Decisive Techniques for Ippon in Elite Women’s Judo: A Tactical Analysis from the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Abstract

Olympic women’s judo has increased in complexity and competitiveness, demanding detailed tactical analysis. This observational study aimed to examine the relationship between the results of combats (Wazari [half point] vs. Ippon [full point]) and the techniques used in women’s judo combats in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A significant association was found between technique type and contest outcome (χ² = 40.004, df = 6, p < 0.001): Nage Waza (throwing techniques) produced 92.3% of Wazari, whereas Katame Waza (groundwork techniques) accounted for 61.1% of Ippon. Subgroup analysis confirmed these relationships (χ² = 17.217, df = 6, p = 0.009; Cramer’s V = 0.745), with Ashiwaza (foot/leg techniques) dominating Wazari. Uchimata was the most frequently used technique in the repechage (20%), bronze medal (22.6%), and final (23.1%) matches. In lightweights, Katame Waza dominated Ippon in finals (53.8%, χ² = 4.000, p = 0.046), while Nage Waza secured all Wazari. Middleweights also showed strong associations (χ² = 14.745, df = 1, p < 0.001; 93.9% of Wazari by Nage Waza). Although no significant association was found for heavyweights (χ² = 7.535, df = 1, p = 0.095), Katame Waza prevailed in Ippon (69.2%). These findings provide a tactical framework for tailoring technique-specific training by weight category and tournament phase to optimize outcomes in elite female judo.

1. Introduction

Olympic women’s judo has experienced significant growth in recent years, as reflected by increased international participation and elevated competitive standards among athletes [1]. This progress has enhanced the visibility of the sport and the strategic and tactical complexity of competitions, driven by regulatory modifications, technological innovations for performance analysis, and increased technical diversity among athletes. Consequently, contemporary matches are dynamic, complex and unpredictable [2,3,4,5].

In this context, an in-depth analysis of the technical and tactical determinants of performance is essential for coaches and researchers. There is a broad consensus that technical–tactical preparation decisively influences competitive success, given that the effective execution of techniques in real competition scenarios is crucial for success [6]. To investigate these demands, observational studies frequently employ notational and time–motion analyses, allowing for the description of match dynamics and strategies under natural conditions. Moreover, recent technological advancements have substantially improved data collection, analysis, and interpretation, facilitating real-time studies and precise post-competition evaluations [7].

Current competition rules specify that a match can be concluded immediately via an Ippon by accumulating two Wazari scores (Wazari-Awasete-Ippon) or by receiving three penalties (shido). If a tie persists at the end of the regular time, the Golden Score period ensues, in which a single Wazari secures victory [8].

To date, the specialized literature on women’s judo has primarily focused on describing general variables such as the total duration, frequency, and duration of the grip, throwing, and groundwork control phases. Examples include studies examining the 2010 World Championships [9], the 2018–2019 Senior World Championships [10], and the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles [2,11]. Some studies have also addressed the global techniques employed during match dynamics [1,12,13].

Although these studies have accurately characterized temporal demands and general competition patterns [2,10,13], a critical research gap persists. Specifically, there is insufficient detailed identification of decisive techniques (including their sub-classifications), their distribution according to weight categories and tournament phases, and their direct relationship with scoring types (Ippon vs. Wazari). This lack of specificity substantially limits the transferability of these findings to targeted training programs designed to address the increasing technical complexity of women’s Olympic judo.

Closing this research gap requires a detailed analysis to precisely identify the most effective techniques, their distribution across different weight categories, and how their effectiveness varies throughout the tournament phases. Possessing such a technical–tactical map would enable coaches to design more targeted training, conduct individualized scouting analyses of opponents through video reviews, and specifically adapt physical conditioning programs [14] to meet the kinematic demands of predominant techniques.

Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between the results of combats (Wazari [half point] vs. Ippon [full point]) and the techniques used in women’s judo combats in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This comparative and longitudinal approach aims to provide relevant empirical data for coaches and sports professionals, contributing to the optimization of specialized and updated technical-tactical training programs to maximize competitive efficiency and improve the performance of judo athletes in future international competitions.

2. Methods and Procedures

This observational and retrospective study was designed to analyze the results of Wazari or Ippon finishes in judo combats during the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The observational methodology allowed for the recording of behaviors in natural and competitive conditions without researcher intervention, thus ensuring the fidelity of the data in real tournament scenarios. This approach followed the methodological guidelines of previous studies, such as those described by Kons et al. [11].

A total of 101 scored attacks during Olympic Games combat were reviewed: namely, 53 (52.48%) from Rio 2016 and 96 from Tokyo 2020 (n = 48, 47.52%). The results of the combined analyses included the scored attacks described in

Table 1. Distribution of techniques utilized between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.

	Frequency	Percent	Cumulative Percent
Global techniques
Katame Waza	27	26.733	26.733
Nage Waza	74	73.267	100.000
Sub-techniques
ASHIWAZA	36	35.644	35.644
KANSETSUWAZA	6	5.941	41.584
KOSHIWAZA	5	4.950	46.535
OSAEKOMIWAZA	19	18.812	65.347
SHIMEWAZA	2	1.980	67.327
SUTEMIWAZA	13	12.871	80.198
TEWAZA	20	19.802	100.000
Specific Techniques
KATAGURUMA	1	0.990	0.990
KATAHAJIME	1	0.990	1.980
KESAGATAME	3	2.970	4.950
KOSHIGURUMA	1	0.990	5.941
KOSHIJIME	1	0.990	6.931
KOSOTOGAESHI	1	0.990	7.921
KOSOTOGARI	2	1.980	9.901
KOUCHIGARI	7	6.931	16.832
KUZUREKAMISHIOGATAME	3	2.970	19.802
KUZUREKESAGATAME	1	0.990	20.792
KUZURETATESHIOGATAME	1	0.990	21.782
KUZUREYOKOSHIOGATAME	7	6.931	28.713
NIDANKOSOTOGAKE	3	2.970	31.683
OGOSHI	2	1.980	33.663
OSOTOGARI	11	10.891	44.554
OSOTOMAKIKOMI	2	1.980	46.535
SANKAKUGATAME	3	2.970	49.505
SASAETSURIKOMIASHI	1	0.990	50.495
SEOINAGE	13	12.871	63.366
SOTOMAKIKOMI	2	1.980	65.347
SUKUINAGE	1	0.990	66.337
TANIOTOSHI	4	3.960	70.297
TATESHIOGATAME	1	0.990	71.287
TAYOTOSHI	2	1.980	73.267
TEGURUMA	2	1.980	75.248
TOMOENAGE	1	0.990	76.238
UCHIMATA	17	16.832	93.069
UCHIMATASUKASHI	1	0.990	94.059
UKIGOSHI	1	0.990	95.050
URANAGE	4	3.960	99.010
USHIROGOSHI	1	0.990	100.000

.

The Olympic Games phases included repechage (29.15%), bronze medal combats (28.14%), semifinals (29.15%), and final (13.57%) phases. The weight categories were divided as follows: women: −48, −52, −57, −63, −70, −78, and +78 kg.

The combat results were classified as finished by Wazari and Ippon. The categories of techniques used were coded using the classification proposed by Kano [15].

The data for this study were processed and collected following a standardized protocol of direct observation and review of publicly available official recordings. The scored attacks were obtained via direct observation of the videos available on olympics.com, initially recorded in an Excel spreadsheet, and designed and implemented independently by two judo experts from the International Judo Federation, both of whom were coaches with more than 20 years of experience and black belts. Subsequently, the combat results were compared with those of the Official Results Book of the Olympic Games.

Each global and sub-specific technical action was classified according to the weight category and bout result (Ippon or Wazari). Subsequently, the techniques analyzed during the combat were coded according to the criteria of the International Judo Federation. This methodological approach ensured consistency and accuracy in data collection. In addition, cross-checking with official records was conducted to confirm the accuracy of the observations. Data reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), which demonstrated excellent consistency (ICC = 0.99). Ethical approval for data collection and processing was granted by the local ethics committee (CODE: BIOPUCV-H 520–2022) in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and following the STROBE guidelines for observational studies.

Statistical Analysis

The normality of the data was evaluated using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The results are presented as absolute and relative frequencies. To explore the relationships between categorical variables, contingency tables were employed, and a chi-square (χ²) test was applied. Additionally, the contingency coefficient and Cramér’s V were estimated to assess the strength of the association. Data analysis was conducted using the JASP Statistical Computer Software (version 0.17, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) [16]. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Association Between the Technical Categories and the Result of the Combat According to the Group Phases

A statistically significant association was found between technical categories and combat outcomes (χ² = 40.004, df = 6, p < 0.001). Nage Waza techniques accounted for 92.3% (n = 60) of Wazari results, while Katame Waza contributed to 61.1% (n = 22) of Ippon outcomes. Significant associations persisted in the semifinals (χ² = 8.882, p = 0.003) and finals (χ² = 13.000, p < 0.001), with Nage Waza linked to 100% of Wazari (n = 8).

During the group stages, technical subgroups showed a significant association with outcomes (χ² = 17.217, df = 6, p = 0.009; Cramer’s V = 0.745). Ippon victories represented 29.03%, with Osaekomi-Waza contributing 9.68%. Wazari accounted for 70.97% of the victories, dominated by Ashiwaza (38.71%, n = 25).

In repechage, 43.33% of bouts ended in Ippon (Osaekomi-Waza: 13.33%, n = 4; Ashiwaza: 13.33%, n = 4), while 56.67% ended in Wazari (Tewaza: 20%, n = 6). Uchimata was the most frequently used technique (20%, n = 6), followed by Kouchigari, Seoi-Nage, and Sankaku-Gatame (13.3%, n = 4 each). Osotogari and Tateshiogatame each occurred in 10% of the cases (n = 3).

Bronze medal contests featured Uchimata (22.6%, n = 7), Kouchigari (12.9%, n = 4), Tateshiogatame (12.9%, n = 4), Osotogari (9.7%, n = 3), Sankaku-Gatame (9.7%, n = 3), and Tomoe-Nage (6.5%, n = 2).

Semifinals showed no statistically significant association (χ² = 11.600, p = 0.072). Ippon outcomes represented 33.33% (Osaekomi-Waza: 11.11%), whereas Wazari constituted 66.67% (Ashiwaza: 29.63%; Tewaza: 14.81%). Osotogari and Seoi-Nage were the most frequent (18.5%, n = 5 each), followed by Uchimata and Sankaku-Gatame (11.1%, n = 3 each).

In the finals, Osaekomi-Waza contributed 30.77% of Ippon (38.46% total), and Ashiwaza contributed 46.15% of Wazari (61.54% total). Uchimata was present in 23.1% (n = 3), and Sankaku-Gatame and Seoi-Nage in 15.4% (n = 2 each). Non statistical association was observed (χ² = 43.400, df = 30, p = 0.054, Cramer’s V = 0.656).

3.2. Association Between Technical Categories and Combat Outcomes by Weight Categories

Across all weight categories, 101 technical victories were recorded: namely, 36 Ippon (35.6%) and 65 Wazari (64.4%). Uchimata was the most frequent technique overall (16.8%, n = 17), followed by Seoi-Nage (12.9%, n = 13) and Osotogari (10.9%, n = 11). For Ippon, Uchimata (19.4%, n = 7) and Kuzure-Yoko-Shio-Gatame (13.9%, n = 5) were the most common. For Wazari, Seoi-Nage (18.5%, n = 12), Uchimata (15.4%, n = 10), and Osotogari (13.8%, n = 9) predominated.

3.2.1. Lightweight Category (−48 kg, −52 kg)

A significant association was observed between the technical group and outcome (χ² = 11.357, df = 1, p < 0.001). Katame Waza accounted for 53.8% (n = 7) of Ippon, whereas Nage Waza contributed to 100% (n = 16) of Wazari. In the final, Katame Waza was linked to all Ippon and Nage Waza to all Wazari (χ² = 4.000, p = 0.046). Uchimata was the most frequently used technique (24.1%, n = 7), followed by Seoi-Nage (17.2%, n = 5). For Ippon, Uchimata led (10.3%, n = 3), and for Wazari, Seoi-Nage (17.2%, n = 5), Uchimata (13.8%, n = 4), and Osotogari (6.9%, n = 2) were prominent.

3.2.2. Middleweight Category (−63 kg, −70 kg)

A significant association was observed (χ² = 14.745, df = 1, p < 0.001). Nage Waza accounted for 93.9% (n = 31) of Wazari and Katame Waza for 60% (n = 6) of Ippon. The trends persisted for bronze medal matches (χ² = 12.000, p < 0.001), semifinals, and finals. Osotogari was the most frequently used technique (14.0%, n = 6), followed by Uchimata, Kouchigari, and Seoi-Nage (11.6%, n = 5 each). Ippon involved 10 distinct techniques (2.3% each, n = 1), while Wazari was concentrated in Osotogari (11.6%, n = 5), Kouchigari (11.6%, n = 5), Uchimata (11.6%, n = 5), and Seoi-Nage (9.3%, n = 4).

3.2.3. Heavyweight Category (−78 kg, +78 kg)

No significant overall association was observed (χ² = 7.535; df = 1; p = 0.095). Katame Waza contributed 69.2% (n = 9) to Ippon, and Nage Waza contributed 81.3% (n = 13) to Wazari. In bronze medal matches, Nage Waza constituted 85.7% (n = 6) of Wazari. The finals exclusively featured Ippon via the Katame Waza. Uchimata was the most common technique (13.8%, n = 4), followed by Osotogari, Kuzure-Yoko-Shio-Gatame, and Seoi-Nage (10.3%, n = 3 each). For Ippon, Uchimata led (10.3%, n = 3); for Wazari, Seoi-Nage (10.3%, n = 3), and Osotogari (6.9%, n = 2) were notable.

4. Discussion

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the results of combats (Wazari [half point] vs. Ippon [full point]) and the techniques used in women’s judo combats in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. In the global analysis, a significant association was observed between the technical groups employed and combat outcomes, highlighting that Nage Waza techniques were predominant in obtaining Wazari, whereas Katame Waza techniques were superior in achieving Ippon. This trend remained consistent in decisive phases, such as the semifinals and finals.

These findings align with previous results reported by Barreto et al. [2], who also identified substantial differences in technical selection according to the tournament phase and weight category.

In contrast to previous research that emphasized temporal variables through time–motion analysis [2,9,10,13], our study provides a detailed description of the decisive technical repertoire, identifying specific patterns according to the score obtained. Our results confirm that Wazari is predominantly achieved through classical throwing techniques, particularly Uchi-Mata, Seoi-Nage, and Osotogari, corroborating previous studies [2,11]. In contrast, Ippon is primarily achieved through ground techniques (Osaekomi-Waza) and sacrifice techniques (Tomoenage), aligning with findings by Agostinho and Franchini [12], who emphasize the tactical importance of transitions and execution in specific combat situations.

Segmented analysis by weight categories reinforces this specialized tactical perspective. For example, in lightweight categories, techniques such as Seoi-Nage and Tomoenage predominate in crucial phases of the tournament, whereas in middle categories, Uchi-mata and Osotogari are essential for obtaining Wazari. These results are congruent with Miarka et al. [13,17] and Ceylan and Balci [10], who demonstrated that technical–tactical demands vary considerably according to weight category and are also influenced by specific physical and strategic aspects [18].

Recent regulatory changes have significantly impacted technical–tactical dynamics, reducing the time spent on gripping and direct attack, and increasing the phases of approach without contact [2]. Our study complements these findings by confirming that, despite these temporal restrictions, specialization in highly effective specific techniques is maintained in the decisive phases of combat.

Finally, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations of the study, including the difficulty in controlling all contextual variables and the lack of detailed biomechanical analysis. Future studies could incorporate advanced kinematic analysis and predictive models based on artificial intelligence, following recent methodological recommendations [7,13].

From an applied perspective, the evidence suggests that training design in elite women’s judo should be based on an individualized diagnosis of the technical–tactical repertoire, effort management, and current regulatory context. It is essential to integrate specific techniques such as Uchi-Mata and Seoi-Nage to maximize the probability of success through Wazari, whereas to achieve Ippon, rapid transition and stabilization on the ground should be emphasized through techniques such as Osaekomi-Waza and Tomoenage. The systematic implementation of advanced video analysis, opponent scouting, and the use of kinematic tracking technologies are fundamental strategies for optimizing preparation and anticipating rival trends [1,19].

Similarly, the adaptation of training according to weight category and tournament phase is crucial, recommending specific training sessions that simulate competitive pressure conditions, fatigue, and real scenarios, such as repechages and finals. The integration of psychological variables, such as decision-making under pressure and competitive resilience, along with detailed biomechanical analysis, is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that effectively respond to competitive demands.

Finally, future studies should delve into longitudinal and multicenter analyses that explore the evolution of technical–tactical profiles in response to future regulatory changes. The incorporation of advanced tools such as kinematic analysis, artificial intelligence, and predictive models represents a promising frontier for optimizing training individualization and improving strategic anticipation in high-performance women’s judo.

In conclusion, this study shows associations between the techniques used and match outcomes in Olympic women’s judo. Throwing techniques (Nage Waza) are key to achieving Wazari scores, while groundwork techniques (Katame Waza) are decisive for securing Ippon victories, especially in the lightweight and heavyweight categories during the finals. Additionally, Uchimata stands out as the most effective technique in critical phases of the tournament. These findings suggest that training plans should be adapted according to weight category and competition stage, prioritizing the development of specific techniques that maximize the chances of success in elite women’s judo.