The International Judo Federation (IJF) has announced a series of modifications to the competition rules, which will be implemented starting with the Paris 2025 Grand Slam and will be in effect until the Budapest World Championships in June 2025, at which time they will be reviewed. These updates seek to modernize the sport and adapt it to contemporary expectations, while maintaining its essence and core values with a view to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Among the most notable changes is the reintroduction of the yuko score, which will be awarded in ne-waza (ground techniques) when control is maintained for 5 seconds. In addition, the use of the head to execute throwing and defense techniques will be allowed, except in the cadet categories, where this action will be penalized with shido.
MODIFICATIONS IN GRIPS AND TECHNIQUES
The new rules authorize jacket grabs below the belt up to the level of the upper inner thigh, as long as they are not used in a negative manner. However, actions such as hooking the legs with the hand or arm, grabbing the pants or touching the leg from the upper thigh downwards are still prohibited and will be punished with shido.
The time allowed to execute an attack after establishing kumi-kata (grabbing) has been extended to 30 seconds. Also, the “bear hug” in tachi-waza (standing techniques) is permitted, except when the hands or arms form a full circle, which will carry a penalty.
PENALTY AND SAFETY ADJUSTMENTS
Leaving the fighting area unintentionally, in both tachi-waza and ne-waza, will result in the referee ordering “Kill!”. In addition, the application of kansetsu-waza (dislocation techniques) during throws involving high risk of injury will be penalized with hansoku-make (disqualification). In cases of lower risk, the bout will be stopped and shido will be awarded.
The IJF has also decided to again allow reverse seoi-nage, a previously banned technique, except in cadet categories, where its use will be penalized.
FOCUS ON POSITIVE AND DYNAMIC JUDO
These modifications reflect the IJF’s commitment to promote a more dynamic and attractive judo for both athletes and the public. By encouraging positive techniques and reducing penalties, the aim is to make the bouts more fluid and exciting.
The implementation of these rules will take place at the Paris 2025 Grand Slam, serving as a test before their revision at the Budapest World Championships. Delegates from national federations will meet in Istanbul on December 14-15 for a detailed technical presentation of these changes.
With these updates, the IJF demonstrates its commitment to keeping the sport relevant and exciting in the lead up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
