Judo: The Gentle Way Fighters Turn Brutal in the Octagon

Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on throws, holds, joint locks, and chokeholds. Unlike other forms of wrestling, the emphasis is placed not on strength, but on technique. Fighters who have transitioned to MMA from judo have shown that classical martial arts can be adapted to the intense conditions of mixed martial arts.

One of the most prominent figures is Ronda Rousey – an Olympic judo champion who gained fame in MMA for her rapid submission techniques and aggressive fighting style. Her performances in mixed martial arts demonstrated how judo techniques can become a powerful tool in the arsenal of modern MMA fighters.

Karo Parisyan, known for his ability to use throwing techniques to control and quickly finish a fight, also came from judo. Among the techniques that proved particularly effective in the octagon are seoi-nage (shoulder throw) and dynamic transitions to the ground, which not only allow a fighter to dominate their opponent but also quickly move into a position for a submission or choke.

Let’s explore a martial art whose techniques have become a powerful weapon in the hands of experienced MMA fighters.

History

Judo grew out of the traditional Japanese martial art jūjutsu (more commonly pronounced jiu-jitsu). Between 1868 and 1889, Japan underwent the Meiji Restoration. The previously closed country opened its doors to foreign innovations, mostly from the West. Traditional values began to fade, including martial arts. It was during this period that Jigoro Kano emerged.

As a child, Kano was weak, and to avoid being bullied, he began practicing jiu-jitsu, studying under masters from various schools. At the age of 22, he opened his own martial arts school, naming it Kodokan Judo – “the gentle” or “flexible way.” His mission was to unite the mind and body of his students. On one hand, Kano was very strict with his students, demanding iron discipline; on the other hand, he allowed them to train without payment, accepting only symbolic amounts of rice and tea, and even sewing training uniforms for them himself.

The new martial art produced impressive results in competitions between 1885 and 1888. Kano’s students defeated representatives from other schools. Judo began spreading throughout Japan, and in 1907 it became a mandatory subject in public schools.

In 1964, during the Tokyo Olympics, Kano’s creation became part of the Olympic family of sports.

Jigoro Kano was not only a skilled martial artist but also an effective promoter. He devoted significant attention to popularizing judo, sending his students abroad to demonstrate it. In 1903, Kano’s student, Yoshiaki Yamashita, performed a judo demonstration for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Other ambassadors of the martial art traveled across North and South America, opening schools in England, India, and other countries. Mitsuyo Maeda became the founder of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, while Vasily Oshchepkov developed sambo in the USSR, one of the nation’s most famous martial arts.

Judo Rules

Rules vary depending on the organizing body but share key principles. Matches take place on tatami mats measuring 8x8 to 10x10 meters. Competitors use throwing techniques, ground fighting, joint locks, chokeholds, as well as grips and holds. Before and after a match, opponents must bow to each other.

Weight Categories

Judo has seven weight categories:

Men Weight (kg)	Women Weight (kg)
Up to 60	Up to 48
60 - 66	48 - 52
66 - 73	52 - 57
73 - 81	57 - 63
81 - 90	63 - 70
90 - 100	70 - 78
Over 100	Over 78
Open	Open

Judo Equipment

Competitors wear judogi (kimono) in white or blue. Uniforms must be clean and intact, with the jacket covering the hips by at least 5 cm. When arms are extended to shoulder level, sleeves must hang at least 10 cm. Pants should not be higher than 5 cm above the ankle. The kimono is fastened with a belt corresponding to the judoka’s rank, wrapped twice around the jacket.

Women must wear a white t-shirt or leotard with a round neck and short sleeves under the kimono.

Non-compliant judogi results in disqualification, with the victory awarded to the opponent.

Judokas compete barefoot, with no protective gear used.

Judo Belts

Judo has six student ranks (kyu) and ten master ranks (dan). Advancement requires passing an exam and meeting age and training requirements.

Belt	Rank
White	6 kyu: Beginner
Yellow	5 kyu
Orange	4 kyu
Green	3 kyu
Blue	2 kyu
Brown	1 kyu
Black	1 dan: From 15 years old, 2 years after 1 kyu
Black	2 dan: From 16 years old, 3 years after previous dan
Black	3 dan: From 20 years old, 4 years after previous dan
Black	4 dan: From 24 years old, 5 years after 3 dan
Black	5 dan: From 29 years old, 7 years after 4 dan
Red-white	6 dan: From 40 years old, 12 years after 5 dan
Red-white	7 dan: From 50 years old, requires multiple medals at European, World, or Olympic Championships
Red-white	8 dan: From 60 years old
Red	9–10 dan

Timing in Judo

Matches for athletes 18+ last 4 minutes. Overtime in case of a tie is unlimited. The winner is determined by the first effective technical action or by the fighter whose opponent receives the first penalty.

Prohibited Techniques

Judo forbids:

• Using the head intentionally to avoid falling on the back

• Joint locks except on the elbow

• Lifting a grounded opponent to throw again

• Actions risking the neck or spine

• Competing with hard objects

• Finger locks

• Throws using an opponent’s arm in a joint lock

• Avoiding grips to obstruct the opponent

• Defending without attacking

• Inserting fingers into sleeves or pants

• Wrapping jacket or belt around opponent’s body

• Biting the uniform

• Pushing with hands or feet to the face

• Pushing with the foot into belt, collar, or jacket

• Chokes using belts, jacket edges, or fingers

• Exiting the competition area or pushing the opponent out

• Leg locks on torso, neck, or head

• Using legs to escape a grip

• Leg strikes without technical action

• Standing chokes or joint locks

• Passivity

• Profanity or disrespectful behavior

• Ignoring referee instructions

• Competing in torn or dirty clothing

• Any action against the spirit of judo

Three minor infractions result in disqualification; serious violations result in immediate disqualification.

Judging

A match is overseen by:

• Referee: controls the match, assigns scores and penalties

• Two side judges with video assistance

• Tatami supervisor: organizes judges and monitors them

• Timekeeper

• Announcer: presents participants and announces results

• Technical secretary: displays names and scores

Scoring

Referees award points for:

• Throws, combinations, or counters performed without pause

• Holding an opponent for 20 or 10 seconds

• Submission via choke or joint lock

Determining the Winner

Draws are not allowed.

Ippon (Full Victory) occurs if:

• The throw lands the opponent largely on their back with force, speed, and control

• The hold lasts 20 seconds

• Submission via choke or joint lock leads to opponent tapping out or losing consciousness

Waza-ari (Half Victory) occurs if:

• The throw lands less forcefully or with less control

• The hold lasts 10–19 seconds

Two waza-ari equal one ippon, resulting in victory.

Famous Judokas

Director Guy Ritchie, known for his action-packed films, holds a black belt in judo.

Russian stars also practiced judo: Dmitry Nagiev, who credited martial arts with shaping his “male core,” holds a first adult rank, and Dmitry Pevtsov practiced as a child.

Perhaps the most notable judoka is Vladimir Putin. At 23, he won the Leningrad championship and became a Master of Sports. His signature moves – back throw from the knees and two-sleeve throw – intimidated opponents. He continues practicing judo, currently holding an 8th dan and the title of Honored Coach of Russia.

Judokas in MMA

In Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate at UFC 168, Rousey effectively applied a classic judo throw, immediately transitioning into an armbar, leading to a swift victory over the world judo champion.