The International Judo Federation’s (IJF) latest rule modifications have left many in the judo community disappointed, particularly regarding the continued restrictions on leg grabs. The new regulations, while making some adjustments to grip positions, maintain strict limitations on lower body techniques.
The primary change allows judoka to place their hands in the hip area where the skirt of the gi covers, but explicitly prohibits hooking or grabbing the legs. This minor adjustment mainly affects techniques like ura-nage and utsuri-goshi, where hand placement might naturally slip during execution.
While some practitioners welcomed the return of the Yuko scoring system, the overall reception to the rule changes has been lukewarm. The modifications appear more focused on preventing unnecessary penalties rather than introducing substantial technical innovations.
The contrast between IJF regulations and Japanese judo approaches has become increasingly apparent. Japan’s recent decision to maintain traditional judo elements in their domestic competition highlights a growing divide in philosophy. As noted in the discussion, “Japan is light years ahead… they’re like okay you’re not going to control our Judo, this is ours.”
The Japanese approach focuses on penalizing negative attitudes rather than restricting techniques entirely, maintaining the sport’s traditional principles while addressing safety concerns. This stands in stark contrast to the IJF’s more restrictive approach.
Notable proposals that were rejected included the return of referee flags, elimination of golden score, and changes to match duration. The limited scope of the approved changes suggests the IJF remains committed to its current direction, despite calls from some corners of the judo community for more substantial reforms.
IJF Announces Controversial New Judo Rules for 2025-2028 Olympic Cycle
Among the most contentious changes is the strict interpretation of leg contact rules. The IJF will now penalize grips below a specific point on the inner thigh with shidos (penalties), while maintaining different standards for grips around the belt area. This decision has effectively eliminated several traditional throwing techniques from international competition.
The reintroduction of the yuko scoring system marks another major change. While two wazaris will still equal an ippon, yukos – regardless of quantity – will never amount to a wazari. This creates a new lowest tier of scoring, which officials hope will encourage more aggressive competition.
In a positive development for many practitioners, the IJF has reinstated reverse seoi nage throws and bear hugs. However, the bear hugging rule comes with a controversial restriction – competitors cannot clasp their hands together or grab their own arms during the technique. This limitation reportedly stems from safety concerns raised by the Japan Judo Federation, citing injury risks similar to those seen in sumo wrestling.
Additional rule modifications include permission to grab inside the judogi and under the belt skirt, and a reversal of the head diving rule – now allowing head contact during attacking movements while maintaining penalties for defensive bridging.
Technical changes to the referee rules are as follows:
- Addition of a third score yuko, in ne-waza it will be given at 5 seconds.
- Use of head to throw and defend allowed except in cadet events where it will be penalised with shido.
- All jacket grips and gripping under the belt to the level of the top of the inner thigh are allowed but shido will be given if using the jacket grip or under the belt to the level of the top of the inner thighs grip negatively.
- Hooking the legs with the hand or arm, leg grabbing, gripping the trousers and touching the leg from the top of the inner thigh down is forbidden and will be penalised with shido.
- Kumi-kata will be given 30 secs time for an attack.
- Bear hug in tachi-waza is allowed except with hands or hands and arms clasped, forming a circle which will be penalised with shido.
- Unintentionally leaving the contest area in tachi-waza and ne-waza will be given “Mate!”
- Kansetsu-waza applied while performing throws, with high injury risks (where uke cannot escape), will be penalised with hansoku-make. For kansetsu-waza applied with techniques, with lower injury risks (where uke has the possibility to escape), performed with two hands on one arm, it will be “Mate!” and “Shido!”
- Positive activity in ne-waza will be taken in consideration.
- Reverse seoi-nage is allowed except in cadet events where it will be penalised with shido.
