Olympic sport Judo

Sport

Judo

Kind of sport

Summersport

Old sport

Description

Judo (ju=soft/gentle; do=way) is one of the best-known japanese martial arts. It has been on the Olympic programme since the Games in Tokyo in 1964. During those Games, Japanese prestige as host nation was dealt a smart blow. In the presence of 15000 japanese spectators Anton Geesink defeated his Japanese opponent Kaminaga in the above 95 Kg. category.
According to the principle of judo, a judoka must yield to the movements of his/her opponent so that he/she can throw him/her or catch him/her in a hold when the opponent's balance is upset. judo has a number of pins and strangleholding techniques, but no punching or kicking techniques. It is based on a general sense of physical and mental well-being, and the most efficient way in which to utilise physical strength. The competition mat (tatami) covers a surface of a hundred square metres and is made of pressed rice straw or synthetic material. The duration of the match has changed over the years somewhat. In 1964 the matches which preceded the final lasted ten minutes while the final lasted fifteen minutes. During the 1972 and 1976 Games, the pre-final matches were for six minutes and the final was for ten minutes. During the 1980 and 1084 Games, they were reduced even further to five and seven minutes respectively. But ever since 1988, all matches have a duration of five minutes. Right before the match begins, the two comopetitors bow to each other as a sign of respect and then the referee calls, "Hajime" (begin). besides the main referee, there are two other assistent referees. By means of raising a red or white board, they make known their decision regarding the winner of the match. Every judoka has his/her own colour. The scoring table goes as follows:
Ippon: one point
Waza-ari: almost an ippon
Yuko: almost waza-ari
Koka: almost Yuko

Each match is about one point. Two waza-aris are equal to one Ippon. When neither of the judokas manage to secure an advantage within the duration of the match, then the match ends undecided. An ippon is awarded for a well executed throw, a hold which confines the opponent for thirty seconds, a very well thought stranglhold and if an opponent gives up and displays this by patting on the mat. At the end of the match, the judokas bow once more and congratulate and console each other after the referes have made their choice which is done by raising the arm of the winner.
The weight class in judo for men are:

until 60 Kg
until 65 Kg.
until 71 Kg.
until 78 Kg.
until 86 Kg.
until 95 Kg.
above 95 Kg.

Since the 1992 Olympics, women have also been competing in judo.
The weight class for women are:
until 48 Kg.
until 52 Kg.
until 56 Kg.
until 61 Kg.
until 66 Kg.
unti 72 Kg.
above 72 Kg.

Judo is a many-sided and attractive sport with holding, throwing and ground techniques. This sport demands a good sense of balance, strength and a quick response.