In Judo therapy, not every injury calls for a hard cast or rigid metal brace. Often, the most effective and compassionate care comes through soft fixation—materials that are lightweight, flexible, and comfortable for the patient, yet still provide essential support for healing. These soft tools are foundational in clinics across Japan and play a key role in the hands of skilled Judo therapists.

Bandages are among the most essential materials in any therapist’s toolkit. Non-elastic bandages, typically made of cotton, are used when firm stabilization is needed, such as in cases of fractures or dislocations. Their inability to stretch helps keep the injured area immobile, which is critical for proper healing. Training versions often have blue guide lines to help students practice wrapping correctly. On the other hand, elastic bandages offer gentle compression and are excellent for managing swelling in cases like sprains or contusions. Their flexibility allows for comfortable use but limits their effectiveness when strong immobilization is needed. Choosing between the two depends on the condition—non-elastic for stability, elastic for light support and swelling control.

To ensure comfort and safety, therapists also use a simple yet invaluable item known as the *menka chinshi*, or cotton cushion. This is a soft cotton pad wrapped in gauze and placed under bandages, especially in delicate areas like underarms, elbows, or behind the knees. Its main role is to protect nerves and blood vessels from unnecessary pressure. In its absence, a folded towel can serve the same purpose—comfort and protection always take priority.

Another soft fixation essential is the triangular bandage. This versatile piece of cloth functions like the Swiss army knife of first aid—it can serve as a sling for arm injuries, be folded for gentle compression, or even be fashioned into a tourniquet in emergencies. Every Judo therapy student learns to use one because it’s practical, adaptable, and indispensable in many clinical scenarios.

Then there’s the *Jusei Pad*, or Judo therapy pad, a felt pad that provides soft, localized pressure when needed. Therapists can cut it to custom sizes, making it ideal for managing swelling or cushioning hard materials. Sometimes rubber or soft foam can substitute, showing that adaptability is a key trait in Judo therapy. Though simple in appearance, the Jusei Pad is often considered a secret weapon in treatment.

Store-bought joint supports, like elastic sleeves for knees or wrists, are also part of the soft fixation landscape. These are easy to wear, provide warmth, and promote rest. Some even include light metal inserts for added stability. While Judo therapy favors custom-made solutions tailored to each patient, these ready-made supports are convenient and useful, especially during recovery or for daily use.

One of the unique aspects of Judo therapy is the therapist’s role as a craftsman. Rather than rely solely on commercial products, therapists often create their own tools—wrapping metal splints with cotton and bandages, improvising with triangular cloths, or repurposing unused materials to reduce waste. This hands-on, individualized approach emphasizes creativity, precision, and patient-centered care.

Despite their gentle appearance, soft fixation materials are powerful. They support injured areas without overly restricting movement, help reduce swelling and pain, and often complement more rigid tools for a comprehensive treatment approach. Learning to use these materials well requires more than technique—it demands the ability to understand the body's signals, adapt with care, and apply healing with balance and insight.

For those who want to study Judo therapy seriously, working with authentic Japanese materials is highly recommended. These tools are not only part of the tradition but also enhance the learning experience. Many Japanese suppliers offer international shipping, making them accessible to practitioners worldwide. Mastering soft fixation is more than learning to wrap—it’s about understanding the art of healing with both strength and sensitivity.

2 Basic bandaging techniques

**Bandaging Basics in Judo Therapy: A Simple Guide for Beginners**

In Judo therapy, bandaging is far more than simply wrapping an injury—it is a careful and traditional practice that requires both skill and mindfulness. From stabilizing a fracture to easing the discomfort of a sprain, how you apply a bandage can make a significant impact on a patient’s recovery.

There are two primary ways to hold a bandage. The first is the whole palm grip, which offers easy control and a stable wrap, making it ideal for beginners. Though it may be a bit slower, it provides reliable tension and comfort. The second is the thumb and middle finger grip, which allows for faster, smoother wrapping. This method requires a tightly rolled bandage and is best suited for those with more experience. Beginners are encouraged to start with the palm grip to build confidence before moving on to the faster technique.

Understanding the direction in which a bandage is rolled is also crucial. The standard method, known as *jun-maki* (normal rolling), involves rolling the bandage from left to right using the right hand. This is the conventional technique taught in Judo therapy and helps apply even pressure. Alternatively, *gyaku-maki* (reverse rolling) rolls from right to left and is not part of the formal curriculum. However, some left-handed or highly experienced therapists may use this approach based on preference.

The orientation of the bandage surface also matters. In *omote-maki* (front rolling), the inner surface of the bandage makes contact with the patient’s skin, promoting a smooth and evenly distributed pressure. This method is officially recommended. In contrast, *ura-maki* (back rolling), where the outer surface touches the skin, can lead to uneven compression and potential circulation issues. As a general rule, bandages should always be rolled gently across the skin rather than pulled tightly to avoid swelling or numbness.

When beginning a wrap, it’s helpful to fold a small flap at the start to create a secure anchor. All of the bandage material should be used—rather than cutting any leftover portion, simply wrap it around again to conserve resources. To finish the wrap, you can use medical paper tape or fold the end into a triangle and tape it down. Traditional metal clips are best avoided, as they can scratch or poke the skin.

Some situations call for an extra pair of hands, especially when covering large areas, working with splints or rigid supports, or ensuring even tension across a joint. In such cases, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

There’s also a unique cultural aspect to bandaging in Japan. Therapists often reuse and wash their bandages, allowing them to soften and become more flexible with time. These softened, well-used bandages are affectionately called “grown” bandages. Like a seasoned tool, they become more effective the longer they are used.

For those practicing outside Japan, it might be difficult to find traditional Judo therapy supplies such as Japanese-style bandages or stoppers. However, these materials can often be sourced through Amazon Japan, specialized online shops, or Japanese suppliers that offer international shipping.

Proper bandaging is one of the core skills in Judo therapy. It ensures patient safety, supports healing, and demonstrates the therapist’s attentiveness and professionalism. Mastering this simple but profound technique means carrying forward the spirit of Judo therapy with every wrap.

3 Kikko-tai (Turtle shell method)

In Judo therapy, there’s a beautifully practical method for wrapping joints called *Kikko-tai*, or the Turtle Shell Method. Inspired by the shape of a turtle's shell or a traditional Japanese folding fan, this technique is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally smart. It’s especially useful for joints like the elbows and knees that require support while still needing some degree of movement. Unlike rigid bandaging methods that restrict circulation, Kikko-tai stabilizes the joint without making it overly stiff, which promotes healing, encourages healthy blood flow, and helps prevent stiffness.

This method is particularly favored when bandaging joints in a bent position. For example, wrapping a straightened elbow or knee too tightly can obstruct circulation, so spiral wrapping (known as Rasen-tai) is avoided in these areas. Instead, the joint is bent—usually to about 90 degrees—and the Kikko-tai technique is applied. There are two main styles: *Rikai Kikko-tai* begins from the center and fans outward, while *Shugo Kikko-tai* starts from the outer edges and wraps inward toward the center. Both styles create a layered, shell-like structure that provides secure, flexible support.

To apply Kikko-tai, the joint is first bent and a simple base layer—called Kanko-tai—is wrapped to anchor the bandage. Then, the chosen Kikko-tai style is applied, with careful overlapping to ensure a snug and even fit. After the main wrap, another base layer is added and secured using tape or a bandage clip. If your goal is to focus support directly on the joint, both the Rikai and Shugo styles can be combined for maximum effect. However, if the bandaging is just passing through a joint as part of a full-limb wrap, one method will typically suffice.

Kikko-tai works because it provides controlled stability without locking the joint, evenly distributes pressure, and adapts well to both acute injuries and chronic joint conditions. Still, common mistakes can reduce its effectiveness—wrapping too tightly or too loosely, failing to overlap properly, or not adjusting the bandage to suit the shape of the joint are all things to avoid. With practice, soft and well-used bandages, and a careful eye for joint anatomy, anyone can improve their technique.

But beyond its clinical value, Kikko-tai carries cultural significance. The turtle shell symbolizes strength and longevity, while the folding fan represents refined skill and elegance. In using this technique, Judo therapists are not just practicing effective treatment—they are also carrying forward a piece of Japanese tradition, blending healing with heritage.

4 Shoulder joint treatment

In Judo therapy, shoulder injuries are especially common during techniques like *Seoi Nage* or from poor landings during falls. Because the shoulder is such a mobile and complex joint, it’s also one of the easiest to injure. Dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and joint sprains all require immediate care—and proper immobilization is a key step in promoting healing and preventing further damage. One practical and effective method used in Judo therapy is shoulder immobilization with cardboard splints.

Cardboard splints are an ideal choice for several reasons. They’re lightweight, easy to cut, affordable, and readily available, making them especially useful in both clinical and emergency settings. Because they can be shaped to fit any body type, they offer a customizable approach to care that can be quickly adapted to the needs of each patient.

To begin the immobilization process, two cardboard splints should be cut to fit the front and back of the shoulder. The inside of each splint is padded with cotton to protect the skin and prevent irritation. The patient’s arm is then wrapped using the *Kanko-Tai* method, starting with a circular bandage around the upper arm to hold the splints in place. Once the splints are positioned—one at the front and one at the back of the shoulder—the shoulder should be kept in a natural, resting position.

Next, the *Rasen-Tai* or spiral wrapping technique is used to secure the splints, with bandages spiraling from the arm toward the shoulder. The bandage should be firm enough to hold everything in place, but not so tight that it causes discomfort or restricts circulation. To protect the nerves and blood vessels in the armpit, a soft cotton pad is placed beneath the arm. After that, the *Bakusui-Tai*, or figure-eight wrap, is applied around the arm and torso to stabilize the shoulder further. The entire structure is then secured with another circular wrap, fastened using medical tape or a clip.

For minor shoulder injuries, a simple triangular sling may be enough to provide support. However, in more serious cases, additional immobilization like casting may be required. Regardless of severity, always remember to pad the skin carefully to prevent irritation or pressure injuries.

This technique illustrates the core values of Judo therapy: resourcefulness, attentiveness, and a focus on patient well-being. Even with something as basic as cardboard, a Judo therapist can offer high-quality care that supports recovery and reduces pain. By mastering this method, practitioners ensure they are prepared to treat one of the body’s most vital—and vulnerable—joints with confidence and skill.

 

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