THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF JUDO ON ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES: INCLUSION, ADAPTATION, AND PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS

Resumo

Judo is celebrated for its inclusivity and adaptability, offering significant benefits for athletes with disabilities (PwD). It fosters physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, enhancing motor skills, coordination, and balance. For athletes with physical disabilities, mastering techniques such as falling safely promotes strength and agility. Moreover, engaging in judo boosts self-esteem and confidence as athletes achieve milestones like advancing through belt ranks and earning medals. The supportive environment encourages personal accomplishment and helps develop social skills through interaction with peers. Research highlights the diverse range of disabilities in judo, including visual, auditory, and intellectual impairments. Studies by Oblak et al. (2020) reveal the therapeutic benefits of judo for individuals with intellectual disabilities, emphasizing the need for more research in this area. Bocioacă and Marin (2023) explore the role of adapted judo for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome, demonstrating improvements in integration skills through tailored practices. Additional research by Kons et al. (2021) and Krabben et al. (2017) addresses the dynamics of Paralympic judo, revealing challenges related to classification systems for visually impaired athletes. Kons et al. (2022) identify a concerning rise in injury rates among judo athletes with disabilities, indicating the need for improved safety measures. Lastly, the comparative study of neuromuscular control by Kons et al. (2019) shows that visually impaired judokas can excel in balance and certain strength metrics. Overall, these studies underscore judo’s role in promoting physical development and social integration for PwD, while also highlighting the need for further research to ensure equitable and inclusive practices in the sport.