Yuko and lower scoring landings
IJF · 2026Yuko is an active score in this edition. It covers defined side, upper-back, neck and buttock landings that do not qualify for a higher score. Landing with the front of the stomach, both hips or both knees touching before or together with the relevant side landing can prevent a yuko.
The rule
Yuko is an active score in this edition. It covers defined side, upper-back, neck and buttock landings that do not qualify for a higher score. Landing with the front of the stomach, both hips or both knees touching before or together with the relevant side landing can prevent a yuko.
In practice
A recognised hold lasting 5–9 seconds also scores yuko. Yuko accumulate only within their own category: they never combine into waza-ari. When neither athlete has a superior waza-ari score, the greater yuko total can decide the result at the end of regular time. Referees assess the actual landing sequence, not just the final position.
Sources & approach ↗