TRAD. RULES

We love Judo like its ought to be…

Traditional rules 

WJF member countries

We are doing traditional judo - like it has to be. So traditional rules … with the technics our fathers did. And not every year changing because of sports politics. WJF Judo is traditional judo, like Kano himself has done…

Our Aim


•     To practice Traditional Kodokan judo with values such as traditions and formalities for a better education.

•     Allow and encourage the integration of groundwork in competitions.

•     Encourage upright judo with normal traditional lapel sleeve hold and Shizen hontai (Basic natural posture)

•     Encourage the use of “randori no contest” that is to encourage the use of judo cunningness and skill rather than brute force.

•     Simplify the contest rules of judo, helping the competitor and the referee to further understand the concept of traditional judo.

•     We aim to discourage negative stiff upper arms.

•     Stamp out leg grabbing, to dissuade holding around the neck, pulling opponent onto the mat, and dropping on both knees.

•     Stamp out cheating and bar side mat coaching.

•     We aim to impose order to the public from unnecessary shouting and coaching.

•     Our aim is to reinstate and promote judo discipline, tradition, and formalities, treating judo as a martial art rather than a sport

•     We aim to place trust and respect back to the referee and its judo organisations.

•     Uphold the concept of traditional Kodokan judo and restore faith in our teachings.

•     It is hoped that all WJF countries adopt and accept a contest system that is of tradition and value; 

        it raises the standard and expectations of judo as taught by Professor Jigoro Kano and many past masters. 

        At the same time the rules represent a true guide for the way we must teach, 

        train and educate our students reflecting the true aims and objectives of judo.

•     In short, we aim to create a more level playing field for all judoka, to experience and enjoy all that judo has to offer.




Section 1: The arena


The judo arena must be of a secure construction inclusive of changing rooms for male and female have separate toilet facilities showers if possible, have ample parking facilities and with accessible fire exit escapes



Section 2: Competition Area


a    The actual contest area should be at least 10m x 10 m. 

b    In addition there will be no outlined safety area. 

c    The whole mat area will be used for contest. 


Matte will be called by the referee when the contestants reach the end of the mat area in due time. 


Mat area: 

The mats should be of traditional tatami vinyl or similar material and must comply with a standard thickness of 30-40mm.

Where two mat areas meet, a minimum of 3 m to 4m gap should separate the two contest areas.



Section 3: Judogi


a.     The competitors shall wear an all white traditional judogi that must be in clean order and in good condition for contest. 

The judogi must be fit for its purpose i.e. To be loose and allow flexibility in order to let the opponent to take a safe hold. In addition, the thickness of the jacket lapel must not be so thick to prevent or make it difficult for the opponent to take a hold preventing the function of Shime Waza (Strangulation techniques). Any contestant found to have such a jacket will not be permitted to fight, unless it is replaced with an appropriate jacket;


b.     The sleeves must be long and broad enough to cover the upper wrist. There must be at least 4cm between the end of the sleeve and the wrist; and 4cm within the inside measurements to the shoulder


c.     Only two badges or logos will be permitted on the judogi for competition. Manufacturer’s insignia like shoulder stripes will be permitted, although anything deemed to be excessive will be disallowed. No other form of advertising, name tags or numbering will be permitted;


d.     The trousers should be long enough to reach the ankles and must be loose and not fitted as to restrict movement;


e.     The jacket should be long enough to cover the hips and wide enough to be crossed across the abdomen and held together with the belt around the waist; The belt (obi) shall be long enough to be tied with a secured knot, in order to keep the jacket in place; the belt is to be raped round the waist twice.


f.     Only female judoka will be permitted to wear a white clean plain T-shirt or leotard under their judogi. Male judoka will be permitted to wear a plain white T shirt, only for medical conditions, which will require authorisation prior to the competition.



Section 4: Hygiene


The competitors shall enter their competition in a clean state, short cut finger and toe nails in order to prevent injury, all white judogi, no sharp objects or body piercings, long hair to be tied up with soft hair band, and must be free of body odour.



Section 5: Referee


a.     The male and female referees shall wear their all white clean judogi to the contest. This falls in line with Kodokan tradition.


b.     Female referees shall wear a plain white t-shirt or leotard under their judogi


c.     The referee shall stay within the contest area, conducting all contests, administer judgment and decisions on the contestants, and make sure that all the decisions are recorded correctly with the time table officials. Their role is to impose the correct contest rules set by the WJF and to make sure safety on the mat is maintained. The referee shall be qualified and meet the standards of refereeing set by WJF



Section 6: Competition rules


a.     All contests will be conducted by one referee. 

(There will be a second chair referee who will be seated next to the time officials who will act as an observer referee helping with any clarifications that may be required by the acting referee. The acting referee’s decision will be final.


b.     Only Waza-ari and Ippon will be scored (i.e. no Koka or yuko).


c.     Contestants shall follow a traditional Ritsurei (Standing bow) salutation, Rei, before and after their contest

followed by shizen hontai (basic natural standing posture prier to contest).


d.     Contestants must take hold of each other within three seconds from the standing bow


e.     There will be No side mat coaching permitted at any time.


f.       We will discourage the public from coaching and shouting during contest. This behaviour serves no purpose

and only causes huge distraction and difficulty for the referee and time officials in communicating during

contest.


g.     The WJF upholds a policy of Waza-ari and Ippon for for all competitions and of grading.



Section 7: Ippon and Waza-ari


a.     Ippon score is ten (10) points


b.     Waza-ari score is seven (7) points


c.     Waza-ari Awasete Ippon - Two Waza-ari scores are equal to one Ippon (10)


d.     Ippon will be scored from any accumulation of scores either from standing or groundwork. (25 second hold

down will score Waza-ari 7 points )



Section 8: Osae komi Waza


a.     30 second hold down will score Ippon (10 points)


b.     25 second hold down will score Waza-ari (7points)



Section 9: Shime Waza and Kansetsu Waza (Strangles and Armlocks)


a.     Ippon shall be scored from any submission


b.     Armlocks and Strangles will not be permitted for anyone who is under 14years of age.



Section 10: Penalties (The use of Shido)


• The referee will announce Shido as a first penalty points against any infringements in contest.


• Shido will be scored as three (3) points against. Normally for a first minor infringement of the rules.


• Chui will be scored as five (5) points against. (Normally for a second infringement of the rules or can be also

instantley awarded for a slightly more than minor infringements of the rules.)


• Keikoku will be scored as seven (7) points against. Normally used on a third infringement of the rules 

(Any two infringements of Keikoku will result to Hansoku make (disqualification) A Keikoku can be instantley

awarded for a more serious infringement of the rules.)


• Hansoku make disqualification ten (10) points against. (Hansoku make can instantley be awarded for any

serious infringements during the contest which may put a contestant in danger, threatened or may cause

serious injury.)


• If no Ippon or Wazari has been awarded during the contest, the Shido penalty awards will be used to

determine the winner


• In circumstances where a contestant has acquired a Shido but then the same contestant performs

outstanding superior judo skill he /she may be awarded Yushei Gachi win by three points ,

even though they may have a Shido against them .This decision may only happen with a Shido score



Section 11: Scoring


a.     Yusei-gachi; (Win by superiority) where no score has been awarded to either of the contestants, the referee will then award Yusei-gachi to the winning candidate. - Equal to 3 point score


b.     No Added extra time: The referee will make a decision to the contestants as there will be no extra time allocated, no golden score.


c.     Ippon: is scored when uke is clearly thrown onto their back, the throw shall consist of speed and control. Ippon may also be scored when uke has been held down onto their back for the period of 30 seconds or has submitted to any shime or Kansetsu Waza techniques.


d.     Waza-ari-Awasete-Ippon: Where the referee has scored two Waza-ari shall call Waza-ari Awasete Ippon 10 point win by accumulation of two 7 score wins. (Waza-ari is the only score that is allowed to be accumulated).


e.     Sogo-gachi: Where a contestant has been penalised with Keikoku and further violates the rules, the referee will retire the contestants to the centre of the mat and award Hansoku Make (Ippon to the winning contestant who has not incurred any or lower penalties). Sogo –Gachi win by Disqualification


f.     Osaekomi: Shall be called when in ground work when a contestant is securely holding and controlling the opponent on their back and shoulders.


g.     Toketa: Hold down Broken is called when the contestant manages to escape from the hold down by either turning off their shoulders or engage in the entanglement of tori’s legs.


h.     Fusen-gachi: (Win by default) If a contestant fails to appear for their contest when called, for any reason then the referee shall award the opponent in waiting Fusen-gachi. Fusen-gachi may also be awarded to a contestant that injures his opponent and is found to be at fault.


i.     Kiken-gachi: (Win by withdrawal) should a contestant decline to compete for any reason and withdraws during the contest, the opponent will be declared the winner by Kiken-gachi win by withdrawal.


j.     Doji Ippon: (Simultaneous Ippon) in unusual cases when opponents score Ippon by throwing each other simultaneously, no score will be awarded, and the contest will continue. If no further score is achieved and the contestants obtain the same result then Yusei-Gachi (win by superiority) will be called. In cases of team competition only, Hikiwake (Draw) may be used.


k.     Maitta: (verbal submission - give up) when Maitta is called by the contestant, Ippon will be awarded to the opponent.



Section 12: Children


Armlocks and strangles


a.     All children above 14 years old will be permitted to use Armlocks and strangles. Children of 14 years or under

will not be allowed to use Armlocks or strangles/chokes.


b.     WJF’s child protection policy will be applied at all times and safety will always take precedence in all decision

making.



Section 13: ContestProcedure


 a.     A valid and up-to-date licence must be shown prior to competition. 

If the licence has expired the contestant will not be permitted to compete.


b.     Weighing in - Only the removal of the judo jacket will be permitted.


c.     Competitors will present themselves on the mat area to register and for inspection. On entering the contest

area you will be requested to wait in line on the edge of the mat. You will be identified, and whilst there the

contest regulation will be summarised. All competitors will then be allowed to warm up before competing.


d.     The referee will stand opposite the competitors who will line up. After the call of Shimban Ni Rei, all

competitors shall perform a standing bow to the referee who at the same time returns the salutation. The

competitors will then retire to their allocated position where they will wait to be called for their contests.


e.     The referee will then position himself in the middle of the contest area facing the time table officials who will

then call for the first two competitors to come forward for contest.


f.     The first name which is called out will be of red corner, and the second name being called out will be of white

corner. The scoring board will indicate the score of the red and the white corner competitor.


g.     The commencement of the contest: When the two contestants are called they will both stand at each corner

of the contest area on either side of the table officials. The referee will signal them to walk on the outside perimeter of the safety area stopping opposite each other by their respective starting position in a shizen hontai (natural standing posture. They wait once again until the referee instructs them to meet in the centre contest starting position once again in a Shizen hontai posture. The contestant wearing the red belt will enter the designated red side which will be visibly marked. This procedure shall be reversed when the contest is over.


h.     Hajime: The referee shall call Rei to both contestants. Both contestants will then make a formal ritsurei standing bow and will then, take one small step forward, leading with their left foot to stand in a shizentai hontai posture. The referee will then step forward with his right foot and will call Hajime for the start of the contest.


i.     Contest finish (Soremade): at the end of the contest the contestants will retire to their original starting position. The referee will then stand between the competitors by stepping forward with the right foot, and raising either arm upward in the direction of the victor to announce and indicate the result of the contest. The referee will then return to their original position by stepping back on with the left foot calling Rei to finish. The competitors will be expected to Rei to each from a ritsurei formal standing bow, and then retreat by walking backwards out of the contest area in a slow controlled manor.



Section 14: Time table officials


a.     The time keeper official table will be positioned outside the contest area and will function directly opposite the referee, and should be positioned so that it is visible to all.


b.     The time keeper table will comprise of two officials one on the scoreboard and the other working on the score sheets.



Section 15: Bad behaviour


1.     Violence, abuse and threatening behaviour to any official will not be tolerated; anyone or any club that exhibits such conduct will be immediately disqualified, and can be banned from future competitions.


2.     Drugs: Any Judoka found to be taking any form of illegal substances, including performance enhancing drugs will be immediately disqualified, subjected to future bans and may even face legal action.


3.     Anybody found to contravene the competition requirements can, and will be refused the right to compete.



Section 16: Mat Marshal


This is the most senior referee and the highest authority on any tournament. The Mat Marshal shall be of experience and represent the WJF (Organisation), its policies and the general guidance in all disputes. Any complaints or queries are to be addressed to the mat marshal. If any individual is dissatisfied then they put it in writing addressed to the head office where the technical committee will address the complaint or query.



Section 17: Contest time

Contest times allocated for each category will be decided prior to the commencement of competition and all competitors will be notified. The following are recommended contest times but may be subject to change.


1.     Children less than 10yrs                     2 minute contest time 

2.     Children over 10yrs                              3 minute contest time 

3.     Youth 16yrs to 18yrs                            4minute contest time 

4.     Adults Kyu                                                   4 minute contest time        (WJF Germany 5 minutes)

5.     Dan grade                                                    5 minute contest time        (WJF Germany 10 minutes)


The times of each contest excludes any stoppage time. 

When Matte is called, the clock will be stopped. 

The referee may also call for Jikan (time out) to stop the clock for any other reason.



Section 18: Applications


a.     Matte can be called at any time during the contest at the discretion of the referee, for safety or for the awarding of decisions. At that precise time, the timekeeper will immediately stop the clock. The referee will indicate Matte by raising their right arm palm forward to indicate that the timing has to be halted.


b.     Sonomama The referee shall call Sonomama when the contestants are engaged in groundwork/ or standing where judgment is required to reposition or make an adjustment of a Judogi or a relevant situation where may be of concern for safety.


c.     Sore Made (Finish) Sore Made is called by the referee when the time of the contest has expired. The time will be called and monitored by the time keeper, whereupon the referee will call Sore Made immediately.



Section 19: HandSignals


• Ippon: Where Ippon is scored in groundwork or standing, the referee shall raise one hand straight, directly upwards with the palm of the hand facing forward with the fingers closed together and shall call Ippon.


• Waza-ari: Where Waza-ari is scored the referee will extend his right or left hand directly sideways at shoulder level.


• Waza-ari- Awasete-Ippon: Where two Waza-ari are scored (the accumulation of two significant scores) the referee shall extend one hand directly sideways at shoulder level, and then raise the same hand directly upwards awarding Waza-ari-Awasete-Ippon


• Yusei Gachi: Win by one point by superiority. The referee will raise one hand upwards and in the side of the winning contestant, indicating the winner


• Hansoku Make: Disqualification, the referee will call Matte, return the contestants to the starting position; point at the accused contestant with the four fingers, thumb closed indicating Hansoku Make, then raise one hand upwards and on the side of the winning contestant.


• Shido: Penalty score. The referee will call Matte, return the contestants to the starting position then point to the accused contestant with the four fingers, thumb closed indicating the penalty score (Shido, Chui or Keikoku)


• Osae komi: Hold down in progress. The referee will stand above the contestants with one hand extended above the contestants; palm downwards to indicate hold down is in progress.


• Toketa: Hold down broken. The referee will indicate that the hold down has been broken by announcing Toketa and at the same time will extend one hands forward elbows bent and will wave left and right.


• Sonomama: Freeze. The referee will extend both hands forward palms facing down then bend to touch both contestants commanding that they should freeze and not move.


• False attack: The referee will raise both hands straight forward with fists closed and with both hands make a alternate up and down motion to indicate that the technique was not valid.


• Non Activity: The referee will bring both hands at chest height rotating the hands in a forward motion elbows bent and the palm of the hands facing the body and in doing so will point at the accused contestant for non combativity.


• Hiki-Wake: Draw. The referee will raise their right hand up with the four index fingers pointing and thumb closed and slices downwards with their arm between the contestants to indicate a draw.


• Yoshi: Continue, in case of groundwork or Sonomama, the referee will call Yoshi by touching both contestants with the palm of the hand and then withdrawing on the call of Yoshi.


• Judogi Adjustment: The referee will instruct the contestants to adjust their Judogi by crossing both hands, left over right at hip or belt level with the palms facing inwards.



Section 20: MedicalAttention


1. The referee will stand and raise one hand straight upwards to attract the attention of the medical officer on the day.


2. Should an injury require a contestant to leave the contest area, they must do so only with the Medical attendant.


3. On the return of injured contestant the remainder time of the contest will be fought. The time away will be treated as injury time.


4. If the contestant fails to return to the contest, or if the medical officer informs the referee that the contestant is not able to continue, the referee shall make call Kiken gachi - win by withdrawal.



Section 21: Osae komi Waza (Forms of Holding)


1. Where a contestant is being held onto their back and under control from Tori for the period of 30 seconds, Ippon will be awarded. 

Osae komi will be retained during the transition from one groundwork technique to another providing there is no loss of control


2. Uke must not be able to break Tori’s hold or entangle Tori’s legs for Osaekomi to be continued.


3. When tori loses control of the hold down and uke is free, Toketa will be called (Hold broken) and the held

time will be noted.


Where Osae komi is called, near the borders of the contest area, subject to any one of the contestants body is in contact with the mat within the contest area Osae Komi will be maintained. Once both contestants leave the contest area Sonomama will be called and the contestants will be brought back in the centre of the mat area and the hold down will continue. On the referees instructions (Yoshi) Continue for the remaining time.



Section 22: Valid and Invalid Area of Technique


• Any technique which is executed simultaneous t o or just prior to expiry of contest time, shall be judged as valid.


• In the case of OSAEKOMI being announced, prior to, or the simultaneous to the expiry time, the contest will be allowed to continue for the duration of the hold down and until such time as the contestant manages to escape, OSAEKOMI TOKETA will be called and sore-made will be indicated.


• Movement in the Contest Area The contest shall continue as long as both competitors are in a safe distance from the edge of the mat area. The referee must act quickly in stopping the contestants from reaching the edge of the mat, by calling Matte.



Section 23: SonoMama (Freeze)


The Referee shall announce SONO MAMA whereupon both contestants shall freeze their actions immediately. The referee will assess the situation, and when all is clear both contestants will be assume their original positions. On being satisfied that both contestants have resumed to their original positions, the referee placing a hand on both contestants will announce YOSHI (Continue).



Section 24: Award of Shido and Prohibited Acts


It is recommended that a verbal warning is issued to the competitors prior to Shido been given this is part of the education.


First awarded penalty is Shido / second penalty is Chui / third penalty is Keikoku / forth penalty Hansoku make

• When a contestant avoids taking hold and continues to prevents full engagement.)

• If a contestant adopts a stiff posture with excessively defensive style preventing judo from engaging.)

• Contestant attempts an invalid technique.

• When a contestant deliberately holds their opponent’s belt with one or both hands, preventing judo from

engaging.

• When a contestant uses both hands to hold onto the opponent’s collar/lapel jacket on the same side for a

lengthy period time without attacking( Normally longer than three –four seconds )

• When a contestant uses both hands to hold on to the sleeves of their opponent without attacking (normally

three – four seconds).

• To excessively hold the end of the sleeve of their opponent

• To insert fingers inside the opponents sleeves or trousers.

• To hold either the cuffs or sleeves and twist to entrap the wrist in order to prevent an opponent from taking

a proper grip.

• Deliberately grabbing, bending, holding or twisting the fingers of an opponent

• For wasting contest time by intentionally disarranging the Judogi, or tie and untie their belt or trousers

  without the permission of the referee.

• To hold or take any part of the opponents jacket with the mouth.

• To deliberately place a hand or foot directly to an opponent’s face.

• To deliberately pull opponents hair.

• Deliberately grabbing an opponent’s foot or leg without prior attacking with a technique.

• To deliberately break their opponents grip aggressively on repeated occasions.

• Keep pulling downwards in an aggressive manor without attempting a technique

• To hold on with outstretched arms, or stiff arms in order to prevent the opponent from attacking and

engaging in judo.

• To apply any leg locks.

• Loss of temper and the use of bad language)

• Repetitive failed leg sweeping, which results in Kicking.

• To break opponents grip by means of kicking or by using the knee or leg.

• To attack opponent with Morote-Gari before taking hold first. (Both arm and leg grab).

• To apply any action that is deemed to be dangerous.

• To undertake any action that undermines the spirit of judo

• Delibrately adopting a posture which is opposite to Shizen hontai (basic natural upright posture) without

attacking.



Section 25: HansokuMake (Disqualification)


Hansoku Make is awarded against a contestant who has already been penalised with three former penalties but continues to further violate the rules. Alternatively, Hansoku Make can be immediately awarded against a contestant who may commit a serious offence against the rules and inflict potential injury to his opponent. The Referee will use their own judgment during contest to determine whether a violation of the rules had occurred for the following:


• To apply any action deemed to be dangerous as to possibly cause serious injury, particularly, to the opponent’s neck or spinalvertebrae.


• To fall backwards with intent, while opponent is holding onto the contestant’s back..


• To strike out with verbal abuse to the opponent, referee, and officials at the time of contest.


• To deliberately disregard the instructions and the rulings of the referee.


• To deliberately lift an opponent when they are flat on the mat, and then drop them back onto the mat with intent to cause injury.


• To accumulate two Keikoku.


• Applying any pressure to the neck or spine, i.e. overstretching opponent’s spine or placing both legs around the opponent’s neck.


• Use of mouth for biting opponents body



Section 26: Application of Matte


The Referee shall announce MATTE (Stop) to halt the contest. The amount of time that the contest is halted shall not count as part of the contest time, and therefore the contest time clock will also be halted. (Jikan)


Matte is called when:


1.         For safety reasons on the mat


2.         A Contestant commits a prohibited act


3.         A Contestant is required to adjust their Judogi


4.         The Contestants are have stepped out of the contest area


5.         Injury, accident or difficulty occurs


6.         When Groundwork becomes inactive


7.         When from groundwork one contestant manages to stand up


8.         When addressing the time table officials


9.         Non activity


10.     Awarding of scoring or penalties



Section 27: Situationsnot covered by the contest rules


Where a situation may arise which may not be covered by the rules, a decision will be announced following a consultation with the mat marshal (senior referee)



Section 28: AdditionalRules


• The dropping on both knees at the same time prior to the execution of a throw will not be permitted and invalid


• When a throw is executed when both knees are off the mat but then during the throwing action the knees follow to land on the mat, the throw will be valid.


• The dropping on one knee in the execution of any throwing technique will be permitted and valid.


• No leg or ankle grabs without prior attack with a valid technique.


• No holding round the neck or restricting your opponent from functioning.


• The breaking of the grip by hand or leg will not be permitted.


• No leg locking permitted


• Throwing sacrifice techniques will be permitted.


• Morote-Gari is permitted as long as it’s executed from a kumi kata position, normal sleeve hold.


• Kani Basami is not permitted.


• Preventing each other from taking hold will result in Shido.


• Forcing your opponent to bend forward must be followed with an immediate attack otherwise Shido will be

called.



Section 29: Weight Categories


The following recommended weight categories will structure the age difference between primary and juniors. The WJF in the initial stages of its development may not separate primary from junior in competition. In cases where there are too many children of one category, additional categories may be made up which may include age divisions.


In addition the amalgamation of any categories may be made where there may not be sufficient entries for categories to be made.

(In international tradition Adult kyu grade and Dan grade may also be amalgamated for individual categories, but it is strongly recommended that kyu grades be separated from the Dan grades for a fairer contest system for ability. A 3rd Kyu fighting a second Dan will be of no mach and will serve of no purpose.)


Recommended Weight Categories for:


• 19kg and under

• 22kg and under

• 25Kg and under

• 28kg and under

• 31kg and under

• 35kg and under

• 38kg and under

• 41Kg and under

• 44kg and under

• 48Kg and under

• 51kg and under

• 55kg and under

• 58kg and under

• 61Kg and under

• 65kg and under

• 69 Kg and under

• Over 69 Kg


Children: Male and Female under 16years of age



Children are only allowed to enter one category; there are no open categories for juniors.

Please note that any junior accepting a senior grade will still be allowed to participate at junior level, as long as they are under 16yrs of age. The WJF does not discriminate ability.


It becomes the instructor’s responsibility to ensure that the entered competitors are sufficiently competent, fit and healthy for competition. The organisers of any competition will have the right to withdraw any competitor or team, who fail to fulfil the competition requirements or may not be fit for competition.


Senior men including youth 16yrs -201yrs Weight categories


Male:

• 55Kg and under;

• 59Kg and under

• 63kg and under;

• 66kg and under;

• 71kg and under;

• 75Kg and under

• 79kg and under;

• 83Kg and under

• 87Kg and under

• 91kg and under;

• 95kg and under;

• 99kg and under;

• Over 100kg; and,

• Open weight.


Female: including youth 16yrs -21yrs Weight categories

• 48kg and under;

• 52kg and under;

• 57kg and under;

• 63kg and under;

• 70kg and under;

• 78kg and under;

• Over 78kg; and,

• Open weight.




Section 30: Terminology


Rei                                                                                                        Bow

Hajime                                                                                               Begin

Sore-made                                                                                       Finish

Matte                                                                                                 Stop

Osaekomi                                                                                        Hold down in progress

Sonomama                                                                                      Hold down freeze

Toketa                                                                                                Hold down broken

Yuko                                                                                                    5 Points

Waza-ari                                                                                           7 Points

Ippon                                                                                                 10 points

Waza-ari-Awasete-Ippon                                                        Accumulation of two Wazari equals Ippon

Hantai                                                                                                Decision

Yushei gachi                                                                                   3 point win by decision

Sogo-gachi                                                                                      Win by opponent disqualified (10 points) 

Hansoku Make                                                                             Disqualification(10points for winner)

Hiki Wake                                                                                       Draw (no score)

Fusen-Gachi                                                                                  Win by default (10 points) Contestant does not appear 

Kiken-Gachi                                                                                   Withdrawal win (10 points) Contestant withdraws

Maitta                                                                                                Give up, Submission(10 points )

Yoshi                                                                                                   Continue

Jikan                                                                                                   Time out

Shido                                                                                                  3 points penalty

Chui                                                                                                    5 points penalty

Keikoku                                                                                             7 points penalty 

Hansoku Make                                                                             Disqualification (10 points) 

Doji Ippon                                                                                       Simultaneous Ippon

Ritsurei                                                                                            Standing Bow

Shizen Hontai                                                                               Normal standing Bow



Important note:

The WJF Technical committee may alter, change, modify or add any additional contest rules in compliance with traditional Kodokan judo. Any such change or amendments will be announced prior to any competitions.


Technical committee: 

Alfredo Vismara – 9th Dan (Italy) 

Giuseppe Vismara – 9th Dan (Italy) 

Sampson Sampson – 6th Dan (UK)


Co-signed by:

Italy: 

Livio Beretta - 7th Dan , 

Valter Scolari – 7th Dan, 

Aldo Piatti - 7th Dan, 

Giacinto Pesce – 7th Dan, 

Luca Castelnuovo – 7th Dan,


United Kingdom: 

Bob Bushnell - 4th Dan, 

Tynos Sangola - 4th Dan, 

Dave Hammond - 4th Dan, 

Farid Namouchi - 4th Dan, 

Samuel Betu - 4rd Dan




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