What groundwork is banned in restricted categories?
Rule- UK
- British Judo
- Junior judo
- Under 12
- Under 16
- Under 18
- BJA contest rules
- Mon grades
- 2026
- Coaches
In technical restriction categories, tori may not:
- Hold down with the legs in sangaku, or with the legs in a similar position around uke's neck, with or without an arm. The early stages of a sangaku turnover are allowed if the legs aren't interlocked. So is uncrossing the legs and then applying a hold.
- "Crank" uke's neck, for example turning or holding with kata-sangaku.
- Arch uke's spine. For example, with uke lying flat, controlling the collar, pinning the head to the mat and lifting the leg or foot to bring uke's body over their head.
- Throw from behind while rising from groundwork to standing. The referee calls mate before a grip is taken or a throw is made from this position. There's no penalty unless a throwing action was started.
The referee calls mate as soon as any of these actions becomes apparent. Strangles and armlocks are also banned in under-16 categories.
Added 21 Oct 2026