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EXPLAINED: What is Ippon? All you need to know about the Judo rule

Ippon is defined as the highest score that a fighter can win in Japanese martial arts. Kendo, Judo, Karate or Jujitsu are part of the ippon-wazari contest. it basically means 'one point' but it is given for different styles and for different techniques.In Judo, it can be given for a throw, a pin, a choke or a jointlock.

Throws in Judo are given on the basis of speed, force, landing on the back and skilful control and these aspects are observed till the time landing is done. When it comes to pinning, Ippon is given if the pin is held continuously for 20 seconds.

Chokes and locks are considered when the opponent gives or becomes unconscious. The technique can be closely compared to the knockout in boxing.

In Karate, it is awarded for a technique judged as decisive. The technique is judged if it connects cleanly with a good form and is performed with a little window of opportunity. If a competitor is awarded one point by the judges, he is considered the winner of the contest.

On a few occasions, Shobu Nihon Kumite technique is used in which the contender needs to have two decisive strikes to win the contest. However, in traditional sports, only Ippon is used.


Judoka Tulika Mann's campaign ended in Paris because of an Ippon

India's only Judo participant in the Paris Olympics 2024 Tulika Mann was eliminated in 28 seconds Idalys Ortiz of Cuba on Friday. It was a 78+ kg category event and it was an unfortunate turn of events for Tulika.

The 25-year-old Judo specialist from India was defeated 0-10 by ippon to Cuba's Idalys Ortiz, who has four Olympic medals - two bronze and two silver.

Tulika first made headlines in the 2019 South Asian Games by winning a Gold medal in the 78+ Kg category. She was slowly on the path to glory and her signs were winning a silver medal for India at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 at Birmingham.

In 2023, Tulika was part of the Asian Open Championship in Taipei and clinched a bronze medal. It was an unexpected end to her campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024, but she is expected to bounce back stronger in the near future.

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