Sports of the Parapan American Games: Para judo

Judo developed from the martial art of jujitsu and was established as a sport in Japan in 1882. 

As the sport is contested by athletes with a vision impairment, judokas have contact with their opponent before the start of the match.


Judo encompasses throwing and groundwork techniques, and in its evolution from a fighting art, emphasises balance, reflex, power, flexibility and coordination. 

Judo matches last five minutes for men and four minutes for women; scores are awarded for different throws and holds, with the objective of scoring an ippon or more points than the competitor. 

Para judo was added into the Parapan American Games programme for the first time at Rio 2007.