Problem Statement: In Japan, head injury in judo is a serious problem. However, to our knowledge, head injury in judo has not been investigated globally, and there is a concern that head injury may become a problem in the future. Additionally, factors that cause head injuries have not been clarified, and it seems that the All Japan Judo Federation and judo coaches do not recognize that the competitive characteristic of judo, in which a participant is thrown unexpectedly, is related to the occurrence of head injuries. Approach: We conducted an experiment in which we pushed six university judo experts at a constant speed using an air cylinder, and had the participants perform a backward breakfall. The participants performed the backward breakfall in two patterns: the closed-eye (unexpected) and open-eye (expected) conditions. Purpose: Therefore, this study aimed to clarify whether being thrown unexpectedly is a risk factor for the occurrence of head injury in judo. Results: The results showed that the maximum angular acceleration of the head was significantly higher in the closed-eye condition than in the open-eye condition. The risk of head injury was higher in the closed-eye condition, indicating that being thrown unexpectedly is a risk factor for the occurrence of head injury in judo. Additionally, delayed reaction to a push and delayed contraction of the neck muscles may be related to head injury. Conclusions: Therefore, it is important to increase the speed of reaction to throws and speed of contraction of the neck muscles to prevent head injuries in judo.
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