Weight Classes in Judo? Judo is a widely recognized grappling martial art and a popular Olympic sport. Judokas are divided into different weight classes in competitions to ensure fair competition and high-level performance.
This page will provide a detailed overview of the various weight divisions in Judo, including adult and youth categories in both Olympic and non-Olympic Judo contests. Stay tuned!
History of Weight Classes in Judo
Weight classes were introduced in Judo to create fair competition and to avoid giving unfair advantages to competitors with significant weight differences.
Weight categories were first implemented at the 1965 World Judo Championships, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Initially, only three weight categories were introduced, namely −68 kg, −80 kg, and +80 kg.
However, over time, the weight classes have evolved and have been adjusted several times to optimize competition and accommodate the evolving physique of athletes worldwide.
Today, there are seven official weight categories for men and women and additional divisions for cadets and junior judokas.
The need for such categorization became apparent as the sport grew internationally, reflecting a continuous effort to improve competitive balance and athlete welfare.
Current Weight Classes in Judo
Since 1998, the weight classes in Judo have been identical in Japanese and international tournaments, with seven male and female divisions.
| Men Judo Weight Classes | Men Judo Weight Classes | ||
| In Kilograms | In Pounds | In Kilograms | In Pounds |
| – 60 kg | – 132.2 lbs | – 48 kg | – 105.8 lbs |
| – 66 kg | – 145.5 lbs | – 52 kg | – 114.6 lbs |
| – 73 kg | – 160.9 lbs | – 57 kg | – 125.6 lbs |
| – 81 kg | – 178.5 lbs | – 63 kg | – 138.8 lbs |
| – 90 kg | – 198.4 lbs | – 70 kg | – 154.3 lbs |
| – 100 kg | – 220.4 lbs | – 78 kg | – 171.9 lbs |
| + 100 kg | + 220.4 lbs | +78 kg | + 171.9 lbs |
All Japan Judo Championships, World Judo Championships, and international Judo tournaments use the weight class system described above.
Furthermore, there may be an “open weight class” with no weight limitations at the World Judo Championship (held every two years) and the annual All Japan Judo Championships.
Judo Olympic Weight Classes
Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964, except in 1968. It had 15 events at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
However, at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, judokas will compete for 14 sets of individual medals in various weight classes for both men and women.
Olympic Games Paris 2024 Judo Weight Classes
| Men Judo Olympic Weight Classes | Women Judo Olympic Weight Classes |
|---|---|
| – 60 kg | – 48 kg |
| – 66 kg | – 52 kg |
| – 73 kg | – 57 kg |
| – 81 kg | – 63 kg |
| – 90 kg | – 70 kg |
| – 100 kg | – 78 kg |
| + 100 kg | +78 kg |
Youth Judo Weight Classes
Cadet Judo Weight Classes
Judo athletes between the ages of 15 and 17 compete in the cadet division.
They are classified into numerous weight divisions in USA Judo Championships, IJF Championships, etc.
As of April 5, 2022, the weight divisions for Judo Cadet have been updated. The updated list is provided below.
| Cadet Judo Boys Weight Divisions | Cadet Judo Girls Weight Divisions | ||
| In Kilograms | In Pounds | In Kilograms | In Pounds |
| – 50 kg | – 110.2 lbs | – 40 kg | – 88.1 lbs |
| – 55 kg | – 121.2 lbs | – 44 kg | – 97 lbs |
| – 60 kg | – 132.2 lbs | – 48 kg | – 105.8 lbs |
| – 66 kg | – 145.5 lbs | – 52 kg | – 114.6 lbs |
| – 73 kg | – 160.9 lbs | – 57 kg | – 125.6 lbs |
| – 81 kg | – 178.5 lbs | – 63 kg | – 138.8 lbs |
| – 90 kg | – 198.4 lbs | – 70 kg | – 154.3 lbs |
| + 90 kg | + 198.4 lbs | + 70 kg | + 154.3 lbs |
IJF Juniors Judo Weight Classes
Juniors are judoka between the ages of 15 and 20.
They are classified into numerous weight divisions in USA Judo Championships, IJF Championships, etc.
Here’s a corrected version of the text you provided: Here are the IJF Junior weight divisions as of April 5th, 2022:
| Junior Judo Boys Weight Divisions | Junior Judo Girls Weight Divisions | ||
| In Kilograms | In Pounds | In Kilograms | In Pounds |
| – 60 kg | – 132.2 lbs | – 48 kg | – 105.8 lbs |
| – 66 kg | – 145.5 lbs | – 52 kg | – 114.6 lbs |
| – 73 kg | – 160.9 lbs | – 57 kg | – 125.6 lbs |
| – 81 kg | – 178.5 lbs | – 63 kg | – 138.8 lbs |
| – 90 kg | – 198 lbs | – 70 kg | – 154.3 lbs |
| – 100 kg | – 220.4 lbs | – 78 kg | – 171.9 lbs |
| + 100 kg | + 220.4 lbs | + 78 kg | + 171.9 lbs |
Weigh-In Procedures
Judo athletes must undergo a weigh-in process before a tournament to ensure they meet the weight requirements for their respective categories.
This process usually takes place a day before the competition starts. Strict rules govern it, including a minimal weight variance allowance.
If athletes fail to gain weight, they may either be disqualified or moved to a different category.
Strategic Implications of Weight Classes
Weight classes significantly impact the strategies employed by judokas during competitions.
Some athletes may opt to “cut weight” to qualify for a lower weight class where they believe they have a competitive edge.
However, this practice can have severe health implications and negatively impact an athlete’s performance due to dehydration and reduced physical capacity.
Judo Weight Classes vs Other Combat Sports
Judo’s approach to weight classes shares similarities and differences with combat sports like wrestling and boxing.
This comparative analysis helps illustrate why Judo’s specific weight class system is suited to its unique combat style, which emphasizes throws and groundwork over striking, which is more prevalent in boxing.
Conclusion
Judo is a famous Olympic sport and a well-known grappling martial art. Adult and youth Judokas are classified into weight classes during contests to enable fair competition and high-level performance.
I hope you are no longer confused about weight classes in judo. But if you have any further questions, please comment; we’re here to help!
