Randori is a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe free-style practice. The term denotes an exercise in 取り tori, applying technique to a random succession of uke attacks. The actual connotation of randori depends on the martial art it is used in. In judo, jujitsu, and Shodokan aikido, among others, it most often refers to one-on-one sparring where partners attempt to resist and counter each other's techniques. In other styles of aikido, in particular Aikikai, it refers to a form of practice in which a designated aikidoka defends against multiple attackers in quick succession without knowing how they will attack or in what order.
The term is used in aikido, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsudojos outside Japan. In Japan, this form of practice is called taninzu-gake, which literally means multiple attackers.
In Judo
The term was described by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, in a speech at the 1932 Los AngelesOlympic Games: "Randori, meaning "free exercise", is practiced under conditions of actual contest. It includes throwing, choking, holding the opponent down, and bending or twisting of the arms. The two combatants may use whatever methods they like provided they do not hurt each other and obey the rules of Judo concerning etiquette, which are essential to its proper working." There are 2 types of Randori.
In Tenshin Aikido
In Steven Seagal's Tenshin Aikido Federation, randori is different from that of Aikikai, in that the attackers can do anything to the defender, and the randori continues on the ground until a pin.
In Kendo
In kendo, jigeiko means "friendly" free combat, as in competition, but without counting points.
In Karate
Although in karatethe wordkumite is usually reserved for sparring, some schools also employ the term randori with regard to "mock-combat" in which both karateka move very fast, parrying and attempting acts of extreme violence with all four limbs, yet only ever making the slightest contact. Total control of the body is necessary, and therefore only the senior grades can typically practice randori. In these schools, the distinction between randori and kumite is that in randori, the action is uninterrupted when a successful technique is applied.
Randori is also practiced in Bujinkan ninjutsu and usually represented to the practitioner when he reaches the "Shodan" level. In ninjutsu, randori puts the practitioner in a position where he is armed or unarmed and is attacked by multiple attackers.
