The 7th All Japan ID Judo Championships will be held on 29 and 30 August at Nihon Bunka University's Risshikan in Hachioji, Tokyo. Entries close on 24 July and participation is free. In this context, ID means intellectual disability.
The All Japan Judo Federation says the event aims to develop judo for people with intellectual disabilities and support a community based on mutual respect. It also serves as a selection event for designated development athletes within Japan's longer-term ID judo pathway.
Two days of exchange and competition
The first day includes referee and coaches' meetings, weigh-in, exchange practice, athlete classification and pre-event guidance. The second day features the opening ceremony, preliminary contests, finals and awards. Athletes who are not eligible for the formal competition may still join the exchange practice, giving the event a role beyond medals.
Competitors must be registered with the AJJF for the current year, attend with a coach or accompanying person, hold the relevant intellectual disability certificate and be at least 15 years old on the day of competition. Travel and accommodation are paid by participants.
Different from Paralympic vision-impaired judo
ID judo should not be confused with Paralympic judo, which currently classifies athletes with vision impairment as J1 or J2. Both create opportunities for more people to practise judo, but the athletes' needs, classification and competition systems are different.
Judo's emphasis on etiquette, body control, safe falling and protecting a partner gives it strong inclusive potential. Programmes still require suitable coaching, safety planning and communication tailored to each participant.
Source: All Japan Judo Federation · Vision-impaired judo classification: IBSA