Dimensions for Judo

Judo means 'the gentle way' in Japanese. The moral code of judo is politeness, courage and sincerity. Judo is a combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline.

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The information in this guide is general in nature and cannot be relied upon as professional advice concerning the design of, or marking out for, sporting facilities and playing areas. No assurance is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in this guide and readers should not rely on its accuracy. Readers should obtain their own independent and professional advice in relation to their proposed sporting activity.

From a standing position, it involves techniques that allow you to lift and throw your opponents onto their backs. On the ground, it includes techniques that allow you to pin your opponents down to the ground, control them and apply various choke holds or joint locks until submission.

Competition area

Judo competition area The competition area is a minimum of 14m x 14m and a maximum of 16m x 16m and is covered by tatamis or similarly acceptable green material. The competition area is divided into two zones. The contest area is a minimum of 8m x 8m or a maximum of 10m x 10m. Surrounding the contest area is a 1m wide danger zone. The safety area outside the danger zone is 3m wide.

The competition area must be fixed to a resilient floor or platform. Where two or more adjoining competition areas are used, a common safety area of between 3m and 4m is necessary. A free zone of 50cm must be maintained around the competition area.

A strip of blue and a strip of white adhesive tape, 10cm wide and 50cm long, are fixed on the centre of the contest area 4m apart. This is the starting position at which the contestants must start and end the contest. The blue tape is fixed to the referee’s right and the white to his left.

Lighting

For all national and international competition under the International Judo Sports and Organisation Rules, lighting is a minimum 1500 lux up to 1800 lux. This is directed onto the competition area from the top, in such a way that no shadows are caused and not from the sides or from an oblique angle. It must not handicap the activities of the competitors, officials and spectators.

The Australian Standard for martial arts is 500 lux recreation and training and 1000 lux for competition. Attention must be given to provision of adequate illuminance values in vertical planes.

 
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