Technical details
The terms used in Judo are based on Japanese words. The competition area for Judo is a raised wooden platform, 16m x 16m, covered with green mats of pressed
foam (called tatamis).
The action, however, takes place in the central contest area, which measures
10m x 10m, as well as a metre border called the 'danger zone'.
Competitors wear 'judogis' which are white judo uniforms, tied with a red or
white sash and there are strict regulations over size, length, width and
fastenings.
Scoring contests are controlled by a referee, two judges, two time-keepers and
a list writer (who records the flow of the contest).
Ippon scores 10 points and is a winning move, consisting of throwing an
opponent on their back, holding an opponent down for 30 seconds or
stranglehold.
If this move is made, the contest is immediately over.
Below the Ippon are various moves which register a score: Waza-ari - (seven
points) almost an Ippon and the bout is over if a player scores two. Yuko -
(five points), an Ippon with two elements missing. Koka - (three points), which
is a throw onto the thigh or buttocks or a hold for between 10 and 20 seconds.
The following are penalties and result in competitors having scores registered
against them: 'hansoku make' - highest penalty warning and merits
disqualification. Other penalties are 'shido', 'chui' and 'keikosu' which are
for moves such as false attacks, illegal leg and arm holds and any move which
causes danger to the opponent's spine or neck.
If a contest ends and no Ippon or double waza-ari has been scored, then the
score is evaluated by the referee and judges. The referee indicates the winner
by raising his hand on the winner's side, with the palm inwards.
At the Olympic Games, two bronze medals are awarded.
Five facts
1) Judo was developed in Japan by Dr Jigoro Kano in 1882 based on the unarmed
sections of the ancient Chinese art of Ju-Jitsu. Kano insisted that judo made
the maximum use of the mind and body and this is the fundamental principle on
which the sport is based.
2) The first World Championships were held in 1957. Judo first appeared at the
1964 Games in Tokyo.
3) Women's judo became part of the Olympic programme in 1992.
3) Great Britain has won a total of seven silvers and eight bronze medals and
Britain's most recent success came from Kate Howey, who claimed silver in the
70kg class in Sydney.
5) Dutchman Wim Ruska celebrated gold medals in the heavyweight and open
categories at the Munich Games in 1972. He was the only athlete at the Games to
win two judo golds.
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