What is Judo
The experiences that a child has form a basis for further development. Learning to move is an interactive process between people and the environment. Movement situations must be challenging in order to contribute to further development of the basic forms of grassroots movement.
Judo is a Japanese martial art. Judo strengthens physical and mental strength. In Judo, children learn to wrestle and fight according to clear rules and in this way can playfully discover the world around them and get to know their own limits and possibilities. This discovery happens on several levels, including social and motor.
Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), founder of Judo, developed a system for physical education and mental formation. Judo: the gentle way. A path that should lead to harmony of body and mind. Jigoro Kano based this on two maxims: Sei-ryoku-zen-yo: maximum success through minimum effort, often referred to as a technical principle. Ji-ta-kyo-ei: general well-being for the whole world, also known as the moral principle.
Ji-ta-kyo-ei – the moral principle is translated as “Mutual Aid for Mutual Progress and Welfare”. This element is very important when integrating people with disabilities.
In competitions you can compete with other Judoka and take further and further development steps.
Why adapted Judo
Playing behavior is inhibited or even non-existent in some children. There can be many reasons for this, but they can often be found in their physical, psychological or social situation. If a child has a physical disability that prevents them from playing, this can severely limit their ability to roll, get on all fours, or grab.
The cause may lie on the biological-functional level. Motor development falls behind as a result. However, psychological development is supported by biological growth and the associated physical development. Delayed physical development can therefore also have a negative impact on psychological development.
Without delving deeper into this theory, it becomes clear that Judo, or at the beginning the many brawling and fighting games, can be a valuable addition to everyday life and can offer a wide range of development opportunities, especially for people with cognitive, motor and/or social deficits.
The association Swiss Adaptive Judo
The association Swiss Adaptive Judo (SAJ) promotes judo for children, young people and adults with disabilities. He can also promote other sports such as self-defense. The association organizes or supports activities that promote friendship, solidarity, inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities in society. In addition, it promotes the social inclusion, equal opportunities and health of the target group.
In order to fulfill the purpose, training, competitions, education, camps and events can be supported and organized in particular. In addition, the association can carry out all activities that appear useful for the fulfillment of the purpose.
For financing, the association relies on donations from patrons and friends.
You can find more information under «Donations» .