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IJF rules
Some articles of the IJF rules now prescribe the dimension, length and composition of the costume.
There is a protocol to follow when entering, during and after each match; the fighting space is limited,
the duration of the combat is restricted to four or five minutes; each contest begins with a standing
natural posture and a standard kumikata or grip; engaging in ground work or Newaza must be
continuous and follow a good attempt at standing throws; there are over 25 cases of infringements to
the rules to be considered and some are more severe than others but all counting against the defaulter.
Is there still room to manoeuvre under those conditions? Yes , providing we understand the restrictions
imposed by a deliberate avoidance of taking the kumikata, the use of extra defensive positions, the
making false attack without breaking the opponent balance, the use of abnormal gips of the sleeve such
as the pistol or pocket grip or that trying to hug the opponent with two hands are forbidden. Judoka
need to understand and work to take advantage of the imposed rules. Let us try to discern some
examples.
Judo combat: Mere winning by dint of physical strenght or trick is said to be an immature stage of judo.
After gaining the sufficient level of perception and proceeding with your plan of action to secure your
goal, you will need to maintain and synchronize your mental commitment or spiritual drive or attitude
with your physical attributes in order to ensure that you are in command of and in control of both the
will power and the physical and technical means to succeed. Do not be hypnotized by the reactions of
the opponent. Remain calm and do the natural thing that is required of you. Launch your technique with
drive and determination and obtain the desired success.
The superior man is compliant but not blindly yielding.
Confucius
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