Ippon
一本
The highest score in Japanese martial arts competitions, “one full point”. In judo it ends the match, in kendo it is the basic unit of scoring.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Ippon (一本) literally means “one full point” and is the highest score that can be earned in Japanese martial arts competitions. Its weight, however, differs between the arts. In judo it ends the match on the spot and is compared to a knockout in boxing. In kendo ippon is the basic unit of scoring, and a match is usually fought to two points out of three. In sport karate under WKF rules, ippon is the highest of the three scoring values and gives three points for one hit. Referees announce ippon with the word “ippon” and a gesture: in judo the referee raises an arm high above the head, in kendo the referees raise a flag in the colour of the fighter who scored.
Differences between arts and styles
Judo: ippon is awarded for a throw in which the opponent lands on the back with speed and force and the attacker controls him until the end of the landing, for a hold on the ground lasting twenty seconds without interruption, and for a choke or armlock when the opponent submits or cannot continue. Two waza-ari by the same competitor also give ippon. Karate (WKF): ippon is worth three points. It comes from a kick to a standing opponent's head or a scoring technique on an opponent on the ground. A kick to the trunk is waza-ari, two points, a straight punch to the head or trunk yuko, one point. Kendo: ippon requires a strike on a valid part of the bogu equipment with the striking part of the shinai, with full spirit, in correct posture and with zanshin, meaning alertness even after the strike. Two penalties on the opponent also give ippon. In sanbon shobu the first to gain two ippon wins, in ippon shobu the first ippon decides.
Relations to other terms
See also
Alertness that continues after a technique is finished, literally “remaining mind”. In kendo it is a condition for a valid ippon strike.
Waza-ari技ありSecond-highest score in judo and karate, literally “technique is here”. In judo two waza-ari give ippon, in WKF karate it is worth two points.
Jodan上段The upper height level a technique is aimed at: head, face and neck. In kendo, it is also the name of the stance with the sword raised above the head.
Shiai試合A competitive match in Japanese martial arts, literally “mutual testing”. Unlike randori, it has a referee, rules and a winner.
Osaekomi-waza抑え込み技A group of judo techniques in which the opponent is held on the back on the ground. Twenty seconds of uninterrupted holding means ippon in competition.
Kumite組手The part of karate in which one trains against an opponent: from pre-agreed exchanges through semi-free sparring to free and competition fights.