Judo Rules: Learn the fundamentals of the sport

2 years back Kesia Araujo 12 minutes reading time

Judo is a Japanese martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It blends techniques from jiu-jitsu and other martial arts traditions. In Brazil, more than 2 million people practice judo, 1 million of them in São Paulo. Judo rules aim to promote safety and efficiency in competitions.

Origin and history of judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Kano founded the Kodokan Institute in the same year. There, he developed and taught the techniques and philosophies of the sport.

He used elements of Ju-Jutsu to create an effective practice for self-defense and physical and mental strengthening. After World War II, judo spread throughout the world.

Judo has become a Olympic modality in 1972. Before that, it was demonstrated in 1964 at the Tokyo Games. This helped make it more popular worldwide.

The concept of judo

Judo was created by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Japan. It is a martial art that combines physical and spiritual strength. Techniques include attack and body defense.

After World War II, judo spread throughout the world. Brazil stood out, winning many titles in this sport.

What is judo?

THE definition of judo it's a sport and a martial art. It seeks efficiency in the use of physical and mental energy. In competitions, it is practiced as ippon-shobu.

This practice improves the body and mind. It prepares people to face life's challenges.

Philosophical principles

THE philosophy of judo has important values. They are expressed in moral code. These values include courtesy, courage, honesty, and more.

These principles guide the judoka training. They transform training into a journey of personal and moral growth.

Objectives of judo

Judo's goals go beyond competition. They include physical development and fighting spirit. They also promote morale and health.

Judo helps overcome personal limits. It promotes discipline and resilience.

History	Details
Creator	Jigoro Kano
Creation Date	1882
Olympic Introduction	1972 for men, 1992 for women
Country with Most Titles	Brazil

Equipment used in judo

Judo requires specific equipment to be practiced correctly. This equipment ensures athletes' comfort and safety.

Judogi and belt

THE judo uniform, or judogi, has four pieces: Wagi, Shitabaki, Obi and Patch. The banner, or Obi, shows the graduation by belts of the judoka. The Wagi must cover the arms completely.

Judokas wear a white t-shirt underneath the women's judogi.

Tatami and Dojo

The dojo is where judokas train and compete. The tatami, measuring 14 meters by 10 meters, is where the matches take place. It is designed to cushion falls and protect against injuries.

Protective equipment

For the safety in judo, mouthguards and joint supports are used. These devices help prevent injuries.

To learn more about judo rules and equipment, see this complete guide to judo.

Basic fundamentals of judo

Judo fundamentals are essential for effective and safe practice. They include posture, grip, and movement. These are the foundations for all judo techniques.

Posture (Shisei)

Good posture is essential for balance in a fight. It helps execute techniques and protects against your opponent's attacks. A solid posture is crucial for good positioning.

Footprint (Kumi-kata)

The grip, or Kumi-kata, is very important in fighting strategyHow we hold our opponent can influence the success of a technique. An effective grip provides control and facilitates strikes.

Movement (Shintai)

Movement, or Shintai, is how we move on the mat. Good movement is key to the effectiveness of techniques. Constant movement challenges the opponent and creates attacking opportunities.

Mastery of these basic skills is the foundation for more advanced techniques. Good positioning, strategy, and combat dynamics can change the outcome of a fight. Practicing these fundamentals correctly prepares the athlete for challenges.

Judo techniques

Judo is a martial art Full of history and philosophy, it has refined and well-structured techniques. These techniques are divided into two broad categories: standing techniques and ground techniques.

Standing Techniques (Nage-Waza)

To the Nage-Waza are used to take down an opponent with the hips, arms, and legs. There are 10 main types of throwing techniques. These techniques are divided into five phases called go-kyo-no-waza.

In 1934, the Gokyo-no-waza included 40 different projection techniques.

The projection phases are:

Kumikata: Grip on the kimono
Kuzushi: Imbalance
Tsukuri: Positioning
Kake: Projection

It's important to keep your body relaxed and agile during these steps. To learn more about the rules of Judo, see here.

Ground techniques (Katame-Waza)

To the Katame-Waza focus on ground strokes and are essential in combat strategy. These include immobilization techniques, chokes, and armbars. There are 11 important control techniques in competition.

Immobilization techniques control the opponent. Choking and armlock techniques force submission.

There are techniques to cushion falls, called ukemi-waza. They are important to avoid injuries. Judo teaches fighting skills and practices for various situations.

The grip techniques (kumi-kata) and displacement (shintai) are fundamental. The shintai helps maintain proper posture and follow the opponent's movements. tai-sabaki is essential for an effective defense.

Technique	Description
Nage-Waza	Projections using hips, arms and legs.
Katame-Waza	Immobilization, strangulation and armlock techniques.

Practicing these techniques helps judokas develop skills useful in competitions and real-life situations. For more information on the rules and principles of judo, see the website.

Scoring and fight time

THE points system in judo is crucial in defining who wins a fight. The main points are the ippon and the wazari. They show the quality of the techniques used.

Types of points

THE ippon is given when someone performs a perfect technique and knocks the opponent onto their back. Or when they immobilize the opponent for a certain amount of time. wazari is for less perfect, but important falls. Two wazari are like one ippon.

Shido are penalties that can be given. If a judoka receives three shido, they lose the match.

Duration of the fight

A judo match lasts four minutes for both men and women. The match can end with an ippon or wazari. However, penalties do not decide the winner, except in cases of disqualification.

Golden score

If there's no winner within four minutes and the fight is tied, the fight goes to Golden Score. During this extra time, whoever scores a point or is penalized decides the fight. Golden Score adds excitement and challenge, valuing skill and endurance.

Judo belts and ranks

In judo, the grading system is crucial for measuring the progress of practitioners. skill levels are marked by colored bands, each indicating a stage of learning. Let's see how these ranks work and what they represent for judokas.

Ranking by belts (Kyu)

The classification begins with a white belt, for beginners, symbolizing purity and openness. Practitioners progress through belts such as gray, blue, purple, and brown. Each of these belts represents advancement in skills and techniques.

White Belt
White/Gray Belt
Gray Belt
Gray/Blue Stripe
Blue Belt
Yellow Belt
Orange Belt
Green Belt
Purple Belt
Brown Belt
Black Belt

For example, a white belt can take a quarter to advance, while a Gokyu belt can take about 12 months. Some people can jump directly from white to blue belt if they're over 16.

Advanced degrees (Dan)

Advanced ranks begin with the black belt, at the Dan level. Each black belt has sublevels up to 5th Dan. After 5th Dan comes the coral belt, striped red and white, and finally the red belt.

Level	Range	Description
6th Dan	Coral Band	Represents substantial experience and progress.
9th-10th Dan	Red Belt	Reserved for judo masters with exceptional mastery.

In 1883, Tsunejiro Tomita and Shiro Saigo were the first to receive 1st Dan. Yoshiaki Yamashita achieved 10th Dan in 1935, thanks to Kano. It typically takes 58 years to reach 10th Dan.

For more information on the history and ranks of judo, see our website.

Judo rules in competitions

Judo competitions have strict rules for safety and fairness. They take place on a mat measuring 14 to 16 square meters per side. The match lasts up to five minutes.

To win, you need to score an ippon. This means forcefully pinning your opponent to the ground on their back. If there's no ippon, the winner is the one with the greater advantage.

There are several scoring methods, such as ippon, wazari, yuko, and koka. Ippon is the highest. Competitors can also win with immobilization techniques, such as osae-komi.

If the rules are not followed, there may be penalties. shidos are punishments for bad attitudes or lack of effort. Three shidos may lead to disqualification.

THE hansoku-make is the most severe penalty, leading to immediate disqualification. Competitions are divided by weight to ensure fairness. The attire, like the judogi, is blue or white.

Since 2018, it is no longer possible to decide fights by shidos in case of a tie. This makes the competition fairer, based on techniques and skill.

FAQ

What are the principles of judo?

Judo's principles include defensive and offensive techniques. They also encompass courtesy, courage, honesty, honor, modesty, respect, self-control, and friendship. It was created by Jigoro Kano in 1882 to improve the physical, mental, moral, and social well-being of its practitioners.

Who was Jigoro Kano?

Jigoro Kano was the creator of judo, a Japanese martial art. He founded judo in 1882, blending techniques from various martial arts, such as jiu-jitsu. Kano also founded the Kodokan Institute in Tokyo to teach and promote judo.

What is the Kodokan Institute?

The Kodokan Institute was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 in Tokyo. It is the original institution for the teaching and development of judo. It serves as a center for the dissemination and training of judo techniques and philosophy.

When did judo become an Olympic sport?

Judo was included in the 1972 Munich Olympics. Since then, it has been an Olympic sport, with rules for safety and fairness in competitions.

What equipment is used in judo?

Equipment includes a judogi and a belt, which indicates the judoka's rank. Fights take place in a dojo, with mats to cushion falls. Protective equipment, such as mouth guards, is used for safety.

What is the judogi and the belt?

The judogi is the judo uniform, which can be white or blue. The belt indicates the practitioner's rank, ranging from white for beginners to black, and colors for advanced.

Where are judo fights held?

Judo matches take place in a dojo, with mats designed to absorb falls and reduce the risk of injury.

What are the basic techniques of judo?

Basic techniques include posture, grip, and movement. Shisei maintains balance, Kumi-kata involves holding the opponent, and Shintai involves strategic movement.

What are standing (Nage-Waza) and ground (Katame-Waza) techniques?

Nage-Waza are standing techniques used to take down an opponent. Katame-Waza are ground techniques used to immobilize, strangle, and control an opponent on the ground.

How does the judo scoring system work?

The scoring system includes ippon, which ends the fight, and wazari, which is worth one point. If no full points are awarded, the fight goes to Golden Score, where the first to score wins.

What are the rank belts in judo?

Belts start with white for beginners (Kyu) and go up to brown. More experienced students achieve advanced ranks (Dan), starting with black belt and progressing to red for masters.

What are the rules for judo competitions?

The rules include the use of blue or white uniforms, fighting on mats, and penalties such as shidos and hansoku-make. Matches last five minutes and are scored based on takedowns and immobilizations.

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