New Judo Rules

New Judo rules (Non judo players don’t bother reading...much judo lingo in here)
From what I can understand from talking to some people is that these new judo rules have been effective due to the ‘crappy’ style of judo played at this year’s cadet world championships. The international judo federation are looking at banning all hands attacks below the belt. This means that kata guruma’s (fireman’s carry) and leg grabs/ankle picks are also illegal. Even direct attacks such as a footy tackle (double and single leg takedowns) are all disallowed. Even a direct attack such as a Te guruma will be a penalty. You get 1 warning and afterwards disqualified. A pickup like te guruma can only be used as a counter not a direct attack.
The reason behind these changes is because apparently the public cannot see the difference between Judo and Wrestling and they want judo to go back to the old days of upright judo. I believe that this is so wrong. We Judo players pride ourselves on the fact that you can come from any style of grappling whether it be Sambo, Wrestling, Kurash, shootfighting, Jujitsu or rugby. We will still find a way to throw you and beat you. But now it seems we are going backwards a step and disallowing legitimate judo techniques that by all means are effective. This means I may have to start doing Kurash which is a Kazakhstan wrestling I think. That or Sambo.
It reminds me of how in Taekwondo punches to the face were made illegal because amateur boxes were knocking people out and winning competitions without throwing a kick (which is what they pride themselves on.) This is a perfect example of how they couldn’t or found it difficult to counteract a certain style so just ban it and you don’t have to worry.
Another rule change is only having 1 referee in the centre. That referee has an ear plug in and if they make a wrong call they are told through the piece to change the score. Once again another stupid rule when the current ruling of 3 refs in the centre works perfectly fine already.
Also the no koka score although I believe is a good rule many referees are now scoring a yuko score to scores that would only be awarded a koka. But because there is no kokas they just give a yuko. It’s a bit of a joke really dudes landing flat on their bum and their opponent getting a yuko, what a joke.
All of these new rules are going to be trialled at the Junior World championships in 6 weeks time. Should be very interesting to see the spread of medals after the Eastern blocs cannot pickup any more. In saying that though many Georgians here were standing up straight and getting some big throws in.
Just keep in mind that these are my interpretation from what I have heard from people I haven’t seen any official IJF documentation yet.

We will see what happens
Have an awesome day everyone
Matt