Exploring the Scoring Rules of Judo: A Comprehensive Guide

Il judo is a combat and self-defense sport born in Japan in 1882 thanks to Jigoro Kano. Judo scoring rules are essential for determining the winner of a match and include several criteria based on pins and submission techniques. Here is a summary of the main scoring rules in judo.

The origins of judo

Judo is one of the most respected and practiced martial arts in the worldknown for its emphasis on technique, discipline and mutual respect. Born in Japan at the end of the 19th century, judo has won over millions of practitioners around the world, also becoming an important Olympic sport. In this article we will find out what are the origins of judohis fundamental principlesthe main techniques, the role in international competitions and its social impact. Among the legends of this sport, became an Olympic athlete in Tokyo 1964they are included Yasuhiro Yamashita, Anton Geesink, Neil Adams, Tadahiro Nomura, Shohei Ono, just to name a few. (CONTINUED AFTER VIDEO)

Olympic sport

Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano, a Japanese educator who wanted to create a fighting system that was both effective for self-defense and beneficial to personal development. Kano studied various forms of jujutsu (an ancient Japanese martial art) and synthesized the best and safest techniques, eliminating the dangerous ones, to create a discipline that could be practiced safely.

The practice of judo offers numerous benefits for the physical and mental health. On a physical level, it improves strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular endurance. On a mental level, judo helps develop concentration, reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. (CONTINUED AFTER THE PHOTO)

(Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) / To go with ‘OLY-2024-JUDO-KOR-JPN,FOCUS’ by Claire LEE (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

Judo has a long history tradition in the Olympicsi, with competitions taking place in different weight categories. This has allowed judokas around the world to represent their countries and compete for Olympic glory. Athletes like Tadahiro Nomura (Japan), who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals, and Clarisse Agbegnenou (France), multiple world and Olympic champion, are legends of the discipline.

Seiryoku Zenyo and Jita Kyoei

Seiryoku Zenyo is a principle that emphasizes the importance of using one’s energy efficiently. Instead of relying on brute strength, judo practitioners learn to use their opponent’s movement and energy to execute techniques. This approach allows all people to practice judo effectively.

Jita Kyoei, on the other hand, emphasizes the cooperation and mutual benefit. Judo is not only a means for individual growth, but also for the betterment of the community. Through training and competition, judokas (judo practitioners) learn the importance of mutual respect and collaboration.

The main rules

Judo is a sport structured and regulated by a series of rules established by International Judo Federation (IJF). These rules ensure the safety of practitioners and maintain the integrity and fairness of competitions. Some dangerous techniques, such as neck holds or throws with high risk of injury, are prohibited.

The race is played on a mat called tatami, measuring 14×14 metres, within which there is another 10×10 square which represents the real fighting ground between the athletes. The match usually lasts 5 minutes, time in which the two opponents must be able to close the match. (CONTINUED AFTER THE PHOTO)

Team Japan’s Kanta Nakano (white) competes with Team France’s Matheo Akiana Mongo during the Mixed Team final bout of the Judo World Championship in Abu Dhabi on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP) (Photo by RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Judokas must maintain the control of their opponent while performing techniques to avoid dangerous falls. The referee can stop the fight at any time if he believes that one of the judokas is in danger. Judo matches are supervised by a main referee on the tatami and two judges sitting at the sides. Referees must make quick and accurate decisions regarding scoring and penalties. If there are doubts or disputes, a review video can be used to confirm decisions.

There are two types of penalties, called Shido and Hansoku. The first is assigned, for example, for a long period of stalemate and failure to attack and in general for small infractions. The second, however, concerns serious infractions and determines the athlete’s defeat.

The score and the moves

Ippon is the highest score and ends the fight immediately. It is achieved by performing a perfect throw that does fall the opponent on his back, or through an immobilization held for 20 seconds, or with a joint lock that forces the opponent to submit. Ippon requires control, strength, speed and precision, and is used to knock the opponent onto his back. It is also a winning move to force the opponent to surrender, through a strangulation technique (Shime-waza) or joint lock (Kansetsu-waza).

And Waza-ari is a lower score than Ippon, but still significant. Two Waza-ari equal one Ippon and end the match. In the past, the Yuko score was awarded for actions that did not meet the Waza-ari criteria. However, this type of scoring has been eliminated from the international regulations. (CONTINUED AFTER THE PHOTO)

Team Japan’s Momo Tamaoki (white) competes with Team France’s Faiza Mokdar during the Mixed Team final bout of the Judo World Championship in Abu Dhabi on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Ryan LIM / AFP) (Photo by RYAN LIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Judo matches have a duration of 4 minutes for men and the women at senior level. If at the end of the regular time no athlete has obtained a Ippon, the winner is determined based on the accumulated score (Waza-ari) or penalties of the opponent. If the match is tied at the end of regulation time, the match will proceed “Golden Score”, a sort of extra time in which the first athlete to score any score wins the match. The Golden Score does not have a time limit.

Judo scoring rules are designed to reward technical skill, strategy and fighting spirit. Understanding these rules is essential not only for those who practice judo, but also for spectators who want to appreciate the complexity of the sport.

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2024-06-25 16:13:35
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