Freestyle Judo
Freestyle Judo is a modern competitive format that revives traditional Judo techniques while embracing a broader, more dynamic rule set. Founded by Steve Scott and the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), it restores techniques restricted or removed from mainstream competition, such as leg grabs and extended ground work. Freestyle Judo emphasizes athleticism, versatility, and a more complete grappling experience. It serves as an alternative for judoka who value both the heritage of Judo and the freedom of creative expression.
Freestyle Judo Essentials
About Freestyle Judo
Get to know Freestyle Judo—a ruleset that reopens the full potential of Judo by allowing more throwing and grappling options than traditional formats.
Freestyle Judo History
Trace the origins of Freestyle Judo from its establishment in the early 2000s as a response to restrictive IJF rules. Learn how it brought balance back to stand-up and ground game.
Philosophy & Approach
Freestyle Judo promotes adaptability, fairness, and technical freedom. Discover how its open approach supports complete development for both competitive and recreational judoka.
Techniques & Style
This section highlights the wide variety of techniques allowed in Freestyle Judo, including double-leg takedowns, extended ne-waza, and classic Judo throws used without penalty.
Traditions & Etiquette
While the format is modern, Freestyle Judo maintains traditional dojo etiquette—respect, bowing, and sportsmanship are upheld in every match and training session.
Uniform & Symbols
Practitioners wear standard Judo uniforms (judogi) with optional patches representing Freestyle Judo affiliations. Learn how appearance and tradition remain unified.
Weapons
As with Olympic Judo, Freestyle Judo is strictly unarmed. This section explains the focus on hand-to-hand grappling and why weapons play no role in the system.
Ranking System
Freestyle Judo uses a belt ranking system similar to traditional Judo, often managed through organizations like AAU Judo and associated black belt boards.
Freestyle Judo Glossary
Learn key terms like total victory, continuous action scoring, and technical hold-downs. This glossary helps clarify unique Freestyle scoring and techniques.
Notable Figures
Meet innovators like Steve Scott and other contributors who helped launch and promote Freestyle Judo as a platform for more inclusive and complete competition.
Branches & Organizations
Explore affiliated bodies like AAU Judo and Freestyle Judo International. Learn how the format is promoted and practiced across clubs and tournaments worldwide.
Competitive Format
Dive into the Freestyle Judo ruleset: points for throws, pins, submissions, and continuous transitions between standing and groundwork—judging action, not restrictions.
