Edward Trippel, German Olympic judoka, has observed a significant shift in modern judo competition: ground work, or newaza, is no longer optional—it’s essential. In a detailed analysis, Trippel identifies three key factors driving this transformation and explains why judokas can no longer afford to ignore what happens on the mat.
The International Judo Federation’s recent rule modifications have fundamentally altered competition dynamics. Trippel notes that ground exchanges now extend up to a minute when referees see progress, a dramatic departure from previous standards. He recalls frustrating experiences where referees would stop action prematurely even when he had his hand on an opponent’s neck. The most significant change is the five-second hold requirement for scoring yuko.
“Five seconds is really not much. That’s really a gift,”
Trippel explains, describing how he would have scored with a transitional, “wobbly grip” that previously wouldn’t count.
This adjustment makes transition holds and quick securing techniques increasingly valuable in competition.
Trippel identifies the MMA boom, particularly in Germany, as a major catalyst for newaza’s growth. As mixed martial arts gains popularity, its component disciplines—including judo—benefit from increased interest.
However, Trippel candidly admits that
“Judo has had the least of this influence of all martial arts,”
with wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu capturing more attention. BJJ’s accessibility appeals to older practitioners who find judo’s falling demands too physically taxing. This popularity has consequences:
“Because BJJ enjoys so much attention, many judokas also learn techniques from BJJ.”
Trippel has witnessed unorthodox judo techniques at tournaments—particularly sankaku triangles and bending levers—that are
“More BJJ techniques”
than traditional judo approaches.
Through personal examples, Trippel demonstrates ground work’s tactical importance. He defeated 2016 Olympic champion Fabio Basile with a rolled juji-gatame in the first fifteen seconds, proving that superior newaza can overcome standing disadvantages. His philosophy is clear:
“If you have very heavy opponents or opponents that you think you might not be able to beat standing up, you can defeat them on the ground.”
Trippel also notes that establishing a reputation for ground expertise influences referee decisions as officials allow longer ground exchanges when they recognize genuine skill rather than stalling.
The evolution is unmistakable. While judo champions once succeeded purely on spectacular throws, Trippel observes that modern champions are becoming all-rounders who cannot afford weaknesses on the ground. As he concludes,
“Ground combat is slowly becoming more and more of a non-negotiable issue. If you can stand your ground, that is the key to success.”
