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TOURNAMENT INFORMATION

This is a brief introductory guide to tournaments for beginners, spectators and parents.

SHIAI

Start of a Contest

Prior to a contest (shiai) one contestant is assigned a blue sash to wear in addition to their obi (belt). After the contestants have bowed and stepped forward, the referee announces hajime (begin) to start the contest.

Scoring a Contest

Scores:

Ippon (full point)

Waza-ari (almost ippon, half point)

Penalties:

Hansoku-make (very serious violation, disqualification)

Shido (minor violation, koka to the opponent the first time, then increasing score each time)

Objective

In Judo competition the objective is to score an ippon (one full point). Once such a score is obtained the competition ends. An ippon can be scored by one of the following methods:

Executing a skillful throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown largely on the back with considerable force or speed.

Maintaining a pin for 25 seconds.

One contestant cannot continue and gives up.

One contestant is disqualified for violating the rules (hansoku-make).

Applying an effective armbar or an effective stranglehold.

Earning two waza-ari (half point). A waza-ari can be earned by: 1) a throwing technique that is not quite an ippon (for example the opponent lands only partly on the back, or with less force than required for ippon); 2) holding one contestant in a pin for 20 seconds; or 3) when the opponent violates the rules (shido) three times.

If the time runs out with neither contestant scoring an ippon, then the referee will award the win to the contestant who has the next highest score.

The Referee can also give the match to the most aggressive competitor, or have them continue for an additonal one minute.

Divisions at Judo Tournaments:

Divisional breakdowns are usually by weight and age. Age will vary from one to three years in under 17 divisions. Weight will vary around 3 to 10 pounds, depending on size of event.

Awards

In small Shiai's usually 3 awards in each division

In large Shiai's usually 6 or more places in all divisions (Cash Awards optional) Depends on promoter or sponsors..

Grand champion award between light weight and middle and heavy weights. Round robin event, you must have two wins in a row, in order to become Grand Champion.

AKKF JUDO RULES:

1.All competitors must have a Judo Gi

2.All Divisions are by weight and age when possible

3. Brown and belts do not get promoted unless tested. (see rule 22)

4.All matches will last 3 minutes or one point

5.Points are scored by throws or mat techniques or submission holds

6.One Point (ippon) a clean and strong throw

7.Half point (wazari) a good throw but not quite forceful enough

8.Two half points equals one full point

9.Submission, Tap out, one full point and victory

10.Mat techniques, holding an opponent down for 30 seconds, One point

11.Mat techniques, holding an opponent down for 15 seconds, Half point

12.In the event there is no throw or mat play or submission, the Head Judge will award a point for aggressiveness, or may ask the competitors to continue for another minute

13.No kicking, punching, elbows or any type of strikes.

14.Glasses are not to be worn

15.No shoes, slippers or socks all competitors must be bare footed.

16.Cups, mouthpieces, are mandatory. Women should wear protective gear as well

17.All women must wear tee shirts under their gi, also a bathing suit top is recommended. If you have protective bra cups this is also acceptable

18.There will one Head Judge for each match and one scorekeeper,

19.Grand Champion there will be two Side Judges and one center Judge

20.Center Judge is the only official that will determine the winner. The side judges are used for reference or if a question about the technique needs to be answered by the Head Judge.

21.Any unsportsmanlike conduct will be immediate disqualification.

22.If any competitor defeats 2 or more opponents of higher rank, that competitor will be promoted at the end of the tournament to the rank he defeated. Example: Competitor X is a white belt; He/She defeats two yellow belts, competitor X will be promoted to yellow belt.

23.One competitor will wear a red flag, one will wear a white flag this will help the judge and the scorekeeper keep an accurate account of each competitors match.

24.There will be one Joseki (grand master Judge/Arbitrator), the Joseki can overrule any decision he believes is an incorrect call.

25.No throw allowed that will endanger opponent’s knees. Example Kani Basami. No jump scissors of any kind to any location.

26.A competitor cannot throw his opponent while doing a standing choke or standing arm bar.

27.If a competitor lifts his opponent off the ground the height of his/her waist that is a half point. Lifting an opponent to shoulder height is a full point. Note: Both feet of the opponent must be off the mat.

28.Important to remember, two taps with your hand, feet, arms, head means you give up. This is a submission. Make sure you tap hard and visible.

29.Hiki-waki…means draw… if the judge feels the match is a draw, both competitors will take a one minute break and then continue until a decision is made.

30.No competitor can stop and fix their Gi during the match. If you see someone doing this, you may attack that opponent.

31.All matches will be 3 minutes or one full point. (ippon)

32.Choke holds can be used with the Hands, Legs or arms. However, there is no scissor choke holds with legs. This means both legs use to choke… however; you may use one leg and an arm or hand.

33.Judo Gi can only have 3 patches Club patch, American flag and Kodokan patch

34.American flag, left arm. Club patch left side gi, kodokan patch right side of gi.