A seasoned judo practitioner has sparked discussion in the martial arts community after expressing concerns about the growing presence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts practitioners in traditional judo dojos.
The judoka, who has several years of experience, detailed instances where newer participants with backgrounds in other grappling arts failed to adhere to judo’s established ruleset and etiquette during practice sessions.
“Last night, I encountered a situation where safety protocols weren’t being respected during randori (practice sparring),” the practitioner shared. “These incidents seem to be occurring more frequently as our sport attracts participants from other disciplines.”
Key concerns highlighted include the application of techniques not permitted in judo’s competition ruleset, particularly during ground work (newaza), and aggressive execution of throws without proper control for partner safety.
Several senior instructors have weighed in on the matter. A former Olympian who now teaches emphasized the importance of proper supervision: “It’s incredibly dojo dependent. As an instructor, you need to be vigilant and create an environment where expectations are clear.”
Another experienced coach suggested implementing formal orientation procedures: “Everyone who’s new to a dojo needs to receive proper documentation about conduct expectations. If someone can’t look after their training partner’s safety, they shouldn’t be practicing.”
The discussion has prompted calls for better communication between different martial arts communities and clearer guidelines for cross-training practitioners. Some dojos have already begun implementing specialized orientation programs for newcomers with prior martial arts experience to ensure safe training environments for all participants.
“It’s just a matter of time and proper guidance from teammates that practitioners from other disciplines learn the rules so everyone can enjoy judo,” noted one BJJ practitioner who recently began training in judo.
The matter continues to generate thoughtful dialogue about maintaining traditional judo values while welcoming newcomers from various martial arts backgrounds.
Full note:
“Why am I Getting Neck Cranked by a Red Belt
Is anyone else getting tired of experienced BJJ/MMA guys joining Judo and just not following our ruleset?
Last night, I got caught in a brutal neck crank and choke combo during randori—tori put it on like he wanted me dead. My arms were tied up, and yelling maitta clearly wouldn’t have meant anything to him. So, I resorted to the classic “Fuuu-” while stomping the mat until Sensei nearly had to step in. Thankfully, it got released before I got full Jason Bourne’d.
Look, I love getting thrown. I love a good scrap. I enjoy walking off the mat with some bruises, because that’s part of the game. But I also like keeping my neck intact?
Lately, I feel like when I pair up with low belts, expecting a technical, respectful randori, I come to find out they’re a BJJ brown belt with an ego.
I’ve been doing Judo for a good few years, and this seems to be happening way more now. Anyone else noticing an influx of BJJ/MMA guys coming into Judo? I’m all for more people getting into the sport, but I feel like someone needs to explain that our newaza isn’t the same as BJJ rolling.
Same goes for stuff like:
Tani-otoshi straight onto my knee—why are you sitting on my ACL, I need that to walk…? Learn it properly or don’t do it at all
Ura-nage like you’re trying to make sure I never get up again. Literally seeing my life flash before my eyes in casual randori
Jita-Kyoei has always been one of the reasons I love Judo, but suddenly I feel like I’ve walked into OG Cobra Kai. Maybe it’s just this club’s culture (only been here about a year), but I’d love to know if anyone else is seeing the same thing & maybe some ways to deal with it without coming off as a whiny jerk to their faces immediately afterwards?”
