How do you win a judo match?
B · Beginner · Scoring and winning · 5 of 7A judo contest is won by ippon, or by having the better score when four minutes are up. It can also be won when the opponent is disqualified, withdraws or does not appear. Penalties do not count as scores. If the scores are level, the contest goes to golden score.
How it works
| Way of winning | What it means |
|---|---|
| Ippon | A full score, or two waza-ari. The contest ends at once |
| On scores at full time | The higher technical score: a waza-ari outranks any number of yuko, and more yuko beat fewer |
| Hansoku-make, direct | The opponent is disqualified for a serious offence |
| Hansoku-make, indirect | The opponent collects three shido |
| Kiken-gachi | The opponent withdraws during the contest, through injury, illness or choice |
| Fusen-gachi | The opponent does not appear. A 30-second countdown is run first |
- "A penalty never corresponds to a score." One or two shido do not decide a contest.
- If neither athlete has a score, or the scores are equal, at full time, the contest continues in golden score, whatever the number of shido.
- The decisions of the referee, once agreed with the supervising officials, are final and without appeal.
Tricky cases
Can a contest be won on penalties?
It depends on the number. Not on one or two shido. A third shido is hansoku-make, and the opponent wins.
One athlete has a waza-ari and the other has three yuko. Who wins at full time?
The athlete with the waza-ari. Yuko do not add up to a waza-ari.
An athlete is not at the mat when called. How long do they have?
Thirty seconds, counted down on the scoreboard after a last call. Then the opponent wins by fusen-gachi.
Why the rule exists
The order of the list reflects what judo values: the technique first, then the scores, and penalties only when they reach the point of disqualification. Keeping shido off the scoreboard means a contest is not won by making the opponent look passive.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IJF rules | As above | J 13; J 19 |
| Events without the video system | Two side judges may be used, with a majority of three deciding | J 13 |
From the rule book
International Judo Federation Sport and Organisation Rules, Refereeing Rules, Articles 13, 15, 18 and 19. Version of 24 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IJF Sport and Organisation Rules (PDF).