Para Judo
Judo is a dynamic combat sport that demands both physical prowess and great mental discipline. Para judo is open to athletes with vision impairments.
Vision Impairment
Athletes with Vision Impairment have an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure or function of the eye, optic nerve, optic chiasm, post chiasma visual pathways, or visual cortex of the brain resulting in reduced or no visual function even when using the best possible refractive or optical correction.
Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to vision impairments include retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.
Minimum Impairment Criteria
Para Judo varies slightly from other Para sports that include classifications for athletes with vision impairments.
In Para Judo, the minimum impairment criteria necessary to class in is most comparable to the B2 class in other Para sports:
- The athlete's visual acuity must equal a LogMAR score of 1.3 (roughly equivalent to 20/400) or worse with binocular vision, or with a binocular visual field of 60 degrees in diameter or less.
Entering the Pathway
Interested athletes should get started by reaching out to Alex Bates at Alex.Bates@usajudo.us to learn more.
Athletes are encouraged to start in judo by joining a USA Judo club in their area.
Sport Adaptations
Para judo uses the following adaptations compared to able-bodied judo:
- At the beginning of a match, both athletes will start with a loose grip on each other’s judo suits.
Judges shout out when athletes get too close to the edge of the mat.
- Competitors must attack, defend and maintain balance during a match in order to score points.
Talent Transfer
Athlete Questionnaire, opens in a new tabFor athletes with backgrounds in wrestling or other combat sports, Para judo may be a natural next step. Many athletes find that skills and techniques from these sports help them adapt quickly to Para judo while helping them develop the tactical skills unique to Para judo.
Athletes with previous experience in other sports should compete the Para eligible athlete questionnaire to get connected.
USA Judo does not currently offer any national classification opportunities. See below for how to get classified internationally in Para judo as well as the two different classifications in Para judo.
International Classification
IBSA Judo Classification, opens in a new tabThe International Blind Sports Federation is responsible for governing international classification in Para judo.
All Para judo athletes must be classified at the first international event they attend and must provide the necessary medical documentation to be classified prior to the event. Documentation must be completed by the athlete's ophthalmologist.
Visit the IBSA website to learn more about athlete licensing, and upcoming international classification opportunities.
J1 Class
To be eligible for the J1 class, an athlete’s vision impairment must result in a visual acuity of less than or equal to LogMAR 2.6 in binocular vision (roughly equivalent to 20/8000).
- The J1 class is most similar to the B1 class in other Para sports with vision impairment classes.
J2 Class
To be eligible for the J2 class, an athlete’s visual acuity must be within a range between LogMAR 1.3 and 2.5 with binocular vision, or with a binocular visual field of 60 degrees or less in diameter.
- The J2 class is most similar to the B2 class in other Para sports with vision impairment classes. A visual acuity equal to LogMAR 1.3 is roughly equivalent to 20/400.
The following are contested weight classes for men and women at the Paralympic Games. Athletes must be at or below the weight class limit (or above for the heavyweight class) and each class includes a J1 and J2 category.
Men's Weight Classes
- -70kg
- -81kg
- -90kg
- +90kg
Women's Weight Classes
- -52kg
- -60kg
- -70kg
- +70kg
Find a Club
USA Judo Club Locator, opens in a new tabAthletes interested in joining a USA Judo club are encouraged to reach out to alex.bates@usajudo.us to locate a club best suited for Para athletes.
Athletes can see all USA Judo clubs via the USA Judo club locator.
Point System Progression
Paralympic National Ranking Rosters, opens in a new tabTrain, compete, and podium at select events to progress through the pathway and reach National Team selection.