The International Judo Federation (IJF) has announced a series of rule changes for 2025, aimed at enhancing the dynamism and clarity of judo. These updates will be tested during major events such as the Paris Grand Slam (February 2025) and the World Championships in Budapest (June 2025). Below is a detailed breakdown of the key changes and their implications.

1. Scoring System Adjustments

Ippon: No changes have been made to the criteria for ippon, which remains the highest score, signaling a decisive victory.
Waza-ari: This score will now be awarded for throws where the opponent lands less than an ippon but more than just on their side to the rear.
Yuko: Reintroduced after its removal in previous rule iterations, yuko will now cover situations where the opponent lands on their side or partially on their back, such as the buttocks, upper back, or elbow.
Ne-waza (Groundwork): For osae-komi (holding), a yuko score will now be awarded for holds lasting between 5 and 9 seconds.

2. Gripping Regulations

Inside Gripping: Gripping inside the sleeve of the jacket during standing techniques (tachi-waza) and inside the jacket and trousers in groundwork (ne-waza) is now permitted.
Below the Belt: Gripping under the belt is allowed only up to the top of the inner thigh. Gripping, hooking, or touching the legs remains prohibited and will result in a shido (penalty).

3. Bear Hug Rule

Bear hugs are now permitted during standing techniques (tachi-waza), provided the hands or arms are not clasped to form a full circle. Clasping in this manner will result in a shido penalty.

4. Contest Area Boundaries

In-Bounds Rule: A judoka is considered inside the contest area as long as at least one foot remains within the boundary.
Penalties: Intentionally exiting the contest area during either standing or groundwork techniques will result in a shido.

5. Head Usage

Throwing with the Head: At the senior and junior levels, using the head to initiate throws is now permitted. However, this technique is penalized in cadet events with a shido.
Head Defense: Using the head for defense is allowed in senior and junior events but remains penalized in cadet events. Landing in a bridge position continues to result in an ippon for the opponent.

6. Reverse Seoi-nage

Senior and Junior Levels: This technique is now allowed in competition.
Cadet Level: Executing a reverse seoi-nage at this level will result in a shido.

7. Kansetsu-waza (Joint Lock Techniques)

Joint lock techniques combined with throws are now permitted under strict conditions. If the action presents a low risk of injury and the receiver (uke) has the opportunity to avoid it, the judoka will be penalized with a shido. If uke has no chance to avoid the situation, the penalty escalates to hansoku-make (disqualification).

Testing and Evaluation

These rule changes will undergo a trial period during key events in 2025 to assess their impact on judo’s appeal and fairness. Feedback from athletes, referees, and spectators will help shape any further refinements before the Olympic qualification period beginning in 2026.

What These Changes Mean for Judo

The IJF’s goal with these updates is to:

Promote positive, engaging, and attractive judo.
Enhance the understanding of scoring and penalties for both participants and spectators.
Ensure the safety and fairness of the sport at all levels.

As these changes roll out, they promise to make 2025 an exciting year for the judo community. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or fan, staying informed about these updates will help you better appreciate the evolving dynamics of the sport.

For a detailed explanation of these changes, visit the official IJF website: ijf.org.

IJF Judo Rules: What’s Changing in 2025?