jujitsu

Sport of Japanese origin based on throws, holds and blows to vital points of the body; it gave rise to judo.

competition area

Surface for practicing jujitsu.

scorekeepers

One of two officials who register the contestants’ points and penalties, as given by the referee.

contestant

One of two athletes who confront each other in a bout; contestants are usually classified into weight categories.

obi

Long wide belt that is tied around the waist to close the jacket; its color indicates the contestant’s level.

gi

Clothing worn when practicing jujitsu; it includes a cotton jacket and pants, which are usually white.

tatami

Thick mat with an area of 40 ft2 that is made up of smaller mat squares; jujitsu is practiced on it.

side referee

Two officials who stand outside the contest area and assist the chief referee; they are involved in the scoring of contestants.

physicians

Physicians tend to the contestants in the event of injury; their presence is mandatory and they may end a bout in the event of serious injury.

warning area

Red band that is 3.2 ft wide; it delimits the contest area.

safety area

Surface that is 3.2 ft wide and surrounds the warning area; it protects a contestant who is thrown out of the contest area.

contest area

Surface with an area of 26 ft2 on which the bout takes place.

timekeeper

Official who monitors the duration of the bout.

chief referee

Official who enforces the rules, directs the bout and awards the points and penalties to the contestants.