Judo scoring: the complete guide
The scoring system in judo has been reworked several times by the International Judo Federation (IJF). Since 2025, there are three possible scores (ippon, waza-ari, yuko) and a penalty system. Here's the complete guide.
The scores
Ippon (immediate victory)
An ippon ends the fight immediately. It is awarded when:
- Throw: the opponent lands on their back with force, speed and control
- Pin: 20-second hold on the ground (Osaekomi)
- Submission: opponent taps out from an armlock or choke
One single ippon and the fight is over. It's the ultimate goal in judo.
Waza-ari (half point)
A waza-ari is awarded when:
- The throw is missing one of the ippon criteria (e.g., landing on the back without enough force or speed)
- Pin held between 10 and 19 seconds
Important: two waza-ari = ippon (fight over).
Yuko (back since 2025)
Removed in 2017, the yuko was reintroduced by the IJF at the Paris Grand Slam in February 2025. It is awarded when:
- The opponent lands on their side or on at least one buttock
- Pin held between 5 and 9 seconds
Important: yuko do not add up. Two yuko do not make a waza-ari; they only separate the fighters at the end of the match.
Former scores
| Score | Status |
|---|---|
| Yuko | Removed from 2017 to 2024, reintroduced in 2025 |
| Koka | Removed since 2008 |
Penalties (Shido)
Penalties are given for non-combative behavior or rule infractions:
- First shido: warning (no score)
- Second shido: warning (no score)
- Third shido: hansoku-make (disqualification, the opponent wins)
Common faults
- Passivity: not attacking for too long
- False attack: simulating a technique without real intent
- Stepping out: voluntarily leaving the contest area
- Leg grab: directly grabbing the opponent's legs (banned in standing)
- Excessive defensive posture: bending too far forward
Golden Score
If regulation time ends with no score, the match goes to golden score: unlimited overtime where the first score or penalty decides the winner.
This is often where fights are decided and where physical conditioning makes the difference.
Track your scores with Jutrack
Log the detail of every fight: score, technique, penalties. Over time, you'll see trends: do you often win by ippon? Are you accumulating shidos? This data is key to improving.
Download Jutrack and start analyzing your scores today.