Which techniques are banned in U8, U10 and U12?

For all ranks in U8, U10 and U12:

• Drop techniques that start on one or both knees are prohibited.
• All Sutemi-waza and Makikomi-waza are prohibited. Actions that start as a Makikomi or Sutemi are not scored, but actions that start with an allowed technique and end as Makikomi-waza because of the opponent's reaction are scored (U12 rule).
• Head locking with a grip over or around the neck is prohibited in tachi-waza (no Kubi-nage) and in ne-waza. No neck squeezing is allowed in Kesa-gatame: the arm may surround the neck, but joining both hands to add pressure is a squeeze.
• Kansetsu-waza and Shime-waza are not allowed.
• Sankaku-gatame and Sankaku rollover are not allowed.
• Counter-rotation techniques against one-legged throws (for example against Uchi-mata or Harai-goshi) are not scored.
• Kumi-kata (grip) is allowed only at the front of the judogi: the gripping hand cannot fully cross the frontal plane of Uke's movement. A grip behind the back around the shoulder or lower back is allowed if followed by an immediate and continuous attack.

Penalties: in U10 and U12 these actions are not scored and the referee explains why to the judoka and coach. In U10 no Shido is given for a first-time offence. In U12 the referee gives a warning first, and a repeat is penalized with a Shido.

Source: Judo Canada Sanctioning Policy & Tournament Standards 2026-2027, sections 7.1.3, 7.2.3 and 7.4.3.