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.

Para Judo Athlete Resources, opens in a new tab

Eligibility in Para Judo 

Only athletes with vision impairments are eligible for Para Judo.

  • 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.

Sport Entry 

  • 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.

Classification 

USA Judo offers classification at the national level through the submission and review of paperwork. See below for how to get classified in Para Judo as well as the two different classifications in Para Judo.

  • Vision Impairments

    Athletes looking to undergo national classification can be classified at any time during the year as they do not need to attend a specific event to be classified.

    1. The first step in the national classification process for athletes is to have their ophthalmologist fill out a National Visual Impairment Form.
    2. Once completed, forms should be submitted to ParaJudo@usajudo.us including necessary supporting medical documentation at least 14 days before the start of the Para Judo event the athlete wishes to compete in.
    3. Forms will be reviewed by the USA Judo Para Classification Manager and the appropriate outcome will be relayed to the athlete, if eligible.
    Visual Impairment Classification Form, opens in a new tab

  • 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.

    • 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 includes athletes that historically have been included in the B2 and B3 classes in other para sports with vision impairment classes.

Weight Classes 

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

    • -60kg
    • -73kg
    • -90kg
    • +90kg

  • Women's Weight Classes

    • -48kg
    • -57kg
    • -70kg
    • +70kg

Next Steps 

  • Find a Club

    Find a USA Judo club near you and start your journey!

    USA Judo Club Locator, opens in a new tab

  • Point System Progression

    Train, compete, and podium at select events to progress through the pathway and reach National Team selection.

    Paralympic National Ranking Rosters, opens in a new tab