randori

Randori (乱取り) is a term used in several Japanese martial arts to describe free-form practice or sparring, usually with a focus on applying technique in the face of resistance. The word combines elements meaning “disorder” and “taking,” reflecting the unstructured nature of the drill. In practice, randori can involve a single opponent offering resistance or, in some schools, scenarios with multiple attackers or attackers changing rapidly.

In judo, randori is a core training method that emphasizes applying throws and groundwork against an actively resisting partner. It is conducted under safety rules to develop balance, timing, and fluidity of movement rather than to score points in a formal contest. Participants typically practice with a high level of control and gradually increase the complexity and intensity of attacks as skill grows. Randori sessions are usually supervised by instructors and form part of standard progression toward higher rankings.

In aikido, randori commonly involves defending against several attackers in a controlled, continuous sequence. The emphasis is on blending with an attacker’s force, redirecting momentum, and applying joint locks or pins with safety in mind. Weapons randori, when used, may incorporate wooden weapons or practice swords and follow similar principles of timing and posture.

Outside these arts, randori appears in various forms of free sparring or free-style practice, signaling a stage beyond fixed drills or kata where practitioners test adaptability and responsiveness. Across disciplines, randori is distinguished by its focus on practical application, partner cooperation, and the gradual escalation of resistance and complexity under guided supervision.