Kerry Tansey and Marina Draskovic, both members of the International Judo Federation's Inclusion Commission, travelled to Australia to take the practical side of adapted judo into the country's coaching and club system.
The education and training visit came at the invitation of the Australian Adaptive Working Group, with the support of Judo Australia. The aim was to share structures, experience and practice while listening to the needs and ambitions of the Australian judo community.
The programme brought together coaches, club officials, parents and federation representatives. By involving everyone who shapes a judoka's experience, it built a shared understanding of inclusive practice and of the resources needed to support it.
The IJF makes the point that adapted judo is not a separate version of the sport. It is judo, made more accessible through specific coaching, clear communication and a shared commitment to giving every person a place on the tatami.
Divisioning was central to the training. Participants learned to observe technical content, behaviour and ability in order to place judoka within five recognised ability levels. This was not confined to theory: on the tatami they practised identifying the markers of competence, confidence and control that help create fair and meaningful match-ups.
The course also covered adapted Nage-no-kata, led by Sanja Delladio, which introduced adaptations in tachi-shisei and ne-shisei, the standing and kneeling postures. The emphasis was on technical competence, with grips, movement patterns and positioning adapted to individual needs while keeping the identity of judo intact.
The programme concluded with competition built on the earlier assessments. Pools were formed from those evaluations to ensure fair match-ups and a meaningful competitive experience, and a team event closed the day with further contest opportunities.
For Australian judo, the significance lies in moving adapted judo out of the showcase of a major event and into ordinary coaching and club structures. The IJF describes the goal as sustainable integration into the wider Australian judo system.
Sources
International Judo Federation — Australia Opens the Door Wider for Adapted Judo, 20 September 2026
https://www.ijf.org/news/show/australia-opens-the-door-wider-for-adapted-judo
International Judo Federation — Inclusion
Judo Australia
International Judo Federation