Judo Mats

As with every competitive martial art, safety is key. While it is used as a means of self protection, the story is different in local and international competitions.  You can not just imagine having to throw around people in hard concrete floors and hope that they do not suffer an injury. This is where judo mats come in. Judo mats are provided to absorb the impact of the fall of the competitors. It must absorb the energy and buttress the fall.

Judo mats, or sometimes referred to as grappler mats, are also subject under the rules of the IJF. It is important that mats are used in order that no unwarranted injury is created. The judo mats are growing in popularity in the schools.  

Fashioned from the traditional Japanese tatami, some judo mats are made with rice-straw textured vinyl. The texture is important as it provides non-slip capabilities. Anti-slip judo mats are preferred because this allows for movement in the arena. A judo mat with springing feel is also ideal as this provides a returning action in the arena. This is also ideal so that the mats are not the one that absorbs all the impact. But these mats would prove to be useless if not laid flat on a firm floor. So a firm floor is also necessary.   

While different manufacturers may argue on how to create the perfect judo mat, rest assured that the judo mat s are there to provide safety.