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Judo/Shinohara v. Douillet

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Expert: Neil Ohlenkamp - 3/25/2008


Question
Sensei,

What is your opinion regarding the infamous "Ippon" in the Olympic match between Shinohara and Douillet.  I have seen the video numerous times, and it looks to me like a clear, forceful, well-executed Ippon by Shinohara.

Was it or was it not an Ippon?

Very Respectfully,
Todd Jeffreys
Nidan

Answer
Although I initially agreed that Shinohara gained control and should have been awarded ippon, I can see it both ways. Douillet initiated an attack that knocked down Shinohara, or Shinohara escaped and executed a successful counter. It is hard to say whether Douillet simply rolled through his technique, or whether he was forced to fall onto his back, and the same can be said for Shinohara who also fell. There is no way for a referee to determine that one contestant fell due to the attack of their opponent, but the other didn't. I am willing to accept the decision of the IJF referee commission that neither contestant had sufficient control to justify a score, and therefor no score should have been called.

A referee should only award ippon to a throw that is clear. Since control is an essential element for any score, neither contestant's attempts should be rewarded with a score (a much better solution than a simultaneous score or splitting hairs to determine who had more control). At least that is my opinion.

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Neil Ohlenkamp

Expertise

Mr. Ohlenkamp can answer any questions about Judo having practiced it since 1968. Author of a best-selling book on Judo and a 6th degree black belt, he has compiled a comprehensive web site (JudoInfo.com) to provide the information to everyone.

Experience

Mr. Ohlenkamp has been practicing judo continuously since 1968, as a student, athlete, competitor, teacher, coach, referee, leader, and author.

Organizations
United States Judo Inc., United States Judo Association, United States Judo Federation, Nanka Yudanshakai, United States Ju-Jitsu Federation, Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, Encino Judo Club.

Publications
As a pioneer in promoting martial arts around the world through the internet, Mr. Ohlenkamp created one of the first web pages devoted to Judo. Since 1995 his Judo Information Site at JudoInfo.com has been the most highly acclaimed, most popular, and most comprehensive Judo web site on the internet. He also runs several other Judo sites like JudoForum.com, DoJudo.com, and BlackBeltJudo.com. He has also authored a book on Judo, contributed to other martial arts books, and had articles published in most of the major Judo publications in the US. The U.S. edition of the book is called Judo Unleashed (2006, McGraw-Hill) but is also available under other titles in the UK, Germany, Russia, and The Netherlands.

Education/Credentials
Mr. Ohlenkamp is a 6th degree black belt and has been nationally certified as a Judo instructor, coach, and rank examiner. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development with a specialty in recreation from California State University, Northridge.

Awards and Honors
6th degree black belt in Judo and Jujitsu, US Judo Coach of the Year-1999, U.S. Team Coach at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul, Korea, the 1989 World Championships for the Blind in Manchester, England, and the 1990 World Championships and Games for the Disabled in Assen, Netherlands, and member of the International Blind Sports Association Judo Technical Committee from 1988 to 1993.

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