Paralympic Judo: Then and now

Judo is the world’s most popular martial art – and the only one in the Paralympic programme.

It was invented more than 120 years ago in Japan. Judo’s emphasis on touch, balance and sensitivity complements the highly developed skills of athletes with a visual impairment, who play the sport in more than 30 countries around the world.

How to play – and win

Just like its Olympic counterpart, Judo is a grappling sport in which two opponents attempt to defeat one another by using recognised moves and holds.

There are knockout tournaments for men and women in a range of weight categories.

The only difference from other top-level Judo competition is that Paralympic judoka (competitors) are allowed to have contact with their opponent before the match begins.

Judo at the Games

Judo is the only Paralympic sport that originated in Asia. It first featured in the Games programme at Seoul 1988. Women’s events were introduced 16 years later, at the Athens 2004 Games.

Facts about Paralympic Judo

• Matches take place on a 10m x 10m mat, known as a ‘Tatami’.
• The mats have different textures to indicate the competition area and zones.
• Each Judo match lasts for five minutes, unless one competitor scores an ‘ippon’ by throwing, holding or immobilising their opponent, which instantly wins the contest.

Get involved

If you’re keen to get grappling, contact the British Judo Association (see 'related websites').