Tatami
The padded matting that covers the competition and training area in many martial arts.
Definition
Tatami is the name given to the matting that covers the floor of the practice and competition area in several martial arts. It provides a firm but cushioned surface, which is important for arts that involve throws, falls and groundwork where practitioners regularly make contact with the floor.
The word comes from traditional Japanese floor mats, and in a sporting context it refers to the modern padded mats laid out to form the fighting area. Its size and edges also help mark the boundaries of the competition space.
Where you’ll hear “tatami”
Sports that use this term:
Judo
A grappling martial art based on throws, holds and control, practised on mats with a partner.
Karate
A striking martial art of punches, kicks and forms, structured around steady progression for all ages.
Aikido
A Japanese martial art that redirects an opponent’s motion through flowing throws, joint movements and calm control.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
A ground-focused grappling art that uses leverage, position and technique to control a partner.
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- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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