How to Watch Olympic Judo: A Beginner’s Guide to the Sport image 15

Your Complete Guide to Watching Olympic Judo

The Tokyo Olympics are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning how you’ll watch all the exciting action – including the fast-paced sport of judo. As a martial art, judo features incredible displays of strength, skill and technique. But for those new to the sport, it can be tough to know where to start. This guide will answer all your questions and help you feel like a judo expert by the time the Games begin.

Understanding the Basic Rules

  1. The goal is to throw or pin your opponent to the mat within the allotted time limit. Matches usually last 4-5 minutes for men and 4 minutes for women.
  2. Points are awarded for successful throws (ippon) or partial throws/pins (wazari). The first player to score an ippon or the one with the most points at the end wins.
  3. Certain prohibited grabbing and hitting techniques are banned for safety reasons.
  4. If a match is tied at the end of regulation, it goes to “golden score” sudden death overtime until someone scores.

From my experience coaching youth judo, most newcomers find the scoring system confusing at first. But don’t worry – by the end of your first match, you’ll have the basics down. Keep your eyes peeled for textbook throws that satisfy the judges.

Watching at Home Versus in Person

blank

If you can’t make it to Tokyo, watching the Olympics on TV is the next best option. Most major networks and streaming services will carry live coverage of the judo events. However, nothing compares to experiencing the electric atmosphere of a live tournament. I’ve been fortunate to attend several international comps over the years. Seeing the explosive action up close and feeling the roar of the crowd after a big throw is truly amazing. Still, watching from your couch allows replay viewing to analyze techniques. Either way works – the choice is yours!

Following Your Home Country’s Judokas

blank

Rooting for your country’s athletes makes the competition that much more exciting. Take some time before the Games to learn about your national heroes. Check their past results, favorite techniques, and personalities through athlete profiles online. Then during the Games, you can cheer them on with knowledge and inside info as they battle for a medal. Canada’s Jessica Klimkait and France’s Clarisse Agbegnenou are two powerhouses I’ll have my eye on in Tokyo. How about you – any home team stars to support?

Exploring Beyond the Olympics

blank

The Olympic judo schedule leaves you wanting more? Good news – there’s a full international circuit to explore afterwards. Groups like the International Judo Federation host Grand Slams, World Championships, and continental events throughout the year. Many competitions stream live on YouTube orsites like IJF TV. Following the pro tours is a fun way to continue learning about top judokas between Olympics. You might even discover a new favorite competitor. Plus, the non-Olympic weight classes and intense crowd energy offer a taste of the sport’s real passion.

Taking a Beginner Class Yourself

blank

Why just be a spectator when you can give judo a try? Locating a dojo to take an intro class is the best way to gain an athlete’s perspective. From my teaching, I’ve seen how getting on the mat translates complex motions into instinct. Throws that were confusing become clear as muscle memory takes over. Starting at a white belt level class means no prior skills required – just show up eager to work hard and learn. Who knows, you might get hooked on the sport yourself after tasting victory in your first randori sparring session. It’s tremendously fun to experience both sides of judo.

In conclusion, I hope this guide has answered your questions and sparked your enthusiasm for watching Olympic judo like a pro. With a basic grasp of the rules and knowledge of top contenders, you’ll be all set come tournament time. Best of luck keeping up with all the fast-paced action live or at home. And most importantly – enjoy experiencing the thrill and drama of this historic martial art unfolding on sport’s biggest stage! Feel free to let me know if any other judo questions come up before Tokyo 2020.

Essential Details for Watching Olympic Judo

blank
Event Details
Judo Matches Judo competitions consist of individual matches between opponents aiming to throw or takedown their opponent using permitted grappling techniques and joint locks.
Weight Classes There are 7 individual weight classes for men and 7 for women to ensure fair competition between athletes of similar size and strength.
Scoring Points are awarded for throws that put opponents onto their back with control, pins, or making opponents submit with armlocks or strangleholds.
Duration Regular matches last 4 minutes and may end early if one athlete scores an ippon, or “full point” throw or hold.
Penalty System Penalties can be assessed for false attacks, stalling, or other rule violations.

FAQ

blank
  1. When are the Olympic judo events taking place?

    blank

    Olympic judo events will occur throughout several days in late July and early August. The individual competitions happen basically back to back, with the mixed team event wrapping things up.

  2. Where can I watch the judo live?

    blank

    All Olympic events, including judo, will air live on NBC and their various TV and streaming channels. You can catch the action online at NBCOlympics.com or on the NBC Sports app. At the same time, some cable providers may offer additional live Olympic coverage on specialty sports stations.

  3. What are the different judo weight classes?

    blank

    There are 7 standard men’s weight divisions and 7 for women. The classes range from extra light to heavy and include 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, 81kg, 90kg, 100kg, and over 100kg for men and 48kg, 52kg, 57kg, 63kg, 70kg, 78kg, and over 78kg for women.

  1. How does the tournament style work?

    blank

    Judo uses single elimination brackets like other combat sports. Competitors who lose are eliminated, while winners advance until two are left to battle for gold. However, those who lose early are placed in repechage rounds for a second chance at bronze. It sort of levels the playing field.

  2. What are some key judo throwing techniques?

    blank

    Among the standard throws taught in every dojo are seismic tosses like seoi nage and uchi mata, sweeping throws like okuriashi harai, and hip throws like o goshi and o soto gari. Amazingly, champions deploy such maneuvers with stunning speed and power.

  3. What are some things to know before watching?

    blank

    For viewing enjoyment, it helps to understand a few basic judo rules. Scoring comes from throws, pins, or making an opponent tap out from a choke or joint lock within the time limit. Grappling on the ground is briefly allowed but the aim is to cleanly throw opponents onto their backs. Despite being a combat sport, judo prizes technique over brutality.

  4. What is the origin of judo?

    blank

    Judo was developed in the late 1800s in Japan by Jigoro Kano as he sought to refine jujitsu for sport. He stripped away dangerous strikes and focused on grappling, throwing, and groundwork. Perhaps judo originated from Kano distilling jujitsu’s most elegant essence. On the other hand, jujitsu still emphasizes self defense over competition.

In summary, judo offers many exciting techniques performed at Olympic speed. To gain a richer understanding, some experts suggest also studying its cultural origins in Japanese martial arts. Maybe catching some live matches could be worth it, if only to witness the stunning athleticism and artistry of world-class judoka firsthand. After all, seeing it in person would leave the strongest impression. While streaming online works fine for following the action, nothing compares to experiencing Olympic judo live in the arena. So if the chance arises, consider taking it!