Competing judokas, one in white and one in blue, compete for five minutes. But the contest may end in just a few seconds if a judoka scores an "Ippon" (10 points) by using a successful technique. If neither completes an Ippon by the end of the game, the winner is the competitor who scores the greatest value point. If no score is recorded or both competitors are equal at the end of the five minutes, the bout is extended and may end with the first score earned – the "Golden Score" rule.

The object is to dominate an opponent by using superior throwing, grappling, stranglehold, or arm lock techniques. Two judges and one referee score the match. A judoka scores Ippon (immediate win) by executing a throw that hurls an opponent flat on his or her back with considerable force, speed and control. A win by Ippon can also be achieved by holding one's opponent down on his/her back for 25 seconds, or by forcing an opponent into submission.

"Waza-ari" is awarded for a throw one step below Ippon, and also for holding down an opponent for at least 20 seconds. "Yuko" is awarded for a throw executed with control, but lacking two of the required elements for Ippon, and for holding an opponent down for at least 15 seconds. "Koka" is scored by throwing an opponent to the ground on the shoulder, hip or buttock, using force, speed and control – and for holding an opponent down for at least 10 seconds.