Between 18-19 January, the European Judo Union will host the Adapted Judo Workshop in Budapest, bringing together over 50 participants from nearly 20 nations. This crucial gathering marks a significant step forward in the development and refinement of Adapted Judo rules within the EJU framework.
EJU Adapted Judo Commissioner, Marina DRASKOVIC, shared key insights ahead of the workshop: “In April 2023, we established the first-ever set of rules for Adapted Judo within the EJU, with the decision that these rules would remain in effect throughout 2024. Over the past year, these rules were tested at four EJU Get Together tournaments, at the Open European Intellectual Impairment Judo Championships and during the European Kata Championships. The latter featured a dedicated Adapted Kata segment. These events provided invaluable feedback and notably, no serious injuries occurred during competitions. Now, it is time for the announced review.”
Collaborative Discussions on Rules and Kata Regulations
The workshop in Budapest will serve as a platform for meaningful discussions on both competition rules and Kata regulations. All national federations were invited to submit their suggestions and proposals and the EJU team has meticulously reviewed the input over the past few days. This collaborative approach ensures that the revised rules and guidelines reflect the diverse needs of participating nations. Some of the world’s leading judo nations, including Italy, Slovenia and Kosovo, will be heading to the Hungarian capital to learn more and immerse themselves in inclusivity.
During the workshop, participants will be introduced to several essential documents that aim to provide clarity and structure for the future of Adapted Judo. These include:
- Divisioning Guidelines: Offering a systematic approach to grouping athletes based on ability levels.
- Eligibility Criteria: Developed in collaboration with the EJU Medical Commission, this document outlines the standards for athlete participation.
These materials are designed to foster consistency and fairness in Adapted Judo practices across the EJU. The revised rules finalised at this workshop will remain in effect until the end of 2028, at which point they will undergo another review. The overwhelming response ahead of the workshop highlights the growing commitment to Adapted Judo across Europe. Ms Draskovic explains the overall aim;
“Our goal is to listen to the needs and insights of federations with extensive experience in Adapted Judo while also encouraging those just beginning to develop Adapted Judo in their countries. By providing access to the latest information and a clear vision, we aim to foster the growth of Adapted Judo within the European Judo Union.”
As the EJU continues to lead the charge in promoting inclusivity and excellence in Judo, this workshop will serve as a cornerstone for the sport’s future development.
Author: Szandra Szogedi