Judo

commonwealth games

Medals

1
5
8

About Judo

Balance, mental focus and tactics meet technique, agility and leverage in this frenetic display of explosive throws. The objective – to take your opponent down using control, not brute force. With its origins in Japan, the literal translation of the word ‘Judo’ is ‘gentle way’. While this is reflected by its status as a combat sport that prohibits punching, kicking or striking the opponent, don’t be fooled into thinking there’s a shortage of high-octane action.

There are two ways of scoring in Judo – an ‘Ippon’ (one full point), which automatically ends the bout, and a ‘waza-ari’, which is a half point, two of which would win the match.

An Ippon can be earned by throwing an opponent onto their back with ‘control and power’, or for a pin lasting 20 seconds. You can also earn an Ippon by causing the opponent to submit to a chokehold or arm lock.

Waza-ari is awarded for a throw that is successful but is deemed to lack control or power, or for a pin lasting under 20 seconds.

The practice of judo techniques helps people develop basic and fundamental physical fitness in a number of ways, such as the development of strength, flexibility, agility, speed, dynamic and static balance, explosive power, and endurance.

NEW ZEALAND JUDO

New Zealand has been represented in judo at 9 Olympic games, the last being at Rio 2016.

The first athlete to represent New Zealand was Rick Littlewood OLY#289 who competed at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

The first female to represent New Zealand was Donna Burger OLY#622 who competed at Barcelona 1992.

New Zealand has had 15 judoka (9 male, 6 female) compete at the Olympic Games. 4 of these athletes have competed in two Olympic Games.

sports

NZ Fast facts

Olympic Games
No. of athletes
16
No. of games
10
First appearance
1972
Commonwealth Games
No. of athletes
32
No. of games
4
First appearance
1990