How is each duo defence put together?
I · Intermediate · The event · 1 of 2The attacker is uke and the defender is tori, and the two may swap roles from one attack to the next. Every attack must be set up by a pre-attack, such as a push, a pull or a strike. The defence then has four marked parts: the attack, the first defence, the throw or takedown and the closing technique.
How it works
- Pre-attack: a push, a strike, a pull or a combination, made by the attacker before the real attack.
- The attack: one of the set attacks, made so that it would land if the defender did nothing.
- First defence: against the pre-attack and the attack, often a block or evasion with a strike that breaks balance.
- Throw, takedown or submission: a lock or a kick may serve as the takedown.
- Closing: a strike, a lock, a strangle or a controlling hold.
- Series C: also the control of the weapon.
- Combining: parts may be merged, for example a direct throw that uses the attacker's own movement.
- Ten seconds: the pair has ten seconds after "Hajime" to finish the defence.
The glossary has the tori and uke, the pre-attack, the performance (duo), the duo scoring, the series A, B and C and the atemi.
Tricky cases
Must the same athlete attack every time?
No. The roles may change between attacks, and even within a series.
Can the defender skip the throw and go straight to a lock?
Yes. A takedown can also be a lock or a kick, and parts may be combined.
What happens if the attack would have missed anyway?
The attack part scores 0. An attack that misses the target is marked as wrong or illogical.
What if the pair runs past ten seconds?
The rulebook gives the ten seconds but no penalty for overrunning. The marks for the closing part are the likely cost.
Why the rule exists
The pre-attack makes the scenario realistic: real attacks rarely begin cold. Splitting the sequence into fixed parts lets the judges mark each skill on its own, so a fine throw cannot hide a poor first defence.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Series A and B | Four marked parts | JJIF Duo 5.2.1 |
| Series C | A fifth part, weapon control | JJIF Duo 5.2.3 |
| Takedown | May be a lock or a kick | JJIF Duo 5.2.2 |
| Time | Ten seconds after "Hajime" | JJIF Duo 4.10.2; 4.14.5 |
From the rule book
Ju-Jitsu International Federation, Ju-Jitsu Duo Rulebook (version 4.1, approved March 2024), the Generalities and Sections 4.1, 4.6, 4.10 and 5.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Ju-Jitsu Duo Rulebook.