Olympic gold medalist Satoshi Ishii believes recent changes to judo rules in Japan could pressure the International Judo Federation (IJF) to modify its own regulations. According to Ishii, the All Japan Judo Federation is reintroducing certain leg grab techniques that are currently banned under IJF rules.
The All Japan Judo Federation (AJF) has reintroduced the “Ashitori” or foot-grabbing technique in the All Japan Judo Championships, a decision aimed at balancing traditional judo values with modern competition needs. This move, announced in collaboration with Kodokan, revives a long-debated rule that has stirred mixed reactions within the judo community. By allowing foot-grabbing, especially in unrestricted weight divisions, lighter competitors can potentially neutralize larger opponents, adding a new strategic layer to matches.
The rule, however, comes with stipulations: Ashitori is only permitted when both judoka are standing and have established a grip, ensuring that the core principles of judo are upheld. This change, also applied to the Women’s Championship, marks a progressive step toward tactical diversity and gender equality in judo competition.
“Japan starts to allow leg grabs, but for Japanese fighters, there are cons and pros because you have to train for a different rule set, especially the heavyweight guys,” Ishii told Judo channel Chadi.
He suggests this divergence between domestic and international rules could impact Japanese judokas preparing for major tournaments: “Olympic rules and ‘All Japan’ rules are different, so if you want to represent Japan or if you win the trials, you will never compete, it is my guess.”
Ishii sees the move as potentially influencing the IJF, saying: “If Japan changes the rules, maybe in the future IJF is going to change.”
However, he also notes potential downsides: “Japanese player, they need to change training system, training camp, and top fighter will not compete in Japan because the rules are different. They need to focus on international competition.”
Ishii believes Japan should be more assertive in international judo governance: “There is no Japanese in IJF. Why? I have no idea…they don’t speak English also, I think their attitude also, they don’t, they are too proud, they’re too quiet, they don’t argue, they don’t complain, they should complain.”
The Olympic champion advocates for further rule changes, suggesting: “Best way is everything allowed and no Shido anymore.” He believes current IJF rules lead to overly defensive tactics: “Judo players always worrying when Shido is coming…so they always afraid Shido because one Shido then they lose, then you must pretend you’re going to attack.”
Former Olympic judo champion Satoshi Ishii previously claimed that the 2009 rule changes by the International Judo Federation (IJF), which banned leg grabs and double leg takedowns, were politically driven to favor certain athletes and nations.
Ishii expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that the rules fundamentally altered judo by removing key techniques that benefited shorter or smaller judoka, particularly those from Japan. Ishii suggested the changes were meant to favor taller athletes, especially in higher weight classes, where Japanese judoka often relied on leg grabs to offset their smaller size. He also criticized the IJF leadership, including President Marius Vizer, for allegedly making politically motivated decisions and discouraging dissent among athletes.
