Olympic gold medalist judoka Satoshi Ishii has openly criticized the rule changes in judo that eliminated leg grabs and double leg takedowns…
Arguing that these changes were politically motivated to benefit certain athletes and organizations.

In a recent interview on Giancarlo Bodoni’s podcast, Ishii shared his strong disapproval of the 2009 rule revisions implemented by the International Judo Federation (IJF), which banned attacks below the belt…

As well as stated his belief that the change was politically charged:

It is very bad. It [leg takedowns] is part of judo technique.

I think – I believe it [the rules change] is political because all the famous guys are tall, you know, that’s why they changed.

He pointed out that, traditionally, Japanese judoka were highly competitive in the lighter weight classes but struggled more in the heavyweight divisions due to a height disadvantage.

The below-the-belt techniques had allowed shorter judoka to neutralize their taller opponents…
Which now puts the Japanese judokas at a disadvantage, considering the technique ban:

We are really good for throwing compared to other countries, so we have an advantage.
But over 100 kilos, we are smaller bodies…

We need to take legs.

I think I believe that [it was] politics, because all famous guys are too tall.

Ishii sees Japan’s rule changes as potentially impacting the International Judo Federation (IJF), stating, “If Japan changes the rules, maybe in the future IJF is going to change.” However, he acknowledges possible drawbacks, noting, “Japanese player, they need to change training system, training camp, and top fighter will not compete in Japan because the rules are different. They need to focus on international competition.”

Ishii believes Japan should take a more active role in shaping international judo policies, saying, “There is no Japanese in IJF. Why? I have no idea…they don’t speak English also, I think their attitude also, they don’t, they are too proud, they’re too quiet, they don’t argue, they don’t complain, they should complain.”

The Olympic champion also calls for further rule changes, suggesting, “Best way is everything allowed and no Shido anymore.” He criticizes the current IJF rules for promoting a defensive mindset among athletes, explaining, “Judo players always worrying when Shido is coming…so they always afraid Shido because one Shido then they lose, then you must pretend you’re going to attack.”

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