One action, and the match is over. That is ippon, and it is the reason judo feels different from wrestling or BJJ: there are no points to protect and no clock to run down, only the one throw, pin or submission that settles everything at once. The referee raises a straight arm above the head, and you can sit down.
A throw scores ippon when it lands the opponent largely on the back with speed, force and control. Miss one of those four and it is waza-ari, the half point; two waza-ari in one match add up to ippon under current International Judo Federation rules. A pin held for 20 seconds or a submission by arm lock or strangle ends it the same way.
Related terms
