ippon

/ ˈɪpɒn /

noun

1. judo karate a winning point awarded in a sparring competition for a perfectly executed technique

Word History and Origins

Origin of ippon¹

C20: Japanese, literally: one point

More About Ippon

What does ippon mean?

In competitive martial arts, an ippon is a point awarded by judges to a competitor in a sparring match for performing a technique perfectly, typically a strike considered decisive. In many cases, being awarded an ippon results in an immediate victory in the match.

It is used as part of the scoring system for a variety of competitive martial arts, including karate, judo, kendo, and jujitsu.

Rules vary from sport to sport regarding what moves are awarded an ippon.

In karate, an ippon can be awarded for landing a kick to an opponent’s head.

In judo, an ippon can be awarded for a particularly forceful throw to the ground, for a pin lasting a certain amount of time (usually more than 20 seconds), for a knockout, or when one’s opponent concedes.

In kendo, in which competitors spar with bamboo swords, an ippon is awarded based on several certain criteria involving how a strike has been landed, including the proper stance.

In jujitsu, the actions that are awarded ippons often differ depending on what stage the match is in.

Example: In judo, I always go up against opponents with a similar skill level, so I rarely receive an ippon.

Where does ippon come from?

The word ippon is borrowed directly from Japanese, in which it literally means “one point.”

Depending on the rules of the particular sport, an ippon is often worth more than one point. Sometimes, it’s worth two or three. In Olympic judo, for example, an ippon is worth 100 points.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that often get used in discussing ippon?

• point
• victory
• win
• match
• bout
• karate
• judo
• jujitsu
• kendo
• perfect
• pin
• throw

How is ippon used in real life?

The word ippon is used in several different competitive martial arts, notably karate and judo. Sometimes, an ippon results in immediate victory.

Ippon!! 5-0. Tom heads to finals!!

— USA Karate (@usankf) July 25, 2015

The husband becomes 2013 Glasgow European Open Champion! He fought amazing all day winning all 4 fights by ippon. #proudwife

— Gemma Gibbons Burton (@gemma_gibbons) October 20, 2013

JUDO: A tough ending for 🇨🇦 Arthur Margelidon, who loses the bronze medal match in an Ippon to Mongolia's Tsendochir Tsogtbaatar.

The thrill of victory and agony of defeat on full display in the Nippon Budokan.#Tokyo2020 #Judo

— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) July 26, 2021

 

Try using ippon!

True or False?

An ippon always results in an automatic win.