Para Judo
A Paralympic discipline
Para judo is the adapted form of judo for people with visual impairments. It is based on the same technical, educational, and sporting principles as traditional judo: respect, self-control, courage, friendship, and mutual support.
While certain rules are adapted to take visual impairment into account, the spirit of the contest and the richness of the practice remain unchanged. Athletes develop their balance, perception of movement, self-confidence, and independence through a demanding yet accessible discipline.
Specificities of Para Judo
Para judo follows the rules of the International Judo Federation with a few adaptations.
- Athletes start the contest with an established grip (kumikata).
- Categories are defined according to the international classifications of visual impairment, J1 and J2.
- The techniques, values, and educational objectives are identical to those of judo.
These adaptations ensure fairness while preserving the essence of the discipline.
Parajudo in Luxembourg
Para judo was introduced in Luxembourg in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, through a collaboration between FLAM Judo, led by Serge Schaul, and the Centre for the Development of Visual Skills (CDV), represented by Thierry Mertz. The project was however interrupted after a few sessions due to the health crisis.
It resumed in 2021 thanks to the support of the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee (LPC) and the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, through the “Judo Your Best” project. Around ten practitioners were then able to take part in weekly judo sessions.
In 2023, the programme was extended to children with visual impairments, marking a new step in its development.
The same year, the competitive dimension was structured with the recognition of the Luxembourg national para judo team. This milestone was officially confirmed at the Small Country Challenge in Pajulahti (Finland), where Luxembourgish athletes achieved their first international results. Roberto De Almeida Lomba notably finished 7th in the -73 kg J2 category.
Since then, the group has continued to grow, with a clear objective: to facilitate the integration of practitioners within clubs affiliated with FLJudo.
In parallel, the Federation is actively developing the training of teachers and coaches in order to strengthen the welcome and practice of adapted judo for other types of disabilities.
Two FLJudo judokas have been selected for their strong performances and included in the national Cader of the Luxembourg Paralympic Committee (LPC) for the 2026 season:
- Roberto Lomba – Promotion Squad
- Caecilia Riedl – Federal Squad
The 2026 LPC national Cader, officially presented at the Rehazenter, bring together 17 athletes from eight different sports disciplines, highlighting the continued growth and dynamism of parasport in Luxembourg.
A growing dynamic focused on inclusion
Since then, the para judo group has continued to develop, with positive momentum and a steadily increasing number of practitioners. One of the main objectives, namely facilitating the integration of practitioners within clubs affiliated with FLJudo, is now on track to becoming a real success.
In parallel, FLJudo is actively engaged in training its teachers and coaches in order to enable them to welcome and develop adapted judo for other types of disabilities.