How do blind judoka find their starting position?
I · Intermediate · Before the fight · 1 of 4The coach escorts the athlete to the referee at the edge, both athletes hold the referee's arm and bow together, and the referee walks J1 athletes straight to the starting position. After maté, J1 athletes and anyone who wishes are guided back. Hajime and penalties are always given from the starting position. The referee touches athletes only when really necessary.
How it works
- Arrival: the coach brings the athlete to the referee.
- Bow: together, holding the referee's arm.
- J1: walked to the starting position.
- After maté: J1 guided back to the start.
- Restarts: always from the starting position.
- Groundwork: an athlete may stand alone.
- Judogi: adjusted during maté.
- No-show: fusen-gachi 30 seconds after the second call.
The glossary has the entering the contest area, the escort of J1 and J2 athletes, the restart from the starting position, the referee contact, the athlete does not appear and the judogi adjustment.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete adjust the judogi while being escorted?
No. They do it during maté.
Where is a J1 athlete taken at the end?
To the edge of the area, not onto the yellow line.
Who escorts if the coach cannot?
Local staff.
Is a penalty given mid-mat?
No. From the starting position.
Why the rule exists
Restarting from a fixed spot keeps blind athletes oriented. Limiting contact keeps the referee neutral.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| J1 | Escorted | 5 |
| J2 | Beside the referee | 6 |
| Restarts | From the start | 17 |
From the rule book
IBSA, IBSA Judo Rules (amendment to the IJF rules, 2025 to 2028, January 2025), sections 4 to 6, 17 to 19, 21, 23 and 27. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Judo Rules, January 2025.