All competitions begin with the registration of participants, an essential step to ensure that all athletes are properly identified and affiliated with a recognized club and federation. This process helps guarantee that only eligible athletes take part in the event. It also allows verification of weight and age categories, to ensure fair and safe matchups.

Next comes the organization of match brackets and schedules. This helps the organizers estimate the number of participants and plan accordingly for infrastructure needs (number of tatamis, referees, volunteers, etc.).

After registration, organizers may communicate directly with participants or their clubs to share information such as schedules, rules, or last-minute updates.

Additionally, registration fees help cover all the costs related to the event — whether it’s equipment, venue rental, or logistics, everything contributes to providing a safe and enjoyable competition experience.

The official weigh-in usually takes place the day before or on the morning of the competition. Depending on the event and its criteria, athletes must be within their assigned weight category, or they risk disqualification.

(Some tournaments also offer unofficial weigh-ins in addition to the official ones.)

Very important! Before matches begin, judokas use dedicated warm-up areas to get moving and practice a few techniques. This is key to both performance and injury prevention.

The matches follow. Judokas are called to the tatami by name and category. They take their positions on the designated marks, either on the white or blue side, depending on their belt or judogi color.

Their coach is seated nearby, in the coach’s corner or “box.”

The judokas bow (rei) as they step onto the tatami, then bow to the referee and to their opponent, as a sign of respect — a mandatory judo tradition before every bout.

The referee gives the signal to start: “Hajime!”

The match last 4 minutes for both men and women (seniors), 2 to 3 minutes for younger age groups, depending on the tournament rules

At the end of the match, judokas return to their starting positions, bow to the referee, and then to each other.

Golden Score: 

If the match is tied at the end of regular time, a sudden-death overtime (Golden Score) begins — with no time limit. The first judoka to score (by waza-ari or ippon) wins the match.

If it’s unclear to you who won, which can happen in closely matched fights, the referee raises their arm in the direction of the winner to officially declare the result.

Results are recorded and compiled to determine rankings, progression to the next rounds, and final placements.