Buying judo mats in Canada is more nuanced than it might appear. Between IJF certification requirements, mat thickness options, foam density specs, and the need to source from within the country (to avoid customs delays), there's a lot to navigate. This guide covers everything a judo club or academy owner in Canada needs to know.
Do You Need IJF Approved Mats?
The short answer: it depends on your level of competition.
- Recreational and club training: IJF approval is not required. Standard tatami mats meeting basic safety and density requirements are sufficient.
- Provincial competitions: Requirements vary by province. Contact your provincial judo federation for specific mat specifications.
- National and international competitions: IJF-approved mats are required. Judo Canada follows IJF specifications for all sanctioned events.
For most Canadian clubs, standard tatami mats are the right choice for daily training. If you're hosting sanctioned competitions, verify the IJF requirement with your federation before ordering.
Judo Mat Thickness: 4cm vs 5cm
The two standard thicknesses for judo tatami mats in Canada are:
- 4cm (1 5/8"): The most widely used thickness for club-level judo training. Provides good shock absorption for falls and throws while maintaining a firm surface for footwork and standing techniques.
- 5cm (2"): Preferred for competition setups, clubs with beginner-heavy programs, or facilities with concrete subfloors. The additional thickness provides noticeably better fall protection for inexperienced judoka still learning breakfalls.
Mat Density: Why It Matters
Foam density (measured in kg/m³) determines how well a mat absorbs impact and how long it maintains that performance. Matsuru tatami mats use a 230 kg/m³ foam core — a density that meets professional training standards and holds up under daily club use without compressing unevenly over time.
Cheaper mats often omit density specs entirely. If a supplier can't tell you the foam density, that's a red flag.
Mat Size and Coverage
Matsuru tatami mats are 2m × 1m per piece — the international standard used by Judo Canada and affiliated clubs nationwide. To calculate how many mats you need:
Training area (m²) ÷ 2 = number of mats
Standard Judo Canada minimum training area: 8m × 8m = 64 m² = 32 mats minimum. Add 10–15% for a safety border and future expansion.
Surface Texture
Judo tatami mats have a textured, patterned surface that provides traction for barefoot movement and grip for standing techniques. This is distinct from smooth surface mats, which are designed for no-gi grappling. For judo, always choose tatami surface.
Warranty and Lifespan
Matsuru tatami mats come with a 10-year warranty — one of the longest in the Canadian market. With proper cleaning and mat rotation, they typically last well beyond that. Maintenance is straightforward: mop after every class with an organic mat cleaner and inspect edges quarterly for delamination.
Installation for Judo Clubs
- Lay mats in a brick pattern — each row offset by half a mat to distribute seam stress
- Leave a small gap (2–3 cm) at walls to allow for seasonal expansion
- Add wall mats on any wall within 3–4 feet of the mat edge — critical for safe throwing practice
- For clubs with hardwood subfloors, consider a thin rubber underlay beneath the tatami layer for additional vibration dampening
Ordering Judo Mats in Canada
Matsuru ships from warehouses in BC and Quebec — meaning no customs fees, no duties, and reliable freight delivery to clubs coast to coast. For clubs ordering 20+ mats, our wholesale program provides volume pricing.