The British Judo Association Inclusion Commission has adopted the motto Judo for All and they work tirelessly to ensure that the Sport is open and accessible to players with a wide variety of disabilities. Because of the close contact involved in Judo it is the ideal Sport for blind or visually impaired players. Simon Jackson MBE is the Association's most decorated Athlete with Three Paralympic Gold medals, Three World titles and Seven European Championship wins under his belt.
British Judo Association (G.B / S.J.F. / W.J.A/ N.I.J.F.)
BJA Inclusion Commission finally appointed in 2007
For the first time in history of the British judo Association it seems that there is a positive development regarding judo for the disabled. The British judo Association appointed a brand-new inclusion commission existing out off 15 members coming from the four regions in Great Britain. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It seems the British judo Association is trying a new approach to get uniformity in the structure of judo for the disabled in Great Britain by including every one of importance in the inclusion commission.
The targets of the British Association inclusion commission are:
- To consider the interests of disabled athletes in Judo
- To co-ordinate activities for the disabled in Judo in the B.J.A. areas
- To promote: coach education
- Refereeing education
- Officials in expertise of disabled participation in Judo
- To represent the interests of disabled athletes in Judo to appropriate bodies such as the B.J.A. and the Sports Council, the Commonwealth Games Commission
- To draw up a Strategy Plan for the furtherance of Judo for the
disabled within that of the B.J.A.
History of Special needs judo project in Great Britain:
Robin Cousins Sports Centre Bristol England v Wales 6th July 1997
First Judo International For People With Special Needs
This, the first event of its kind, developed from classes which started ten years ago in this area. There were a few isolated classes elsewhere in England for people with learning difficulties and occasionally seminars would be arranged for us all to meet and practice together. Later, similar classes were started in Wales where a very successful Integrated Sports Scheme is in operation. Close links with Roy Court in Wales were forged and this eventually resulted in this team competition being arranged. For the morning session there were over 30 participants on the mat - some of the Welsh members travelling from Wrexham and Tenby as well as Cardiff, while all the English team came from a day centre in Bristol with Andy Harris. The coaching session was given by both experienced people and those who were interested in this possibility. Starting with a warm-up, we progressed to exercises for changing hand grips, practicing breaking balance and continued with some work on throwing technique. The morning closed with Judo games as a warm-down, much the same as in an ordinary Judo session. The afternoon was devoted to the competition, with two teams of five people each. The final was a win for England, with each of the ten fights producing some excellent and entertaining Judo. Altogether, it was quite an amazing day with plenty of opportunity to appreciate the high standard of Judo these players have attained through patience over a number of years, as progress is bound to be less swift than usual. The fights were won in a competitive spirit, and they all had to fight hard to win. Contests were overseen by a National Referee and both he and the other officials were impressed by what they saw. The winning team are the first to be presented with ‘The Ann Trotman Trophy” dedicated to the memory of a very brave lady - winner of many medals in the Paralympics, who was instrumental in helping us start Judo for people with learning difficulties. Tragically, Ann died earlier his year but we were delighted to have her husband, Mr Clive Burrows to present the shield. We were equally honoured to have Mr Jerry Hicks, 7th. Dan to help present the medals and also to have Mr Bob Willingham to take photographs. Other distinguished visitors and helpers included Mr Jon Perrin, Mr Steve Westlake, Mr Mike Guatieri and Mr Bryan Evans. People who travelled from Wales with their team members added to the total of 11 coaches on the mat. We are sure this occasion will be the of many similar ones – already plans are being made to include other clubs from England and a team from Holland. There will also be coaching events generated by the interest shown in this day. In the meantime one will be pleased to answer any enquiries or pass on information.
Helen Goodchild, Ken Thorne, Andy Harris. Kodachi SNJC Bristol
(source The World of Judo Autumn 1997)
Northern Ireland Judo Association is the governing body for the sport of Judo within Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Judo Association
House of sport
Upper Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 5LA
is the main governing body for judo in Scotland and is affiliated to the British Judo Association who are members of the International Judo Federation, this enables our members of the appropriate standard to referee or compete in the Olympic Games.
Our governing body is committed to ensuring that anyone can participate in our sport and have an equal opportunities policy which encourages the involvement of all individuals irrespective of their age, gender, disability, ethnic or social background.
