Glossary of Judo terminology

Back of the collar

The term, "Back of the collar" refers to the back side of the Judo uniform collar. Although the back of the collar can be grasped for one or two seconds when executing a Waza in competition, grasping if for longer will draw a "Shido" (Instruction / Light penalty). When executing an Osoto-gari (Large outer reap), etc., in which the opponent's leg is reaped from behind in a large reaping motion, Tori (Player executing technique) will grasp the back of Uke's (Player receiving opponent's attack) collar and pull him forward in order to increase the efficacy of the Waza. The back of the collar is easier to grasp when the opponent is shorter than you, and in such cases this grasp may be used to lift the opponent and throw him.