Ippon

Winning by ippon (ultimate throw, 20-second hold-down, or a submission via arm lock or choke).

The ippon is the highest possible score in judo. It represents maximum efficiency and the ultimate success in a match. Whether by a throw, a hold, or a submission, it’s the ultimate goal.

Ippon is the full point -> an ippon ends the match immediately.

The opponent is thrown flat on their back with control, force, and speed.

By Hold-down :

The opponent is pinned on their back in a controlled position (osae-komi) for 20 seconds.

By Choke (shime-waza) or Arm Lock (kansetsu-waza) :

The opponent taps out (usually at least twice — Maitta), signaling they can no longer continue due to an effective choke or arm lock.

By Disqualification :

The opponent receives a hansoku-make (disqualification for a serious offense) or accumulates 3 shido (penalties).

The Waza-ari

A waza-ari is a half-point — a well-executed technique that does not fully meet the criteria for an ippon.

Waza-ari by Throw :

The opponent is thrown, but one of the key elements is missing (control, speed, force, or back impact).

For example: the opponent lands partially on the back with speed, force, and control.

Hold-down between 10 and 19 seconds :

The opponent is pinned on the back or a large portion of it, in a controlled position with continuous pressure, for at least 10 seconds but less than 20 seconds.

Two waza-ari = one ippon. The match stops immediately, and the judoka who scores two waza-ari is declared the winner.

The Yuko has returned!

In Ne-waza (groundwork):

A 5 to 9 second hold-down earns a Yuko. This encourages more effective ground techniques.

In Tachi-waza (standing):

• A 90-degree throw (or nearly) landing on the side with the body turned inward
• Impact on the upper shoulders
• Landing on the buttocks, with or without the use of hands

Special rules about Yuko:

• A Yuko is not cumulative with other scores and does not replace a waza-ari or ippon
• (Yuko < Waza-ari < Ippon)
• A Yuko does not end the match, but it is used as a technical tiebreaker
• During Golden Score, the first to score (Yuko, Waza-ari, or Ippon) wins
• A Hansoku-make (direct or from shido accumulation) also ends the match

👉 If no ippon is scored during regular time, the winner is decided by points (waza-ari and/or yuko)

👉 In case of a tie, Golden Score begins — no time limit, and the first to score (Yuko, Waza-ari, or Ippon) or force a disqualification wins the match