Judo equipment list with all 13 items. A judoka needs four: the judogi, a rank belt, an optional mouthguard for sparring and knee pads.
Judo has one of the shortest equipment lists in sport. Four items belong to the judoka, and two of them, the gi and the belt, are all anyone needs to step onto the mat. Five belong to the club, including tatami mats, rule books, scoreboards and training dummies, and four describe the dojo itself: matted training hall, changing rooms with lockers, spectator seating and storage. The table below lists all 13 with what each one does.
- What equipment do you need for judo?
- A judogi and a belt. The club supplies the mats, and a mouthguard and knee pads are optional additions for sparring, which makes judo one of the cheapest sports to start.
- What is the most important item in judo?
- The judogi. The whole sport is built on gripping the jacket, so the weave has to hold a grip and survive being pulled by an opponent for years, which is why a judo gi is heavier than a karate one.
- What does a beginner buy first?
- A single weave gi and a white belt. Many clubs lend a gi for the first weeks, and a beginner should learn the sizing system, where a size 3 is roughly a 175 cm adult, before ordering.
- What is the difference between a judo gi and a BJJ gi?
- Cut and weave. A judo jacket is longer and wider in the sleeve so the grips defined in the rules are possible, while a BJJ gi is tighter to make gripping harder. They are not interchangeable in competition.
Judo Equipment at a Glance
The first four rows are the judoka's own kit, and two of them are optional. Everything below belongs to the club or to the building.
| Item | What it does | Who supplies it |
|---|---|---|
| Judogithe uniform | Heavy cotton jacket built to be gripped, plus pants | Player |
| Beltobi | Holds the jacket closed and shows the rank by color | Player |
| Mouthguardoptional, for sparring | Protects teeth when a throw ends closer than planned | Player |
| Knee padsoptional | Cushions kneeling techniques and drop throws | Player |
| Tatami mats | Absorbs the fall, which happens on every single throw | Coach |
| First aid kit | Sprains, mat burns and the occasional finger injury | Coach |
| Rule books and materials | Scoring, penalties and the grading syllabus | Coach |
| Scoreboards | Ippon, waza-ari, penalties and the match clock | Coach |
| Training dummies | Throw repetitions without wearing out a partner | Coach |
| Dojo with proper matting | A hall large enough for a contest area and a safety zone | Facility |
| Changing rooms and lockers | Judo is trained barefoot, so shoes and bags stay outside | Facility |
| Spectator seating | Set back from the mat edge during competitions | Facility |
| Equipment storage | Mats, dummies and scoreboards between sessions | Facility |
Equipment for Judokas
#1 Judo Gi (uniform)
The judo gi is the traditional uniform worn by judokas and is designed to withstand the rigorous grappling and throwing techniques of the sport. Its heavy material aids in grip and serves as an extension of the practitioner in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
FUJI Single Weave Judo Gi
Jacket and pants, no belt
- Weavesingle weave cotton blend
- Includedjacket and pants, belt not included
- Sizeskids 0000 through adult 7
- Pantselastic waistband in sizes 0000 to 0, drawstring above
- Carepre-shrunk, cold wash and hang dry
#2 Belt (Obi)
The belt signifies a judoka's rank and is tied around the waist to secure the jacket of the gi. The color of the belt indicates the skill level of the practitioner, providing a visual representation of their progress and experience within Judo.
FUJI Sports Judo Belt
Cotton twill, felt core
- Material100 percent cotton, 280 GSM twill
- Core500 GSM felt stuffing
- Colorwhite, beginner rank
- Sizesize 3
- Usetraining and competition
#3 Mouthguard
While optional, a mouthguard offers critical protection during sparring. It helps absorb the shock from accidental impacts, safeguarding the teeth and gums from injury and decreasing the risk of concussions, thus promoting safety in a sport involving close physical contact.
Venum Challenger Mouthguard
Boil and bite, vented
- Fitboil and bite, molds to the teeth
- MaterialEVA, absorbs and spreads impact
- Profileslim, low bulk in the mouth
- Airflowvents for breathing and speech
- Includedcarry case
#4 Knee Pads
Knee pads are a protective measure employed by some judokas to prevent injuries. These pads cushion the knees during falls or when performing kneeling techniques, offering support and added safety for joint health over long-term practice.
Tenace Grappling Knee Brace
Gel pad, side stabilizers
- Paddingshock absorbing gel pad over the kneecap
- Supportside stabilizers plus compression
- Strapstwo adjustable straps against slipping
- Fabricbreathable, built for daily mat work
- Sold assingle unit
Equipment for Judo Coaches
#1 Mats (Tatami)
Mats, or tatami, are essential for the safe practice of judo, cushioning falls and providing a suitable surface for training. They must meet specific standards to ensure a balance between appropriate grip and the capacity to absorb impact.
Gold BJJ Home Mats
1.5 inch, tatami surface
- Thickness1.5 inches
- Tiles12 interlocking tiles of 20 by 20 inches
- Coverage33.3 square feet
- Surfacetatami style texture for non slip footwork
- Sidesblack on one face, grey on the other
#2 First Aid Kit
A readily available first aid kit is vital for any sports coach, including judo, to handle minor injuries or emergencies. It ensures that coaches can provide immediate care to their athletes until professional medical treatment can be reached if needed.
#3 Instructional Materials and Rule Books
Coaches rely on instructional materials and rule books to structure learning and ensure compliance with judo principles and competition regulations. These resources are necessary for teaching correct techniques and conducting fair practices and matches.
#4 Scoreboards
Scoreboards are critical for judo competitions, providing a clear and immediate display of scores, penalties, and time. This visibility is crucial for referees, coaches, competitors, and spectators to follow the progress and outcome of matches.
#5 Training Dummies
Training dummies are practical tools for coaches to teach judo techniques. They allow judokas to practice throws and holds with consistent resistance and without risking injury to a partner, particularly useful when learning new maneuvers.
Suples Wrestling Dummy with Legs
55 pounds, throwing dummy
- Weight55 pounds, the small size
- Legsyes, so hip and leg throws work
- Coverblack vinyl
- Usejudo, wrestling, jiu jitsu and MMA throw repetitions
- Noteno shipping outside the USA
Equipment for Facilities
#1 Dojo (Training Hall) with Proper Matting (Tatami)
A dojo provides a dedicated space for judo practitioners to train, complete with Tatami mats that cushion falls and minimize injury risk. The proper flooring is fundamental to judo, as it ensures safety and facilitates the execution of techniques, making it the cornerstone of any judo facility.
#2 Changing Rooms and Lockers
Changing rooms and lockers are essential for participant comfort and security. They offer a private area for athletes to change clothing before and after practice or competitions and secure storage for personal belongings, contributing to the overall functionality and professionalism of the judo facility.
#3 Seating Area for Spectators
A seating area for spectators is crucial during competitions, allowing family, friends, and judo enthusiasts to watch and support the athletes. Adequate spectator accommodations encourage community engagement and make events more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
#4 Equipment Storage Area
An equipment storage area is vital to keep a judo facility organized and efficient. By providing a designated space for mats, training dummies, and other equipment, facilities can prolong the lifespan of their gear, facilitate quick setup for activities, and maintain a tidy environment conducive to training and competition.
Once you're equipped, get inspired with some creative ideas for sharing your judo journey at Judo Instagram captions.
FAQ
What is the equipment you need to play Judo?
A judogi (Judo uniform) and a belt are the equipment you need to play Judo. This attire is designed to withstand the gripping and pulling that characterize Judo techniques.
What is the most important equipment in Judo?
The judogi is the most important equipment in Judo, as it is essential for both training and competition, allowing practitioners to perform a wide range of techniques effectively.
What is a recommended list of Judo equipment for beginners?
Here's a recommended list of Judo equipment for beginners: a well-fitted judogi, a white belt, and comfortable zori or sandals to wear off the mat. Optional items include knee pads and a water bottle.
