Greeting Ceremony 挨拶

The judoka who performs the techniques is tori (取り), and the one who receives them is uke (受け).

In Japan, tatami mats typically measure 90 cm by 180 cm, but in Europe the standard is 1 meter by 1 meter. This standard will be used throughout the explanation. The total competition area is normally 8×8 meters (and 10×10 meters for European, World, or Olympic championships).

During the kata, the judogi is not adjusted between sequences. The entire kata is executed without interruption, although discreet adjustments can be made if necessary.

Both judoka stand opposite each other outside the mat (at a distance of 8 mats). Tori faces the shomen (正面 – front), which is the position where the kamiza (上座 – place of honor) is located on the right side (similar to Koshiki-no-kata). Kamiza is the traditional seat of honor, typically reserved for the examiner or dignitaries.

Both judoka perform a standing bow (ritsu rei – 立礼) in front of the tatami by placing their feet in a V-shape (heels together), sliding their hands down to touch the tops of their thighs while keeping the back straight, with the gaze roughly two meters forward.

They then step onto the tatami starting with the left foot, followed by the right.

At a distance of 6 mats, both judoka turn a quarter to the left to bow towards the shomen (ritsu rei – 立礼). They then face each other and bow again while standing.

Next, they each take a large step forward—left foot first, then right—demonstrating a defensive posture, as the encounter has yet to begin. They assume the natural stance (shizen hontai – 自然本体) at about 4 mats apart. From here, tori and uke walk toward each other to a distance of about 2 mats using ayumi-ashi (歩み足 – normal walking motion).