Judo
We are excited to introduce the Judo Seminar and Competition as part of the 2025 Winter Games. This event will combine exciting and inclusive elements of shiai judo and Kata competitions. The competition portion of the event will be held immediately following the seminar.
DATE
February 8th, 2025
LOCATION
Northern Lights Martial Arts Center
1310 South Front Street
Marquette, MI 49855 (directions)
ENTRY FEES
Juniors (17 and younger) - $25
Seniors (18+) - $50
DIVISIONS
Junior Girls - All divisions have light, middle and heavy
6 years old and younger
7 - 10 years old
11 - 14 years old
15 - 17 years old
Junior Boys - All divisions have light, middle and heavy
6 years old and younger
7 - 10 years old
11 - 14 years old
15 - 17 years old
Senior Women - All divisions have light, middle, and heavy
18 - 29 years old
30 - 39 years old
40 - 49 years old
50 - 59 years old
60 years old and above
Senior Men - All divisions have light, middle, and heavy
18 - 29 years old
30 - 39 years old
40 - 49 years old
50 - 59 years old
60 years old and above
SEMINAR INFORMATION
The seminar will be an introductory course for athletes to learn the basics of Judo and essential throws that are included in the price of participation.
The use of the crash mat will emphasize safety and promote high standards of execution to make the competition more exciting to both beginner and advanced practitioners.
COMPETITION FORMAT
Players will be individuals competing by age divisions.
Each player will be paired with a player of corresponding weight. The player will have 2 throws as Tori (thrower) and Uke (receiver). Each throw will be awarded points on a scale of 10 by a panel of judges (three judges) to both Tori and Uke based on skill demonstrated and finesse of execution.
The Gold standard is the standard set up by the Kodokan. One throw (from USJA: Gokyo, no waza) will be chosen by the panel and will be executed by all competitors. The second throw is a Tokui-waza (favorite technique) and thus is chosen by the competitor.
RULES
The current contest rules of the International Judo Federation (I J F) as modified.
All throws will be executed on a crash mat for safety.
Judo protocol of bowing into the mat, the panel of judges and to each Tori and Uke will be observed.
For Tori: The throw will be judged based on attention to details such as hand placement, feet orientation, and utmost caution to the safety of the Uke.
For Uke: The receiving will be judged on not resisting kuzushi, ukemi (safe landing), and hand position.
The competitors will be ranked based on the total points for 2 throws each given and 2 throws received for a possible total of 40 points.
In case of a tie in the total points, an additional throw will be awarded to each competitor. If the scores are tied after the additional throw, the judges' panel majority (minimum of 2 votes) will vote for the winner.
Gis are optional and the mandatory throw will be feasible to execute without a Gi.
EVENT PACKET
Event packet coming soon.
REGISTRATION
There will be no onsite registration.
AWARDS
Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each division.
MERCHANDISE
Merchandise coming soon!
QUESTIONS
For Judo questions contact Sport Director Issam El Bizri issamelbizri@gmail.com
For registration questions or help contact registration@stategamesofmichigan.com
STATE GAMES OF AMERICA
This event is a qualifying event for the 2026 State Games of America. Any athletes who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd has the opportunity to compete in the 2026 State Games of America hosted in Happy Valley, PA.
Visit the State Games of America website for more information and to get registered for #SGA2026.
PREPARE FOR THE GAMES
Click each title for more information
OPENING CEREMONY
Join us as we officially kick off the Winter Games in Negaunee on Friday, February 7 at the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival.
All athletes are welcome to attend and join the athlete parade.
Hotel
Meijer State Games of Michigan athletes receive a discounted rate for the Marquette Winter Games at Staybridge Suites! Click the button below to book your room now.
Staybridge Suites
855 W Washington St.
Marquette, MI 49855 (directions)
MARQUETTE VISITOR INFORMATION
Be sure to check out the abundance of activities and attractions that Marquette has to offer when you are not competing! Click here for more information and ideas.
