Australia Builds a Stronger Path for Inclusive Judo

Adapted judo took centre stage during an education and training visit to Australia, where IJF Inclusion Commission members Marina Draskovic and Kerry Tansey worked with the national judo community. Invited by the Australian Adaptive Working Group and supported by Judo Australia, the visit focused on making judo more accessible while keeping its technical identity intact.

Coaches, club officials, parents and federation representatives joined the programme, creating a broad conversation around what inclusion requires on and off the tatami. The central message was clear: adapted judo is not a separate sport, but judo made accessible through stronger coaching, communication and support.

A key part of the sessions was divisioning. Participants learned to assess technical content, behaviour and ability, helping them place judoka within five recognised ability levels. Practical tatami work gave coaches the chance to identify competence, confidence and control, all important factors in creating fair and meaningful competition opportunities.

Inclusive coaching was also explored through practical activities and game-based learning led by Marina Draskovic. Warm-up games, movement exercises and technical tasks showed how sessions can be adjusted for different needs while still preserving the character of judo. The approach was designed to support engagement and learning for all judoka, not only those in adapted categories.

Inclusive coaching can strengthen the judo experience for everyone on the tatami.

Adapted Nage-no-kata, led by Sanja Delladio, introduced adjustments for both tachi-shisei and ne-shisei. Grips, movement patterns and positioning were adapted to individual needs, while technical competence remained the priority. Over the two-day programme, judoka were able to participate in kata competition themselves.

Competition pools were then built from the earlier assessments to create suitable match-ups. A team event closed the programme, adding more contest opportunities and encouraging communication, teamwork and club spirit.

The effects were noticed during the sessions. According to the report, judoka stayed focused and engaged for longer, including some who would usually disengage quickly. Parents and coaches also observed greater confidence in movement, more willingness to try and a positive collective energy.

The visit did not avoid the challenges facing adapted judo in Australia, including financial support and the distances involved across such a large country. But it highlighted why a clear structure matters. Education, divisioning and inclusive pathways can help more people enter judo, stay involved and develop within the sport.

For Tansey and Draskovic, adapting the way judo is taught does not mean lowering standards. Their approach places emphasis on connection, communication and technical clarity so that every judoka can access a genuine judo experience. It also reflects Jita Kyoei, the principle of mutual welfare and benefit.

Australia’s initiative underlined the value of sharing knowledge internationally. With continued education, links between clubs and support for existing practitioners, adapted judo has a foundation to become a sustainable part of the wider Australian judo community.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation