The All Japan Judo Federation (AJF) has shaken up the competitive judo scene by reinstating a long-debated rule, known as “Ashitori” or foot-grabbing, in the All Japan Judo Championships. This major change comes after years of deliberation, with many competitors and fans divided on the matter. On October 10, the AJF, along with Kodokan, made the landmark announcement that this technique would once again be allowed—signifying a nod to traditional judo while adapting to modern competition demands.
For years, the judo community has wrestled with the balance between respecting the sport’s heritage and evolving with contemporary strategies. The reinstatement of the Ashitori technique offers a new dynamic to the game, particularly in an era where judo has increasingly focused on upper-body grips and throws. This decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some embracing the opportunity to see more versatility on the tatami, while others are cautious, concerned that it may change the balance of the sport.
At the heart of this decision is the aim to create rules better suited to the unrestricted weight divisions in the championship. Weight classes, or the lack thereof, present unique challenges. When judoka of different body sizes meet on the mat, the Ashitori technique could level the playing field, allowing lighter competitors to use strategic lower-body grips to neutralize size differences. It’s a move that adds layers of complexity, forcing competitors to be more agile, calculating, and prepared for a broader range of attacks. The AJF hopes that this will lead to more dynamic bouts.
However, the revival of Ashitori doesn’t mean a complete free-for-all when it comes to lower-body techniques. The new regulations are clear: grabbing below the belt is only allowed when both judoka are in a standing posture and have already established a grip. Direct attacks under the belt without an existing grip will still be penalized. This distinction preserves the core principles of judo while offering more tactical freedom within a set framework.
Many within the community agree that this rule change brings back a historical element that had been lost over the years. Some veteran judoka recall when Ashitori was a staple of their repertoire, and they’re eager to see how this classic technique will blend with the modern judo styles of today’s athletes. Meanwhile, younger competitors are excited about the opportunity to expand their strategies and incorporate more leg-based defenses and attacks.
As this rule is also being introduced into the Women’s Championship (Empress’s Cup), it marks an even more significant shift in judo’s evolution. With gender equality in sports being a global focus, ensuring that women’s competitions benefit from the same opportunities for tactical diversity is a progressive step.
