The purpose of this study was to compare the grasping characteristics of judo and non-judo athletes by measuring their handgrip, strength exerted by active isometric contraction (grasp), and strength exerted by eccentric contraction against a passive load (breaking grasp) strength using a unique measuring device. A total of 41 female athletes (22 judo athletes and 19 non-judo athletes) participated. The handgrip, grasp and breaking grasp strength of the dominant hand were measured. For this, the participants grasped the grasping part while in a seated posture with the elbow joint flexed at 90° and the upper arm held close to the body and applied an exerting force. During the test, the participant’s upper arm and trunk were bound and immobilized. The grasp strength was defined as the maximum value at approximately 3–4 s from the time the participant started exerting force by grasping the tool until the wire began winding. The breaking grasp strength was defined as the maximum value from the time the motor started to wind the wire to the time when the participant removed her hand from the grip. The results of the analysis revealed the following: (1) The handgrip and grasp strengths were comparable between the judo and non-judo athletes, and relative handgrip strength per body weight was lower in judo athletes than in non-judo athletes. (2) Breaking grasp strength was superior in judo athletes relative to non-judo athletes. (3) The judo athletes had a higher relative value of breaking grasp strength to grasp strength than non-judo athletes. These results suggest that judo athletes are characterized by a superior breaking grasp strength of passive exertion as a result of judo practice.