Special Feature
Judo Assist Ireland Shines at Cork Open Championships
Judo Assist Ireland was proud and delighted to be invited to host a Judo Assist/Adapted Judo category at this year’s Cork Open Judo Championships. With over 40 Judo Assist players from across the country gathering in Cork to compete alongside their mainstream peers, the event was a true celebration of pride, respect, judo spirit, and—above all—INCLUSION. Congratulation to Grainne O'Mahoney who won the Judo Assist Player of the Day Award.....read more...
About Judo Assist Ireland
Founded in 2009, Judo Assist Ireland was established with a clear vision: to foster inclusion in sport - especially in judo - for individuals of all abilities. Judo, by its nature, is a highly adaptable and inclusive discipline, making it an ideal platform to engage people with a wide range of life challenges. From the outset, our goal has been to create meaningful pathways for participation, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of physical activity, skill development, and personal growth.
As our organisation evolved, so too did the scope and ambition of our work. We began developing structured programs that encourage not only physical activity and competition but also social connection, mental wellbeing, and lifelong learning. While judo remains our foundation, our work now spans across other martial arts and sports, mainstream and special education, and international collaborations.
Over the years, we have collaborated with a broad network of partners including inclusion groups, mainstream and special schools, autism-specific classes, local authorities, and disability organisations. Our innovative approach—centred around "learning through physical play"—has made a lasting impact in a variety of settings, from schools and community centres to international forums.
To support educators and coaches, we have designed and delivered a range of professional development courses, seminars, and adaptive coaching workshops. These are tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners and ensure that all participants—regardless of ability—can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of sport and physical activity. Our teaching methodologies focus on what individuals can do, celebrating ability rather than disability.
Judo Assist Ireland is also a proud and active member of the European Union's Erasmus+ programme. This affiliation allows us to work in close partnership with international organisations that share our passion for inclusion, education, and the promotion of health and wellbeing through sport and education. Through these collaborations, we continue to expand our knowledge, improve our practices, and contribute to the international conversation around inclusive sport and education.
Our core objectives are, (click on icons to learn more...)
