DOHA, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Judo players began competition on Saturday for 16 gold medals at the Doha Asian Games. Following is a brief introduction and some facts about judo.
Judo is a traditional Japanese wrestling sport, which literally means "the way of gentleness". The gentleness, however, may not be immediately apparent during matches as players are pinned to the ground.
Judo is based on giving in rather than fighting back, on which all judo techniques are based.
During competition, two individual players make use of the forces of balance, power, and movement to attempt to subdue each other. No kicking, punching, or striking techniques of any kind are involved. No equipment or weapons are used during judo matches.
Two athletes, one in white and one in blue, compete for five minutes in a contest, which is regulated by a main referee and two judges.
The winner must score an Ippon, a degree equaling 10 points, using a successful technique, in which case the match is over.
Lesser scores, including Waza-ari with 7 points, Yuko with 5 points and Koka with 3 points, can be awarded when a technique does not warrant an Ippon.
