Randori
乱取り
Freestyle practice sparring without fixed pre-arranged moves in Judo, Aikido, or Karate.
Quick Facts
Definition
Randori ('taking chaos') is fluid freestyle practice where partners apply techniques against unscripted resistance. Unlike tournament competition (Shiai), Randori emphasizes mutual technical improvement, timing, and learning rather than scoring points.
Related Terms
State of relaxed alertness and sustained mental focus before, during, and after a technique.
Ukemi受身Art of breakfalling safely to absorb impact energy without injury during throws.
Tori取りPractitioner who executes the technique (throw, lock, or defense) in partner training.
Uke受けPractitioner who initiates the attack and receives the partner's defensive technique.
Shiai試合Official competitive match governed by formal rules and referee scoring.