Top 15 Illegal Moves In Judo (With Explanation Videos)

Judo is a martial art that emphasizes the use of throws, pins, and grappling techniques to subdue an opponent. At the same time, it is a relatively safe sport. There are certain moves or practices are considered illegal in Judo, and this is due to their potential to cause serious injury. These Kinshi Waza, or forbidden techniques, are banned in most Judo competitions to ensure the safety and fairness of the sport.

Kani Basami – Scissors Throw

The Kani Basami involves using the legs to scissor the opponent’s legs, causing them to fall backward. This technique is executed by wrapping one leg around the front of the opponent’s thigh. In contrast, the other leg is hooked behind the opponent’s knee.

The throw is completed by extending the legs outward, causing the opponent to lose balance and fall backward. The Kani Basami is prohibited in Judo because it puts the opponent’s knee and ankle joints at high risk of injury.

If executed improperly, this technique can cause significant damage to the knee ligaments. The injury results in severe pain and potential long-term disability. In some cases, the injury caused by the Kani Basami can be so powerful that it may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

To prevent injuries in Judo, the International Judo Federation has strict rules. They prohibit the use in competition. Any athlete who performs this technique during a match will be immediately disqualified. Coaches and instructors are also responsible for educating their students on the dangers of this technique. The importance of following Judo’s rules and regulations ensures the safety of all participants.

Do-Jime – Trunk Strangle

Do-Jime is a technique used in Judo where the practitioner applies pressure to their opponent’s torso with their legs. This is to restrict breathing and cause submission. However, certain illegal moves can result in disqualification or serious injury to the opponent.

The Trunk Strangle is a type of Do-Jime where the practitioner applies pressure to the opponent’s torso using their own gi or clothing. This is considered an illegal move in Judo as it can cause serious injury to the opponent’s neck and spine. It is also regarded as unsportsmanlike conduct and can result in disqualification from the match.

In Judo, safety is paramount, and any technique that risks the opponent’s health is prohibited. The Trunk Strangle can cause significant harm to the opponent. This can range from spinal injuries to loss of consciousness and even death in extreme cases.

Judo practitioners are trained to use safe and effective techniques, and the Trunk Strangle is not one of them. Any practitioner who uses this technique violates the rules and can face serious consequences.

Kawazu-Gake – One Leg Entanglement Drop

Kawazu-Gake involves one judoka hooking their leg around their opponent’s leg. They then pull the leg towards them while dropping down onto their back. This can cause the opponent to fall awkwardly and potentially injure themselves. For this reason, it has been banned from competitive Judo since 2010.

The Japanese judoka Yasuhiro Yamashita initially popularized the move in the 1980s. However, its use in competition led to numerous injuries, particularly to the knees and ankles of the opponent. The International Judo Federation (IJF) eventually took notice. This is why they added Kawazu-Gake to the list of prohibited techniques.

Judo practitioners need to understand the sports’ rules and regulations to ensure safety. Judo emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and safety. Illegal moves such as Kawazu-Gake go against these principles. Judokas can focus on developing their skills and techniques by avoiding such techniques. They can continue to train while minimizing the risk of injury to themselves and their opponents.

Ashi Garami – Leg Entanglement

Ashi Garami is a leg entanglement technique that has been deemed illegal in Judo. The technique involves one judoka wrapping their legs around their opponent’s leg, trapping it. They then put pressure on the knee joint. This can result in serious injury, making it a prohibited technique in Judo.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) prohibits using Ashi Garami in competition. This includes other leg entanglement techniques to ensure the safety of competitors. The decision to ban the technique was made after numerous injuries occurred due to its use, particularly to the knee joint.

Using illegal moves like Ashi Garami not only puts the opponent’s safety at risk but also violates the principles of Judo. The sport emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, safety, and fair play. The use of prohibited techniques goes against these values.

Leg Grabbing

Leg grabbing, also known as “Ashi Waza” in Judo, refers to the technique of grabbing or attacking the opponent’s legs. The International Judo Federation (IJF) has banned leg-grabbing techniques in competition. This implies that any grabbing below the waistline is considered illegal.

The reason for the ban on leg grabbing is to prevent injuries to the lower body, particularly the knee joint. Leg-grabbing techniques can result in twisting or torquing of the knee. This can cause severe damage to the ligaments and tendons.

The IJF’s decision to ban leg grabbing was also motivated by the desire to make Judo a more spectator-friendly sport. Leg-grabbing techniques can be complicated for non-Judo practitioners to understand and appreciate.

Although leg grabbing is illegal in competition. This technique is still taught and practiced in Judo training for self-defense purposes. However, Judo practitioners need to understand the rules and regulations in competition.

This is to avoid disqualification or penalties by adhering to the rules and focusing on legal techniques in competition. Judokas can ensure a safe and fair playing environment while also developing their skills and abilities.

Directly Attacking The Knee

Attacking the knee in Judo is considered a serious foul because it can cause severe damage to the knee joint, ligaments, and tendons. It is important to note that Judo is a sport that emphasizes control. Any moves that could potentially cause injury to an opponent are strictly forbidden.

Directly attacking the knee is dangerous and violates the spirit of Judo. The focus is to use technique and skill to defeat an opponent rather than brute force. Attacking the knee can be considered aggressive and is not allowed in Judo.

Judo practitioners are trained to avoid using techniques that could cause injury. This is for both themselves and their opponents. This includes avoiding direct attacks to the knee and other dangerous moves, such as head, spine, or groin strikes.

Attacking the knee directly in Judo is strictly prohibited and considered a serious offense. Judo emphasizes control and skill over aggression and force. Any techniques that could potentially cause injury are not allowed. As a martial art and sport, Judo values the safety of its practitioners above all else.

Striking Techniques

In Judo, striking techniques are generally not allowed as they go against the principles of the sport. Judo emphasizes using throws, holds, and grappling techniques to defeat opponents rather than strikes or kicks. Using striking techniques in Judo is considered a serious foul and can result in disqualification.

Striking techniques are not allowed in Judo because they can cause serious injury to an opponent. Judo is a sport that values safety and respect, and any techniques that could potentially harm an opponent are prohibited. Striking techniques can cause significant damage to an opponent’s body. This can lead to long-term health problems.

Judo practitioners are taught to use control that does not cause injury to their opponents. This includes avoiding the use of striking techniques. Strikes are considered to be aggressive and unnecessary.

Intentionally Pulling Hair Or Clothes

In Judo, intentionally pulling an opponent’s hair or clothes is considered illegal. This is because such actions are considered to be unsportsmanlike conduct and can cause injury to the opponent.

Pulling an opponent’s hair or clothes can cause them to lose their balance and fall awkwardly, leading to injury. It can also result in discomfort and pain. This can create a negative image and undermine the spirit of fair play and respect in Judo.

Judo practitioners are taught to respect their opponents and to compete with dignity and honor. This means avoiding any actions that are aggressive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike. Pulling an opponent’s hair or clothes is not only against the rules of Judo. It also goes against the principles of respect and fair play that are fundamental in the sport.

Biting, Scratching, Or Spitting On Opponent

In Judo, biting, scratching, or spitting on an opponent is considered a serious foul and is strictly prohibited. These actions are considered to be unsportsmanlike. They are considered to be aggressive and disrespectful.

Biting an opponent can cause serious injury, especially if the bite is aimed at a sensitive area such as the neck or face. Scratching can also cause injury, and it can lead to infection if the skin is broken. Spitting on an opponent is considered disrespectful. This can create a negative view of Judo that goes against the principles of fair play and respect that are fundamental to Judo.

Judo practitioners are taught to respect their opponents and to compete with dignity and honor. This means avoiding any actions that are seen as aggressive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike. Biting, scratching, or spitting on an opponent is not only against the rules of Judo. It also goes against the principles of respect and fair play that are fundamental to the sport.

Illegal Pressure On Neck Or Spine

In Judo, illegal pressure on the neck or spine is strictly prohibited as it can cause serious injury to the opponent. This includes moves that put excessive pressure on the neck or spine, such as chokes, strangles, and spinal locks.

These moves can cause injury to the neck and spine, which can result in long-term health problems. The neck and spine are particularly vulnerable areas of the body. Techniques that could potentially harm these areas are strictly prohibited in Judo.

Judo practitioners are taught to use control techniques that do not cause injury to their opponents. This includes avoiding moves that put excessive pressure on the neck or spine. Since they are considered to be dangerous and unnecessary, techniques should allow practitioners to defend themselves without resorting to violence.

Attacking A Grounded Opponent

In Judo, attacking a grounded opponent is considered an illegal move. This is because it can cause serious injury to the opponent. It also goes against the principles of fair play and respect that are fundamental to the sport.

Attacking a grounded opponent involves throwing or techniques on an opponent already on the ground. This is frowned upon as they are unable to defend themselves. This is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and is strictly prohibited in Judo.

Attacking a grounded opponent can cause serious injury to the opponent, as they are not in a position to defend themselves. This can lead to long-term health problems. It places a negative association with Judo that goes against the principles of fair play and respect that are fundamental to Judo.

Judo practitioners are taught to respect their opponents and to compete with dignity and honor. This means avoiding any actions that are aggressive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike. Attacking a grounded opponent is not only against the rules of Judo. It goes against the principles of respect and fair play that are fundamental to the sport.

Dangerous Manipulation Of Elbow Joint

In Judo, dangerous manipulation of the elbow joint is strictly prohibited as it can cause serious injury to the opponent. This includes moves such as twisting, hyperextending, or otherwise manipulating the elbow joint. This puts excessive and damaging pressure on the joint.

The elbow joint is prone to injury, and any actions that could potentially harm this joint are strictly prohibited in Judo. Moves that put excessive pressure on the elbow joint can cause sprains, dislocations, or even fractures. This type of injury can result in long-term joint problems.

Judo practitioners are taught to use control techniques that do not cause injury to their opponents. This includes avoiding moves that put excessive pressure on the elbow joint. Judo techniques allow practitioners to defend themselves without resorting to violence.

Striking Head Or Face With Body/Clothing

In Judo, striking the head or face with the body or clothing is considered illegal. This includes moves such as using the head or clothing to hit the opponent’s head or face.

Judo considers striking the head or faces with the body or clothing as dangerous and unsportsmanlike conduct. It can cause serious injury to the opponent and goes against the principles of the sport and respect that are fundamental to Judo.

Judo practitioners are taught to use control of techniques that do not cause injury to their opponents. This includes avoiding moves that involve striking the head or face with the body or clothing. This is deemed to be dangerous and unnecessary. Judo techniques allow practitioners to defend themselves without resorting to violence.

Illegitimate Pushing Out Of Contest Area

In Judo, illegitimate pushing out of the contest area is considered illegal. This involves using force to push an opponent out of the designated contest area, which is typically marked by a mat or other boundary.

Illegitimate pushing out of the contest area is considered unsportsmanlike conduct in Judo. Mainly as it does not involve the use of controlled techniques. It may cause injury to the opponent or others passing the boundary of the mat. This action goes against the principles of fair play and respect that are fundamental to the sport.

Judo practitioners are taught to control their techniques so that they do not cause injury to their opponents. This includes avoiding moves that push the opponent out of the contest area. This is considered to be dangerous and unnecessary. Judo techniques allow practitioners to defend themselves without resorting to unsportsmanlike conduct.

Unsportsmanlike Behavior For Advantage

In Judo, unsportsmanlike behavior for advantage is considered an illegal move. This involves engaging in any conduct designed to give an unfair advantage over the opponent. Mainly such as feigning injury, delaying tactics, or stalling.

Unsportsmanlike behavior for advantage is considered to be a breach of the principles of Judo. Judo emphasizes respect, fair play, and mutual welfare. Judo practitioners are taught to compete with honor and dignity. Any actions that could be perceived as unsportsmanlike are strictly prohibited.

Judo matches are typically conducted with strict time limits and rules regarding conduct. They are engaging in unsportsmanlike behavior for advantage. Any stalling can disrupt the match flow and deny the opponent a fair chance to compete.

Conclusion

Judo is a sport that emphasizes discipline, respect, and safety. These illegal moves are banned in most Judo competitions to ensure the safety and fairness of the sport. All Judo practitioners and competitors need to be familiar with these prohibited moves. Not only to avoid accidents and injuries but to continue training in the art of Judo. By practicing Judo within the guidelines and rules set forth by the governing bodies, we can continue to enjoy this sport for years to come.