Abstract
The inaugural conference on adapted judo, titled “beyond the Limits: Exploring Adapted Judo,” was hosted by the Italian Federation of judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FIJLKAM) on April 8-9, 2024, at the FIJLKAM Olympic center in Rome. This event was a collaborative effort with the European Judo Union (EJU) and the University of Rome “Foro Italico.” The conference delved into the neurological mechanisms influencing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and underscored the transformative impact of martial arts on the well-being of individuals with ASD and intellectual disabilities. A meaningful portion of the discussions also centered on the evolution of adapted judo competitions, emphasizing the development of functional categories to ensure inclusivity. The event concluded with hands-on demonstrations of adapted judo techniques on the tatami.
Organized by FIJLKAM in partnership with the EJU and the University of Rome “Foro Italico,” the first-ever conference on adapted judo, “beyond the Limits: Exploring Adapted Judo,” took place on April 8-9, 2024, in Rome. Presentations explored the brain physiology behind ASD and highlighted how martial arts enhance the quality of life for individuals with ASD and intellectual disabilities. Discussions also addressed the growing popularity of adapted judo competitions,focusing on regulatory frameworks and the creation of functional categories to maximize participation. The conference wrapped up with practical sessions showcasing adapted judo applications.
Keywords
Martial Arts
Combat Sports
Judo
Karate
Sports for people with disabilities
Intellectual disability
Autistic
Is part of
Asian Martial arts Magazine, Vol. 19(1), 74-78
Beyond the Limits: A Conversation on Adapted Judo with Olympic Judoka Marco De Luca
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of sports Insight, where we dive deep into the stories shaping the world of sports. Today, we’re joined by Marco De Luca, a retired Olympic judoka and now a passionate advocate for adapted sports. Marco,thank you for being here.
Marco De Luca: Thank you for having me.It’s always a pleasure to discuss the transformative power of judo,especially in the context of adapted sports.
Moderator: Let’s jump right in. The recent conference,“Beyond the Limits: Exploring Adapted Judo,” hosted by FIJLKAM in Rome,highlighted the neurological benefits of judo for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. As someone who’s been involved in judo for decades, what are your thoughts on this?
Marco De Luca: It’s groundbreaking. judo has always been more than just a sport—it’s a discipline that teaches respect, focus, and resilience. What this conference showcased is how these principles can be tailored to benefit individuals with ASD and intellectual disabilities. The neurological mechanisms discussed, such as improved motor skills and enhanced social interaction, are incredibly promising. Judo provides a structured habitat where these individuals can thrive, both physically and mentally.
Moderator: One of the key takeaways from the conference was the emphasis on creating functional categories for adapted judo competitions. Do you think this is a step in the right direction for inclusivity in sports?
Marco De Luca: Absolutely. Inclusivity is the cornerstone of any progressive sport. By developing functional categories, we’re ensuring that athletes of all abilities can compete on a level playing field. This isn’t just about participation—it’s about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of each individual. The fact that FIJLKAM, the European Judo Union, and the University of Rome “Foro Italico” are collaborating on this is a testament to the sport’s commitment to growth and accessibility.
moderator: You mentioned collaboration. How important is it for organizations like FIJLKAM and the EJU to partner with academic institutions in advancing adapted sports?
marco De Luca: It’s crucial.Academic institutions bring a wealth of research and expertise that can definitely help refine and validate the methodologies used in adapted sports. As a notable example, understanding the brain physiology behind ASD allows us to design training programs that are not only effective but also safe. This partnership ensures that adapted judo is grounded in science, which ultimately benefits the athletes.
Moderator: The conference also featured hands-on demonstrations of adapted judo techniques. How do you think these practical sessions contribute to the broader understanding of adapted judo?
Marco De Luca: Seeing is believing. These demonstrations are invaluable because they show what’s possible. they break down misconceptions and inspire coaches, athletes, and even spectators to embrace adapted judo. It’s one thing to talk about inclusivity, but when you see a child with ASD executing a perfect throw on the tatami, it’s a powerful reminder of what judo can achieve.
Moderator: Let’s shift gears slightly. The article mentions the growing popularity of adapted judo competitions.Do you think this trend will continue, and what challenges do you foresee?
Marco De Luca: I’m optimistic.The growing interest in adapted judo is a reflection of society’s broader push toward inclusivity. Though, challenges remain. Funding,for one,is always a hurdle. Adapted sports require specialized equipment and training, which can be costly.There’s also the need to educate more coaches and officials about the nuances of adapted judo. but with the right support, I believe these challenges can be overcome.
Moderator: Marco, as we wrap up, what message would you like to leave for our readers, especially those who might potentially be new to the concept of adapted judo?
Marco De Luca: My message is simple: Judo is for everyone. Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone with a disability, the principles of judo—respect, discipline, and perseverance—are global. Adapted judo isn’t just about adapting the sport; it’s about adapting our mindset to see the potential in every individual.I encourage everyone to explore this unbelievable movement and, if possible, get involved.
Moderator: Thank you, Marco, for your insights and passion. Readers, we’d love to hear your thoughts on adapted judo. Do you believe sports should be more inclusive? Have you or someone you know benefited from adapted sports? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s keep this critically important conversation going.
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Keywords: Martial Arts, Combat Sports, Judo, Karate, Sports for People with Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adapted Judo, FIJLKAM, European Judo Union, University of Rome “foro Italico.”
