The intended purpose of the rules for Freestyle Judo is to provide a safe and objective standard of criteria for the conduct of Freestyle Judo matches and tournaments. Judo is, among other things, a combat sport and the rules of Freestyle Judo reflect the original combat nature of Kodokan Judo. To insure objective and unbiased officiating points are assigned to a variety of skills. Every attempt has been made to provide a safe and objective atmosphere that reflects Kodokan Judo as the most technically advanced combat sport ever intvented. Please scroll down for the Freestyle Judo rules as amended to the Freestyle Judo South Africa Alliance Organization and Freestyle Judo Ritoru Tatsu Fight Club South Africarules and as recognized by the International Freestyle Judo Alliance.

How To Win:

• IPPON – via throw or submission

• SUPERIOR DECISION – 12 Point Spread, such as 12-0, 14-2, 17-5 ***

• DECISION – Score more points than opponent at the end of schedule match time.

• OVERTIME – If no points are scored in scheduled match time, then a 1-minute overtime will be used for Juniors and Masters and 2 minutes for Seniors. The first contestant to score will win. If neither contestant scores an Ippon or points, then the referee and mat judges will declare the winner based on effective attacks.

**** Taken Note of the following:

The Judge/Referee’s Decision is final
NO MAT SIDE COACHING

How To Win for Age Groups
• Ages 15 and older : Ippon can be scored by a throw, choke or armlock.
• Ages 11 to 14 : Ippon can be scored by a throw, pin (25 seconds) or choke.
• Ages 10 and under : Ippon can be scored by a throw or pin (25 seconds).

Scheduled Match Time
• 5 Minutes – Seniors
• 3 Minutes – Masters
• 3 Minutes – Juniors
*** In Freestyle Judo, there is no difference in time between women’s and men’s matches.****

Win by Ippon
• THROW – Throw opponent with control and force on back or back/side.
• ARMLOCK – Opponent taps out or referee stops the contest.
• CHOKE – Opponent taps out or referee stops the contest.
• PIN (Ages 14 and Under) – Hold opponent in Osaekomi for 25 seconds.

Ippons are not scored for Osaekomi (Pins) in Senior or Masters.
You must use a throw or takedown technique to go to the ground. Pulling an opponent to the mat without attempting an actual throw (“pulling guard”) is considered passive and will result in a penalty.

Scoring Points:

4 POINTS (Waza-ari)
THROW – Opponent lands mostly on the back or back side but not enough for Ippon.
PIN – Hold opponent for at least 20 seconds.

2 POINTS (Yuko)
THROW – Opponent lands on side or back in what would be Yuko in regular Freestyle Judo South Africa Alliance Organization and Freestyle Judo Ritoru Tatsu Fight Club South Africa Judo rules.
PIN – Hold opponent for at least 10 seconds.

1 POINT (Koka)
THROW – Opponent lands on front torso (not hands and knees) or on buttocks or light on side.
PIN – Hold opponent for at least 5 seconds.
BREAKDOWN – Turn opponent onto back with control from a stable ground position.
GUARD PASS – Get past opponent’s legs with control.
GUARD SWEEP – Roll or sweep opponent over with control from the Guard position.

Grip Fighting and Gripping:

Freestyle Judo allows for more varied gripping than the regular judo rules. You are allowed to hold the belt or hold onto the same side of the jacket or sleeve as long as you are not overly defensive. A good thing to remember is that when you grip or grab your opponent anywhere; don’t lock your elbows out to keep him or her away from you. You are allowed to grab your opponent’s legs or pants (in the gi category, but you can’t use his pants in the no gi category) as long as you are attempting a throw or takedown.
NO-GI GRIPPING – A judogi jacket is not used, but the rules are the same otherwise.

Newaza (Ground fighting)

THE REFEREE WILL ALLOW THE ACTION TO CONTINUE AS LONG AS HE OR SHE SEES THAT THERE IS ACTION OR PROGRESS IS TAKING PLACE.
You must use a throw or takedown technique to go to the ground. Pulling an opponent to the mat without attempting an actual throw (“pulling guard”) is considered passive and will result in a penalty.

Weight Categories For Friday Night Fight Nights

The following Weight Divisions will be applicable:

Boys 5-11 Weight Category

Lightweight – 24 kg

Middleweight 24–42 kg

Heavyweight + 42kg

Girls 5-11 Weight Category

Lightweight – 25 kg

Middleweight 25–40 kg

Heavyweight + 40kg

Boys 12-16 Weight Category

Lightweight – 34 kg

Middleweight 34–50 kg

Heavyweight + 50kg

Girls 12-16 Weight Category

Lightweight – 36kg

Middleweight 36–52kg

Heavyweight + 52kg

Men Weight Category

Lightweight – 68 kg

Middleweight 68–80 kg

Heavyweight + 80 kg

Ladies Weight Category

Lightweight – 48 kg

Middleweight 48–66 kg

Heavyweight + 66 kg

Please visit https://freestylejudoalliance.org.za/freestyle-judo-rules/

FOR KOSEN JUDO FIGHT NIGHT (Ground Fighting/Grappling Only):

***** Rules will be explain at the Fight Night before tournament commences *****

All colour Gi’s (Judo/BJJ Suits) are allowed except for Red Coloured Gi’s

Example: White, Blue, Green, Black, etc.