Strategies and inclusive practices that capture the spirit of Judo for All will be the focus of the ID Network’s Study Camp in Tokyo next month – and a delegation of Australians will be there to bring the good news home.
A small team of adaptive judoka and their coaches will attend the Camp, taking place at Nihon Bunka University in Tokyo from February 21 to 23.
With Adaptive Judo well established in Europe at Club and wider competition level, judo communities in Asia and Oceania are keen to learn and develop their own practice to make the sport more inclusive and welcoming.
In Japan, the ID Network believes Adaptive Judo exemplifies the original principles and practices of Jigoro Kano’s philosophy, and offers lectures and workshops, as well as cultural experiences and friendly competition for judoka with intellectual disabilities.
Judo Australia is proud to support the Adaptive Judo Advisory Committee in bringing this knowledge to Australia and the Oceania region. Athletes and coaches representing Australia will include:
Athletes:
Lillee Wakefield – Tiger Judo Club, Adelaide
Bernhard Tandean – Budokan Judo Club, Sydney
Aleah Gaudry and Nicholas Pickett – Kitsune Judo Club, Lismore
Coaches and Support:
Scott Steer – Maishin Judo Club, Gold Coast
Franciscus Tandean – Budokan Judo Club, Sydney
Melissa Avgoulas and Jemickah Smith – Kitsune Judo Club, Lismore
For many of the participants, it follows an inaugural Study Camp in 2025, underscoring the value of this self-funded opportunity to our athletes and coaching leaders alike.
