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Judo

Judo Icon

Judo

Judo roughly translates as 'gentle way' in Japanese. Although it can appear to be anything but gentle, it is skill, technique and timing that will see you gaining different colour belts as you improve.

An Overview of Judo

Visually impaired judo is an adaptation of the Japanese martial art of judo. It is the only martial art in the Paralympics.

Benefits

  • Build strength
  • Improve endurance
  • Meet new people

Involvement

British Judo has over 100 clubs that are accessible to blind and partially sighted people. To find your nearest club, use the link to the British Judo Club Finder.

British Judo's player pathway has been developed in conjunction with the home nations to map out the player journey from Club to the Paralympic Podium programme, based at the British Judo Centre of Excellence.

The International Blind Sports Federation hosts several competitions throughout the year.

Sight classifications are important to ensure fair and equal competition. Success at competitions should be defined by an athlete's skill and ability, not their impairment. The sight classifications should give all athletes the confidence that they are competing against others equally.

Useful Links

Adaptations and Equipment

When competing in judo, you wear a Gi. This is a loose-fitting cotton jacket and trousers in white or blue. However, beginners can just wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing that doesn't have any sharp or hard parts.

Judo has one adaptation for athletes with a visual impairment. Participants with a visual impairment participants start a fight gripped together, as opposed to the off-grip technique for non-disabled competitors.

Find Judo Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

British Judo Association

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Email
bja@britishjudo.org.uk
Contact Telephone
0121 728 6920
Sport England

Sport England

Sport England is committed to helping people and communities across the country create sporting habits for life.