IJF Judo Rules 2021 Updated & Explained By Judofest

It’s not often a year goes by without some kind of update to the rules of Judo. Sometimes there can be controversial rule changes which we did not see coming. Although often in judo it is small changes that are updated and modified over a long period of time.

Due to the pandemic, this year Judofest had Florin Daniel Lascau communicate the rules to 9th dan judoka Neil Adams in a live studio. This setup made the best of bad global circumstances as Adams was clearly able to demonstrate the rule changes in a physical setting.

Not all of the rules they discussed were relevant to the new year. However, they did clear up a lot of questions that involved vague and misinformed interpretations of current rules as well. They also addressed why certain rules had been changed or modified.

Why was yuko removed?

From 2008-2016, yuko was the smallest score that could be awarded in a match. The reason IJF removed yuko was to make judo simpler for everyone (not just professional matches). The IJF wanted a sport with 2 types of score and 2 types of penalty. Removing yuko was to simplify the ruleset.

Why are 2 wazaris now equal to 1 ippon?

During Olympic qualifiers up until the Olympic games, the IJF does not like to train judo rules. The IJF did not like that some judo matches were finishing with 5 or 6 wazaris. They did not like how this worked so decided to revert back to the traditional style of 2 wazaris becoming 1 point (ippon). This current way is easier and simpler to understand.

How does a referee determine when to stop newaza and move back to stand up?

It is mostly up to the discretion of the referee. There is not really a standard timeframe. Instead, the referee will look to see that the fight is active and that the judoka is looking to apply a specific technique. If the newaza position is progressing, the referee should let the match continue.

Is It Legal To Hold The Wrist In Judo Competition?

Only when it is used immediately with a throw. It is not legal to simply catch and hold the wrist of an opponent. There must be an immediate attack for this wrist grip to be legal.

Are You Allowed To Wear Knee Pads In Judo Competition?

Yes, knee pads are allowed. Although you are not allowed to wear knee pads with hard plastic or metal inside. Lastly, your opponent must be able to grab your gi pants, the knee pads cannot block this grip.

Is It A Shido When You Leave The Judo Mat?

The responsibility of stepping out always falls upon the athlete who is out of bounds. This will always be considered a shido unless there is provable evidence that they were pushed off the mat. A push is considered downward posture with stiff arms driving the opponent off the mat.

What Is Going Off Or Staying On The Mat?

Both feet inside the boundaries is on the mat.

One foot stepping outside, then immediately stepping back inside is also considered staying on the mat.

Both feet outside the mat is considered leaving the mat.

Can a throw be started inside the mat and completed out of bounds?

As long as one foot is started in bounds, the throw still counts even if it finishes out of bounds. The same is true for a reversal. Even if you are fully out of bounds but your opponent is in and begins throwing you. If you reverse their throw, this will also score.

A ken ken technique such as uchi mata can be completed out of bounds as long as it was started within the mat boundaries.

Are Pistol Grips Legal In Judo?

The grip is not allowed because it is a non-traditional grip and cuts off the blood supply to the arm of the opponent. The exception of the grip being allowed is that if you immediately throw from the grip.

Can You Defend With 2 Hands To Break A Grip?

No, this is viewed as negative and defensive judo. You are only allowed to break a grip with a single hand and use of your body. Using 2 hands to break a single grip is illegal.

Is It Legal To Pass Your Head Under The Arm Of The Opponent When They Have A Collar Grip?

No, you will give away a penalty if you move your head to the other side of the opponent’s arm. The reason for this is that it is viewed as defensive judo and avoiding a strong and dominant grip.

If you duck under for an immediate attack, this is allowed. The attack must be strong and legitimate.

Is Ude Garami Allowed Behind The Back (From Turtle Position)?

Ude garami is allowed behind the back as long as there is an arm entanglement. What is not allowed is a wrestling style hammerlock position. Ude garami is meant to be an attack to the elbow. A hammerlock style attack is a danger to the shoulder, so is currently illegal.

Are Flying Juju Gatame (Flying Armbar) & Flying Sankaku (Flying Triangle) Legal In Judo?

No. Modern day judo is more safety focussed. These techniques are legitimate threats but do put both the aggressor and defender at risk of being injured. There is a lot of uncontrolled weight being thrown. When in a competitive setting, the landings can be quite unexpected and can cause injuries.

Are Standing Submissions Allowed In Judo?

No. Judo feels its responsibility is to look after everyone regardless of age. Judo does not want to injure anyone, this includes yourself and your opponent.

Where Does Tachi Waza End & Where Does Newaza Begin?

A match can still be considered tachi waza even if the opponent has 3 limbs on the floor. Judo is really only considered to be in a newaza position when all 4 limbs of the opponent are on the floor or they are inside a pin.

As an example, if you throw your opponent from their knees. This would still be considered a scoring throw.

Why Is The Judo Gi So Thick?

The judo uniform must be suitable for all weight categories. This means in matches from 48kg to 100kg+

The techniques must be able to be used at every different weight category. It is no more dangerous to use thicker material than thinner material.