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.
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