Adaptive judo coaches and players from ten countries were inspired by the principles of Seiryoku Zenyo and Jita Kyoei as they shared strategies, technical lessons and practical judo experience at the ID Network camp in Hachioji, Japan.
The ID Network guides Adaptive Judo in Japan and invests heavily in expanding the sport both at home and abroad through study camps and information sharing.
Strengthening international collaboration between adaptive judo specialists is a key goal, and one the ID Network is clearly achieving, with participants from Australia, Sweden, Indonesia, Brunei, the Phillipines, Myanmar, Cambodia and Singapore joining Japanese players and coaches on their home soil.
Nine Australians took the story of Australian Adaptive Judo to their international counterparts: players Lillee Wakefield of Adelaide’s Tiger Judo Club, Bernhard Tandean of Budokan Judo Club, Sydney, and Aleah Gaudry and Nicholas Pickett of Kitsune Judo Club, Lismore. Their coaches and support teams included Scott Steer of Maishin Judo Club, Gold Coast, Franciscus Tandean of Budokan Judo Club, Sydney, and Melissa Avgoulas and Jemickah Smith of Kitsune Judo Club, Lismore.
Coaches and players alike undertook an extensive education program that spanned the application of shizen-tai and structured kuzushi principles; an overview of adaptive classification levels and categories, and adaptive kata instructions.
The highlight of the camp was a session delivered by Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki, focusing on ne-waza transitions, efficient balance breaking and intelligent body positioning. He made it clear that adaptive judo demands technical depth and precision, rather than just simplified application.
Team Sweden demonstrated an Adaptive Nage-no-Kata, developed by Dutch judoka Cees Roest. Care was taken to maintain the structural integrity and educational purpose of traditional nage-no-kata while enabling judoka of varying physical capabilities to tackle it effectively.
A friendly adaptive judo competition then provided the opportunity for athletes to apply techical learnings in a structured and supportive environment. The event was conducted with appropriate classification considerations and emphasised safety, fairness and respect.
This competition proved a valuable milestone for the judo development of many participants, reinforcing confidence in their ability to engage in competition, as well as enhancing their tactical awareness and offering international mat experience!
“The atmosphere reflected the true spirit of Judo, with strong sportsmanship displayed across all nations,” said Maishin Judo Club coach, Scott Steer.
“I commend all the athletes, my fellow coaches and the officials involved in making this experience happen for upholding the values of Seiryoku Zenyo and Jita Kyoei,” he said. “It well and truly demonstrates that adaptive judo remains a powerful expression of judo’s core principles.”
