Start of Combat

Before a match begins, competitors and officials follow a set entry, greeting, and readiness protocol.

1. 1

   Fighter readiness

   Fighters are responsible for being ready on time, with the permitted protective equipment, for each match and for presenting themselves at the Shobu when called.

2. 2

   Entering and exiting the mat

   Fighters must enter and exit the “Shobu” mat area of the match from the side indicated by the organization.

3. 3

   Aka and Shiro

   The red competitor “Aka” will be the contestant with the lower back number, and the white competitor “Shiro” the one with the higher back number.

4. 4

   Calling the competitors

   As competitors are announced, the center referee (Sushin) will first call the red competitor (Aka), who must enter the competition area (Shobu) from the left side of the official front (Shomen), while announcing “Aka Nakae”. The referee will then call the white competitor (Shiro), who must enter from the right side, while announcing “Shiro Nakae”.

5. 5

   Facing the official seating

   The referee instructs each competitor, upon reaching the line, to turn toward the official seating (Shomen) and assume Fudo Dachi: “Aka / Shiro Shomen Muite”.

6. 6

   Shomen ni Rei

   Once both competitors are in the combat area, the referee proceeds with the opening of the match (Shiai-gaishi) with the formal bow (Aisatsu), with both competitors facing the official seating (Shomen) and bowing at the order: Shomen ni Rei.

   

7. 7

   Sushin ni Rei

   Next, the competitors face the referee and bow at the order: Sushin ni Rei.

   

8. 8

   Otagai ni Rei

   Finally, the competitors face each other and bow at the order: Otagai ni Rei.

   

9. 9

   Kamaete

   After the bows, the referee instructs the competitors to take up their fighting stance at the order: Kamaete.

10. 10

    Hajime

    With this, the referee gives the competitors the order to begin the match with: Hajime.