Question

Describe the basic rules of Judo.

Answer 1

1. An international match lasts four minutes. The referee, assisted by judges, awards scores and penalties.
2. The main aim is to score an Ippon, which ends the match immediately. An Ippon may be scored by a throw that makes the opponent land on their back, by forcing surrender with an armhold or stranglehold, or by holding the opponent immobilised on the floor for at least 20 seconds.
3. A Waza-ari is awarded for a lesser throw or for a hold lasting 10 seconds but less than the time required for an Ippon.
4. If the regular time ends with no score or with equal scores, the contest continues into golden score. Scores and penalties from regular time carry over; the contest is decided by a score or a Hansoku-make.
5. Shido is a minor penalty. Hansoku-make is a severe penalty and gives the match to the opponent. It may be awarded for a major breach or after three Shidos.
6. Judoka must not use prohibited techniques, attack joints other than the elbows, punch or kick, touch the opponent’s face, or intentionally injure the opponent.
7. Contestants wear the prescribed Judogi and belt, bow before entering the mat and to each other before and after the contest. The referee starts the bout with Hajime and temporarily stops it with Mate.