Judo Trivia Quiz

Answer: Yuko - five points

Yuko is awarded if the opponent lands on their side. Scoring in Judo depends on how the opponent lands, not on how well the technique was performed. As a competitor, it is vital that you control the opponent until they hit the mat.

Answer: Consult with the line judges before disqualifying the competitor

A first offence should result in a three point penalty (a shido). After one penalty has been awarded, any repeat offences cannot be awarded the same penalty - you must increase the penalty. A second offence would warrant a chui (five point penalty), and a third would need a seven point penalty (keikoku). A fourth offence would result in disqualification - hansoku make.

Answer: Tell the competitor that he cannot change his decision as he has left the mat area

The scoring of a contest can be called into question at any time until the referee leaves the mat. A good referee should be happy to explain their decisions, but cannot change them once they have gone off the mat. Bear in mind that during a contest, the two line judges have the opportunity to indicate if they disagree with a score that the referee has given.

Answer: If one competitor secures a hold-down on their opponent before time runs out

If a hold-down is secured, the contest continues until a winning score is achieved, the hold is broken (the opponent escapes) or until there is a submission. As for the other answers: if there is an injury, the clock is stopped; if one person is wasting time, the clock is stopped and the referee should give the time-waster a penalty; and if the scores are tied at the end of a contest, a decision is given as to who has fought better.

Answer: Call for a judges' decision on who has won

At the first warning, the player would receive a three point penalty (Shido). The second one would result in a Chui (five point penalty). The player would therefore have a five point score, but also five points against them. These scores cancel each other out, meaning that the contest is effectively a draw. Therefore a judges' decision is needed on who has won the contest.

Answer: Hikiwake

In a true competition, draws are not used as a winner is needed. However, in promotional examination, and for some events, draws are allowed. Hajime means "begin" and is used to start (or re-start) a contest. Hantei is a call for a decision from the judges - the referee and the two line judges vote on who they think has performed better, and the winner is whoever gets more votes. Hidari mean left, as in a left-handed technique or the left hand.

Answer: Award the win to the uninjured player

If the injury was the fault of one of the uninjured player, the win could be awarded to the injured person. The injured player is normally given a set amount of time in which they can treat themselves for the injury. However, at the end of that period, the injured player cannot continue, the contest has to be decided on.

Answer: Nothing

There is nothing to say that you must shake hands after a contest - to do so shows good sportsmanship, but it's not compulsory. However, bowing to your opponent shows a basic level of respect, and failure to bow can lead to a penalty.

Answer: Arm extended away from body, palm outwards

Matte is the call for "stop", where the referee wants both players to stop and return to their starting positions. The hand signal is the arm extended away from the body, palm outwards (and should be in the direction of the timekeeper). If the hand was flat, that would be the signal for Waza-ari - a seven point score. Both hands with the palms outwards is the signal for Sono-Mama (freeze) where the referee is wanting both competitors to stop immediately in their current positions and not move. If the arm is extended above the head palm out, the referee should be calling "Ippon" - a ten point (and therefore contest-ending) score.

Answer: Only if he has checked with the referee that it is okay to untie his belt

If the referee tells you to tidy yourself up, you should not untie your belt unless you have his permission. Otherwise, he may think you are looking to waste time, and trying to get your breath back before the contest is re-started. The minimum to do is to tuck your jacket back inside the belt and tidy it up. If you need to undo the belt, check with the referee that it is okay, and then sort out your judogi (judo suit) quickly. If you appear to be wasting time, you may get a penalty - even if the referee gave permission for you to undo your belt.