The new IJF rules are now in effect in the UK. I have yet to use them myself but have been studying them, so I do look forward to it. First competition for that is this coming weekend.
I did make an error in my initial study of one aspect of the new rules, with regard to leg grabs.
My own interpretation was that grabbing the trouser cloth was allowed if absolutely simultaneous with an attack.
Elaine Down (BJA Refereeing Commission and IJF Referee) has been kind enough to clarify this correctly (Emphasis hers):
At no point can tori take hold of the trouser (actual cloth) to execute a throw – simultaneous or not..
A shido penalty will be immediately awarded when tori ‘grabs‘ the trouser (cloth) when this action takes place.
Exception: Whilst the throw is taking place and tori losing his grip or cup of uke’s thigh or calf and is holding the trouser cloth on completion of the technique. (This would only mean a momentarily time that tori holds the cloth – if at all). No shido will be given.
It is going to be very interesting seeing this in action. Note the above is referring to the cloth – cupping the leg, as per Morote Gari or Kata Guruma, is still permitted.
Also remember that grabbing the trouser cloth for defensive purposes is also an insta-shido.
Hmmm…. interesting.
“Insta-shido” I like it! Lets campaign to get that made an official term!
I THINK IT’S GOOD THESE RULES ARE BEING INACTED,BECAUSE JUDO IS LOOSING IT’S ESSENSE&THE EXCITMENT FROM IT;S BEGININGS.JUDO SHOULD BE PLAYED BY TECNIQUES STANDIND AND NOT AS A WRESTLING MATCH.WE’RE LOOSING OUR PERSONALITY. SO LETS BRING BACK THE TRUE MEANING OF JUDO AS DR KANO AND MUFUNIE INTENDED IT TO BE. SENSI BACKUS OF NORFOLK SCHOOL OF JUDO&JUJITSU
Sorry but I read this quite a while ago and having seen it in action, I think it is ridiculous to have a shido for just touching/brushing someones upper thigh.
Grabbing is one thing, when your hand holds on to the material but Ive seen dozens of times when a judoka DOES NOT grab but simply touch and get DQed.
Totally idiotic.