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.

Previous Commonwealth Games Appearances

Judo is now a core sport in the Commonwealth Games programme. It was previously excluded in the 2018 edition in the Gold Coast but has now been reinstated as a core sport.

Birmingham 2022 will be the fourth time it has been contested following appearances at Auckland 1990, Manchester 2002 and Glasgow 2014.