Welcome to our Judo Rules and Regulations page! Here, you can explore the essential guidelines that govern this dynamic martial art, ensuring fair competition and respect for the spirit of judo.
Current International Contest Rules
In judo, athletes must adhere to a set of rules designed to promote safety and sportsmanship. Penalties can be issued for various infractions, including:
- Passivity: Failing to engage actively in the match.
- Safety Violations: Using prohibited techniques that endanger participants.
- Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any behavior deemed against the spirit of judo.
Fighting must be paused if a contestant steps outside the designated area on the mat.
Weight Divisions
Judo competitions are categorized into specific weight divisions, which may be subject to change by governing bodies. The current divisions are:
Men’s Divisions:
- Under 60 kg (130 lb)
- 60–66 kg (132–146 lb)
- 66–73 kg (146–161 lb)
- 73–81 kg (161–179 lb)
- 81–90 kg (179–198 lb)
- 90–100 kg (200–220 lb)
- Over 100 kg (220 lb)
Women’s Divisions:
- Under 48 kg (106 lb)
- 48–52 kg (106–115 lb)
- 52–57 kg (115–126 lb)
- 57–63 kg (126–139 lb)
- 63–70 kg (139–154 lb)
- 70–78 kg (154–172 lb)
- Over 78 kg (172 lb)
Competition Scoring
Scoring in judo is primarily based on the effectiveness of techniques used during matches:
- Ippon: Awarded for a throw that places the opponent on their back with control and force, winning the contest.
- Waza-ari: Given for a throw that lands the opponent on their back but lacks sufficient force for an ippon. Two waza-ari scores equal one ippon (waza-ari awasete ippon).
- Yuko: Awarded for a throw that places the opponent on their side. Yukos do not accumulate to equal waza-ari.
Ne-waza Scoring:
- An ippon in ne-waza is scored for pinning the opponent on their back for 20 seconds or forcing a submission. A pin lasting less than 20 seconds but more than 15 seconds scores a waza-ari, and a pin lasting less than 15 seconds but more than 10 seconds scores a yuko.
Recent changes have removed the yuko score, and only ippon and waza-ari will be awarded.
Golden Score Rule
If the match ends in a tie, it proceeds to the Golden Score round—a sudden death situation. The clock resets, and the first competitor to score wins. If no score occurs, the winner is determined by the majority opinion of the referee and corner judges.
Penalties
- Shido: Minor infractions are penalized with a shido, which acts as a warning. Up to three shido do not affect the score.
- Hansoku Make: Serious violations lead to disqualification.
Freestyle Judo
Freestyle Judo is an emerging competitive form of judo that embraces a broader range of techniques, integrating elements from various martial arts while maintaining a focus on safety and fairness. It differs from Olympic-style judo, which is more heavily regulated. Freestyle Judo allows for techniques from wrestling, sambo, and modern jiu-jitsu.
Rules for Freestyle Judo:
- Competitions are held in both “Gi” (traditional judo uniform) and “No Gi” (without the uniform).
- Ippon is awarded for a successful throw or submission, while holding or pinning does not score an ippon.
- A superior decision is declared when one contestant scores twelve points more than the opponent.
- The match is awarded to the contestant with the higher score when time expires.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules and regulations of judo is vital for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts. By following these guidelines, we ensure a fair and respectful environment that honors the spirit of judo. Join us in embracing the art of judo, where discipline and skill come together in the pursuit of excellence!