Are leg grabs allowed in para judo?
I · Intermediate · During the fight · 3 of 4Leg grabbing follows the IJF system, but the referee takes the visual impairment into account: contact to protect the body, or from losing balance, is not penalised. If one or both athletes move from groundwork to standing, the referee calls maté and they restart from the starting position. In ne-waza an athlete may stand up alone.
How it works
- Leg grabs: the IJF system.
- Allowance: the impairment is taken into account.
- Protective contact: not penalised.
- Loss of balance: not penalised.
- Groundwork to standing: maté.
- Restart: from the starting position.
- Standing up: allowed alone.
- Referee contact: only if really necessary.
The glossary has the leg grabbing (IBSA judo), the from groundwork to standing, the restart from the starting position, the grip with both hands, the special attention for J1 athletes and the referee contact.
Tricky cases
An athlete grabs a leg to stop falling. Penalty?
No.
An athlete stands up out of a hold. What does the referee do?
Calls maté.
Does the referee lift a J1 athlete up?
No. They may stand alone.
Is a deliberate leg grab allowed?
No. The IJF penalty applies.
Why the rule exists
A blind athlete may touch a leg by accident while falling. The referee judges intent as well as contact.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IJF | Leg grab penalised | 12 |
| IBSA | Accidental contact allowed | 12 |
| Standing up | Maté | 13 |
From the rule book
IBSA, IBSA Judo Rules (amendment to the IJF rules, 2025 to 2028, January 2025), sections 12, 13 and 17. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Judo Rules, January 2025.