Para judo words · Beginner

Judo for blind and visually impaired athletes, fought under the IJF rules with only the exceptions written in the IBSA Judo Rules. Where the IBSA rules do not mention a deviation, the IJF rules apply.

The category of blind athletes. A J1 athlete has a red circle of 7 cm diameter on the back number of the judogi.

The category of visually impaired athletes. J1 and J2 athletes do not compete against each other unless there are not enough athletes for two separate medal events, in which case the two organisers may agree otherwise.

The referee stands opposite joseki at the edge. The coach escorts the athlete to the referee, or local staff do if the coach cannot. The athletes stand to the left and right of the referee, take hold of the referee's arm or elbow with the referee's help, and bow together.

Both athletes stand in the starting position. The referee may help them find the right foot position and direction. An athlete with incorrect leg position, grip or head-up posture is warned, and each athlete must let the other take the grip.

The referee says kumi-kata and both athletes step forward and take hold of each other's judogi with both hands, one hand on the sleeve and the other on the opposite lapel between the collar bone and the tip of the breastbone. The grip alone is not the start of the fight; hajime follows. The other hand may not help the grip, and the whole sleeve may be held except the end. No grip on the neck or shoulder, the arms are not stretched out, and the athlete must stand correctly with the head up and not bowed.

Visually impaired athletes must fight with both hands at all times. If an athlete loses the grip of one or both hands the referee must call maté at once. Breaking a two-hand grip must be directly followed by an attack. A grip with one hand is allowed, without shido, only if it is immediately followed by an attack or a change to another two-hand grip, or the fighter clearly shows trying to grab at once.

The call made when the athletes approach the safety area. The referee moves toward the centre of the area, stands on the line between the athletes and the centre, and calls jogai repeatedly and loudly so the athletes can change direction toward the referee's voice.

Hearing impaired athletes wear a yellow circle of 7 cm diameter on the back number of the judogi. An athlete who is both hearing impaired and J1 wears a yellow circle and a red circle.