Para Judo is the world’s most popular martial art for athletes with visual impairments. It is based on the same skills, movements, tactics and respect as the sighted version of the sport, and athletes truly rely on their senses and instincts to overcome their opponent.

 

Competitors are split into weight categories – six for women and seven for men – at world and regional Championships, Grand Prix and the Paralympic Games. Women’s categories begin at up to 48kg and go to over 70kg whilst the men compete from up to 60kg all the way to over 100kg.

 

Judoka are additionally placed into one of three sight classifications – B1, B2 and B3 – and compete against each other. B1 fighters have the most severe impairments. However after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 2021, athletes will compete in two classes – one for those who are blind and another for those who are partially sighted.

 

Para Judo is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
 

Source of information credit: International Blind Sports Federation
Source of photo credit: Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled