Judo scoring: the complete guide
The scoring system in judo has been simplified in recent years by the International Judo Federation (IJF). Today, there are only two possible scores and a penalty system. Here's the complete guide.
The scores
Ippon (immediate victory)
An ippon ends the fight immediately. It is awarded when:
- Throw: the opponent lands on their back with force, speed and control
- Pin: 20-second hold on the ground (Osaekomi)
- Submission: opponent taps out from an armlock or choke
One single ippon and the fight is over. It's the ultimate goal in judo.
Waza-ari (half point)
A waza-ari is awarded when:
- The throw is missing one of the ippon criteria (e.g., landing on the side)
- Pin held between 10 and 19 seconds
Important: two waza-ari = ippon (fight over).
Former scores (removed)
| Score | Status |
|---|---|
| Yuko | Removed since 2017 |
| Koka | Removed since 2008 |
Penalties (Shido)
Penalties are given for non-combative behavior or rule infractions:
- First shido: warning (no score)
- Second shido: warning (no score)
- Third shido: hansoku-make (disqualification, waza-ari awarded to opponent)
Common faults
- Passivity: not attacking for too long
- False attack: simulating a technique without real intent
- Stepping out: voluntarily leaving the contest area
- Leg grab: directly grabbing the opponent's legs (banned in standing)
- Excessive defensive posture: bending too far forward
Golden Score
If regulation time ends with no score, the match goes to golden score: unlimited overtime where the first score or penalty decides the winner.
This is often where fights are decided and where physical conditioning makes the difference.
Track your scores with Judata
Log the detail of every fight: score, technique, penalties. Over time, you'll see trends: do you often win by ippon? Are you accumulating shidos? This data is key to improving.
Download Judata and start analyzing your scores today.