Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to teach people with Special Needs?

In our clubs we teach beginners to the more experienced and adapt techniques to suit the individual, perhaps with Special Needs athletes we will find, due to the disability, it might mean we have to say and teach the same things over a longer period until it is digested.

Are disabled people more injury prone than others? 

No, just because some parts of the body does not work as we normally know it, it is no less likely to have an injury.

What about Insurance for Disabled athletes?

I have found no problem with this, due to all athletes having a judo federation licence. For competitions in GB we discussed this with the insurers and produced a document of the rules we use. Providing all competitions are organised under these rules, tournament licences will be granted.

What if some disabled Judoka cannot stand?

We have made provision in all our tournaments /events, that we will use 3 competition starting positions, Standing/Kneeling/Sitting.

Federation Licences/Passports?

It is important that all athletes are registered members of your judo federation.

Down Syndrome Athletes?

It is important that coaches ensure that athletes with down syndrome have been checked with the parent/carer/guardian on the Atlanto Axial Instability X-ray. Information on this can be found on this website.

How can Special Needs Athletes be graded?

Many countries and federations have designed their own systems, a system used in Wales can be found on this website.

Enquire about a course on Disability awareness with your local council Sports Development Officers.