws in 5 sets explained
- BJJ armbar: from closed guard, mount and the back
- BJJ back control: hooks, seat belt and finishes
- BJJ belts: order, minimum ages and time at each rank
- BJJ black belt: how long it takes, minimum age and degrees
- BJJ blue belt: what it takes and why so many people quit
- BJJ closed guard: break posture, attack and pass it
- BJJ gi buying guide: weave, sizing, IBJJF colors and shrinkage
- BJJ guard passing: the 4 families every passer needs
- BJJ half guard: underhook, sweeps and how to pass it
- BJJ mount: how to hold it, attack from it and escape it
- BJJ purple belt: minimum age, expected level and real timeline
- BJJ stripes: how stripes work on a jiu-jitsu belt
- BJJ techniques for beginners: the first 10 to learn
- BJJ vs judo: the real differences and why to train both
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ): origins, rules, belts and basics
- First BJJ class: what to expect, what to bring, how to roll
- First BJJ competition: a white belt's guide to tournament day
- Gi vs no-gi BJJ: differences, rules and which to start with
- Guillotine choke in BJJ: variations, details and defense
- History of Brazilian jiu-jitsu: from Maeda to the Gracies and UFC
- IBJJF rules: BJJ points, advantages, penalties and match times
- Japanese jiu-jitsu vs Brazilian jiu-jitsu: the real differences
- Kimura in BJJ: the shoulder lock from guard to control
- Rear naked choke (mata leão): technique and defense
- Triangle choke in BJJ: setup, angle and finish
- Benefits of judo: body, mind and club life
- How much does judo cost? Every expense in a season
- How to choose a judo club near you: what to check
- How to wash a judo gi: temperature, drying and smell
- Judo exercises at home: how to train without a partner
- Judo for adult beginners: starting at 30, 40 or 50
- Judo for kids: what age should your child start?
- Judo for self defense: what it really gives you, and its limits
- Judo for toddlers and preschoolers: classes for ages 3 to 5
- Judo gi buying guide: weave, fit and size explained
- Judo gi size chart: how to pick the right size
- Judo strength and conditioning: what to train and when
- Judo warm-up: a 15-minute routine before class or competition
- Judo weight training: the lifts that matter and how often
- Nage-komi in judo: drilling full throws safely
- Taiso judo: the no-throw fitness class some judo clubs run
- Uchi-komi in judo: drills, variations and how many reps
- Women's judo: history, mixed classes, kit and competition
- Cauliflower ear: causes, early signs, treatment and prevention
- Cutting weight for judo: how to change weight class safely
- Finger taping for judo and BJJ: protect your fingers
- Judo injuries: the most common ones and how to avoid them
- Judo knee injury: ACL and MCL sprains, and coming back
- Judo recovery: sleep, hydration, active rest and your week
- Judo shoulder injury: AC joint separation and prevention
- IJF world ranking: how the judo world ranking list works
- IJF World Tour explained: Grand Slam, Grand Prix, Worlds
- Judo competition bag checklist: what to pack
- Judo competition levels: from club events to the IJF
- Judo opponent scouting: how to analyze an opponent
- Judo stats to track: the numbers that help you improve
- Judo training journal: what to write and how
- Paris Grand Slam judo: history of the Paris tournament