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90 Judo Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Judo? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Judo (Sports). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
Related Questions & Answers:   Martial Arts   
1 There are different types of randori (free practice). One is Tachiwaza, the other is Newaza. What is Newaza randori?
Answer: Ground fighting free practice

Newaza randori is free practice on the ground. That is where you practice your rollovers, strangles, chokes and armlocks without standing. In this way Newaza is a lot like many wrestling sports and the randori is used to hone ground-fighting techniques as part of the overall Judo fighting style.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
2 Kodokan Judo was created by Jigaro Kano in Japan. What does Kodokan mean?
Answer: The school for studying the way

Judo was created as a disciplined form of self defence and came from the earlier martial art Jujutsu. Kodokan means "the school for the studying the way" (Kodokan Judo - Jigaro Kano).
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
3 One of the two competitors catches his opponent with superb, well-timed throw, sending their opponent crashing on to his side. What score should be awarded?
Answer: Yuko - five points

Yuko is awarded if the opponent lands on their side. Scoring in Judo depends on how the opponent lands, not on how well the technique was performed. As a competitor, it is vital that you control the opponent until they hit the mat.
  From Quiz: Judo
4 This is a throw is often taught to beginners. The opponent is moved onto their right leg and this leg is then swept away by your right leg. The name of this throw means 'Major Outer Reap'. What is this throw?
Answer: Osoto Gari

All these throws are reaps (Japanese 'gari').

'O-' refers to 'major', whereas 'Ko-' refers to 'minor'. 'uchi' means inner, 'soto' means outer.

Thus, the 'Major Outer Reap' is 'Osoto Gari'.
  From Quiz: Judo Techniques
5 Where did the 2003 World Championship take place?
Answer: Osaka, Japan

It took place in Munich in 2001, in Makuhari in 1995, and in Barcelona in 1991.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo?
6 How do you spell the word for methods of holding in japanese?
Answer: kumikata

There are a lot of different kumikata. You can personalize your grappling by deciding whether you are short and small, or tall and gangly. For the short but strong, the best kumikata is to grab high on the opponent's left collar, and grab tightly on their right elbow.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [3]
7 What is Judo's closest meaning in Japanese?
Answer: Gentle Way

The reason it is called the "Gentle Way", is because the art relies on technique, not strength.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [1]
8 At the end of a judo competition the referee declares "Hantei". What is Hantei?
Answer: The fight is a draw and must be decided by judges decision

In judo competitions, unlike gradings, there are three referees at the mat. One in the middle and two at opposite corners. If, after the regulation time and sudden death, the fighters are still tied all three referees give a decision on who wins by means of raising one of two flags they are holding. The flags are coloured blue or white and the score is usually two to one. Disqualification usually means the fighter can no longer participate in the competition. Medical aid is always close to the fighting area and if there are any minor cuts can be dealt with there and then. However major cuts results in the injured person losing automatically. There can be no request for a toilet break.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
9 The first technique you learn in Judo is how to fall safely. What is the Japanese term for this technique?
Answer: Ukemi

Before a student should even attempt to throw someone, or be thrown, they should be taught how to land safely. Ukemi teaches breakfalls to the front, rear and side. The object is not to hurt your opponent but to achieve success with the least amount of effort. In effect, to make your opponent throw themselves.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
10 During a contest, one competitor has been stiff-arming his opponent constantly. He has already received three cautions for it. What should the referee now do?
Answer: Consult with the line judges before disqualifying the competitor

A first offence should result in a three point penalty (a shido). After one penalty has been awarded, any repeat offences cannot be awarded the same penalty - you must increase the penalty. A second offence would warrant a chui (five point penalty), and a third would need a seven point penalty (keikoku). A fourth offence would result in disqualification - hansoku make.
  From Quiz: Judo
11 Who was the Gold medalist in the 2000 Olympic Games, 73kg category?
Answer: Maddaloni, ITA

They all won Gold medals but in different categories: Nomura 60kg, Takimoto 81kg, and Ozkan 66kg.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo?
12 What are the techniques that may be learned in Judo, but never used in a tournament?
Answer: atemi-waza

Atemi-waza, better known as striking techniques, were banned from tournaments because no armor is involved in Judo, and the techniques could cause serious injuries. Te-waza are hand throws, koshi-waza are hip throws, and tachi-waza are all the throws.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [3]
13 What is the name of the person who is throwing you?
Answer: tori

A uke is the opponent, or the person who is being thrown. Yami means dark in Japanese, and a dojang is the Chinese equivalent to a jodoka's Japanese dojo.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [2]
14 Where do the basics of Judo come from?
Answer: Ju-Jitsu

The basics of Judo are throwing, ground-work, arm-locks, and chokes.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [1]
15 In Brazilian jiu-jitsu practice, sparring with other students is known as what?
Answer: Rolling

During rolling, students practice grappling with each other to test and improve their skills. This is done on special mats. Students may practice particular techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds or focus on other skills such as practicing defence from specific situations or submissions. If a student is caught in a submission hold, they may tap on their opponent's body to submit; if unable to touch their opponent, they may yell "tap, tap, tap."
  From Quiz: An Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
16 There are many ways for a Judoka to earn their black belt at a grading event. One of the hardest ways is to face a line-up. What is a line-up?
Answer: Three fights in a row which they must win

If you are the fighter at a grading event, you must win your first to fights. If you do, then you have to face three fighters in a row without a rest. Also you must win each of your fights with an ippon score(or wazari-awasete ippon). The demonstration of Newaza and Tachiwaza techniques is standard procedure for anyone who wishes to be a Judo coach.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
17 Judo relies on the art of giving way. That is to use your opponents actions, build, and strength against them. The first way to do this is to break their balance. What is this known as in Judo?
Answer: Kuzushi

Kuzushi means breaking your opponents balance either to the front or the rear. Guruma means wheel, Hiza means knee. Goshi means hip throw.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
18 Which throw has a name which means 'Body Drop'?
Answer: Tai Otoshi

'Tai Otoshi' means 'Body Drop'. 'Tani Otoshi' means 'Valley Drop'. 'Seio Otoshi' means 'Shoulder Drop'. 'Uki Otoshi' means 'Floating Drop'.
    Your options: [ Tani Otoshi ] [ Uki Otoshi ] [ Seoi Otoshi ] [ Tai Otoshi ]
  From Quiz: Judo Techniques
19 What is the hip throw most commonly first learned by beginning judokas?
Answer: o-goshi

O-goshi is the most common because it is the easiest throw to learn. Harai-goshi is the sweeping loin throw, springing hip throw is called hane-goshi.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [3]
20 What does juji-gatame mean?
Answer: cross armlock

Arm crush lock is ude-gatame, sliding collar necklock is okuri-eris-jime, and figure-four armlock is ude-garami.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [2]
21 What is the "Gokyo"?
Answer: A list of the 40 throws of Judo

The full term is Gokyo-no-waza, and consists of the five groups of throwing techniques which categorize the 40 throws of Judo. Newaza deals with rollovers and pins, shime-waza deals with strangles and chokes, and kansetsu-waza deals with armlocks.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
22 Judo is mainly known for throws and pins but there are striking techniques as part of the curriculum. What is the Japanese term for striking techniques?
Answer: Atemi-waza

Waza means technique: Atemi-waza is striking technique, Shime-waza is strangulation tecnique, and Katame-waza is ground fighting tecnique. Tai-otoshi is a throw to the front. Atemi-waza is rarely taught in a Judo Dojo and is not part of the Gokyo (system of 40 throws, pins, armlocks and strangles) that is taught to all students under 1st Dan (black belt).
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
23 At an event, it has been decided that each contest is to last four minutes. When might it be permissable for a contest to last longer than this time?
Answer: If one competitor secures a hold-down on their opponent before time runs out

If a hold-down is secured, the contest continues until a winning score is achieved, the hold is broken (the opponent escapes) or until there is a submission. As for the other answers: if there is an injury, the clock is stopped; if one person is wasting time, the clock is stopped and the referee should give the time-waster a penalty; and if the scores are tied at the end of a contest, a decision is given as to who has fought better.
  From Quiz: Judo
24 Marie-Claire Restoux was one of the most popular and most successful judokas. What is her nationality?
Answer: French

Among other titles, she won Gold medal in the 1996 Olympics, and two first places in World Championships (1995-1997).
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo?
25 In which year were male Judokas allowed in the Olympics?
Answer: 1964

Men could do Judo in the Olympics in 1964, and women could participate in 1992. Women should have been able to participate earlier.
    Your options: [ 1963 ] [ 1959 ] [ 1972 ] [ 1964 ]
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [2]
26 What colors of gi can you get?
Answer: blue, white, black

My sensei doesn't allow us to wear the black gis.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [1]
27 What is the Judo term for shoulder hold?
Answer: Katagatame

Kataguruma is a throw. Kata means form and is a system of pre-arranged movements that teach the fundamentals of attack and defense. Kiai is the escape of energy expressed as sound("The Judo Manual" by Tony Reay/Geoffrey Hobbs).
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
28 In many movies, a judo throw is shown where the star defends themself by placing a foot into their opponents midsection, sitting down, and throwing them over their head. What is the Japanese term for this throw?
Answer: Tomoe-nage

Tomoe-nage is a great throw to watch, whether at the movies or at a competition. It requires lots of practice and a partner who has faith in you and in their ability to go with the throw. The other three terms are also throws, but the foot is not placed into the midsection like Tomoe-nage. Tomoe-nage means circular throw.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
29 At the end of the contest, one player has a Yuko score, but also has two minor passive penalties against him. The other person has no scores or penalties. What should the referee do?
Answer: Call for a judges' decision on who has won

At the first warning, the player would receive a three point penalty (Shido). The second one would result in a Chui (five point penalty). The player would therefore have a five point score, but also five points against them. These scores cancel each other out, meaning that the contest is effectively a draw. Therefore a judges' decision is needed on who has won the contest.
  From Quiz: Judo
30 What is kansetsu-waza in english?
Answer: armlock techniques

You are not allowed to practice armlocks and chokes until you are 12. You have to be 13 and an orange belt to use them in tournaments.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [3]
31 What is the name of your classroom?
Answer: Dojo

A kwoon is a korean martial arts place. School is well... a school, and ryou is translates to "school" or "classroom" in Japanese.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [1]
32 What is the newest form of Kata in Judo?
Answer: Kodokan Goshin Jutsu

Ju no kata (Forms of Gentleness) consists of 15 techniques in 3 sets. Itsutsu no kata (The Five Forms) are five unnamed forms designed to demonstrate the principle of maximum efficiency. Koshiki no kata (Ancient Forms) is designed to be used by warriors who are clad in armour.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
33 Judo is the only Olympic sport where you are allowed to strangle or choke someone into submission or unconsciousness. One of the strangles is Hadaka-jime. What does it mean?
Answer: Naked lock

You can strangle either by using their Gi (judo suit) or with just your hands. All four techniques are very effective and should only be done under appropriate supervision.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
34 What is the term for a draw?
Answer: Hikiwake

In a true competition, draws are not used as a winner is needed. However, in promotional examination, and for some events, draws are allowed. Hajime means "begin" and is used to start (or re-start) a contest. Hantei is a call for a decision from the judges - the referee and the two line judges vote on who they think has performed better, and the winner is whoever gets more votes. Hidari mean left, as in a left-handed technique or the left hand.
  From Quiz: Judo
35 Where did the 2004 European Championships take place?
Answer: Bucharest, Romania

It was actually going to be in Belgrade, but the European Federation decided to change the venue due to the instable political situation in the region.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo?
36 What is a yoko-ukemi?
Answer: side-breakfall

A shout is called a kiai. A back-breakfall is called ma-ukemi. I forget what a front-breakfall is called.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [2]
37 How many degrees are in a blackbelt?
Answer: 10

The second color (kyu) belt is yellow.
  From Quiz: Do You Know Judo? [1]
38 What is the name for the "high kneeling posture"?
Answer: Kyoshi

Judo has terms for practically every position and every movement. Dan is a grade in judo, first dan being when you earn your first black belt. Dojo, as any Judoka knows, is the practice hall. Kyoshi(high kneeling position) is one of the first movements in Katame no Kata. Shikko is the movement of one knee.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [2]
39 In case your partner/opponent becomes unconscious, there is a technique for resuscitating them. What is the Japanese term for the resuscitation technique?
Answer: Kappo

Kappo is a secret art that comes from jujutsu in the 18th century. Randori means free practice. Yoko means side, and Morote means two-handed.
  From Quiz: Kodokan Judo [1]
40 During the contest, one person gets injured. It is no-one's fault but he decides that he will be unable to continue. What should the referee do?
Answer: Award the win to the uninjured player

If the injury was the fault of one of the uninjured player, the win could be awarded to the injured person. The injured player is normally given a set amount of time in which they can treat themselves for the injury. However, at the end of that period, the injured player cannot continue, the contest has to be decided on.
  From Quiz: Judo
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