Paralympic judo is an adaptation of the Japanese martial art of judo for visually impaired competitors. The rules of the sport are only slightly different from regular judo competitions. Textured mats are used to help the blind or visually impaired compete. It has been part of the Summer Paralympics program since 1988.

Rules

Paralympic judo competition is governed by the International Judo Federation (IJF) rules with some modifications specified by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA). Rule differences include the judges shouting out when contestants get too near edge of the mat, contests always start with the 2 competitors in a loose grip on each others Judo suits (grip called "Kumikata").

Competitors

• Anthony Clarke (athlete)
• Cyril Jonard
• Karima Medjeded

External links

• International Paralympic Committee page on judo
• Judo for blind including details of paralympics
• Judo for blind athletes
• Info from the British Paralympic Association
• Beijing 2008 Paralympic Judo Information with an Australian slant from accessibility.com.au - includes nomination criteria for the 2008 Australian Paralympic Judo squad.

References