Judges evaluate:

Technical execution,  Balance and control, Power and timing, Expression of martial spirit.  Scoring uses the same technical and athletic criteria as mainstream kata — with adaptive considerations.

Para Is Powerful

Builds confidence and independence, Creates leadership opportunities, and Inspires entire tournament!

🦽 Physical Impairment

• Wheelchair users

• Limb deficiency

• Cerebral palsy

👁 Visual Impairment

• Varying degrees of vision loss

🧠 Intellectual Impairment

• Athletes with documented cognitive disabilities

Athletes are classified to ensure fair competition.

Para martial arts refers to competitive and recreational martial arts adapted for athletes with physical, intellectual, visual, or neurological impairments. It emphasizes inclusion, skill development, confidence, and high-level competition — not limitation.

In martial arts, “Para” divisions include athletes with physical, intellectual, or sensory impairments that affect movement, coordination, balance, or processing — while still allowing meaningful participation and competition.

Below is a clear breakdown of what disabilities are typically included in Para Martial Arts:

🥋 1. Physical Disabilities

These affect mobility, strength, or limb function.

Examples:

• Limb difference (amputation or congenital limb absence)

• Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)

• Cerebral palsy

• Muscular dystrophy

• Spina bifida

• Multiple sclerosis

• Traumatic injury affecting mobility

• Neurological movement disorders

Athletes may compete:

• Standing

• Seated (wheelchair division)

• With assistive devices (braces, crutches)

🧠 2. Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities

These affect cognitive processing, learning, or adaptive behavior.

Examples:

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Down syndrome

• Intellectual disability

• Global developmental delay

• Certain genetic syndromes

Judging typically emphasizes:

• Completion of form

• Effort

• Control

• Martial arts intent

👁 3. Sensory Disabilities

These affect sight or hearing.

Examples:

• Visual impairment (low vision or blindness)

• Hearing impairment / deaf athletes

Adaptations may include:

• Visual or tactile cueing

• Modified starting commands

• Closer judge positioning

🧬 4. Neurological / Medical Conditions (Case-Dependent)

Some events may include:

• Epilepsy (if medically cleared)

• Stroke recovery

• Parkinson’s disease

• Brain injury recovery

• Certain autoimmune or neuromuscular disorders

Eligibility often requires medical documentation.

🌎 How Major Organizations Define Para

Organizations such as:

• World Karate Federation (WKF Para-Karate)

• World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO Para Kickboxing)

Use classification systems that group athletes by:

• Type of impairment

• Functional ability level

• Safety considerations

They focus on functional impact, not just diagnosis.

🚫 What Usually Does NOT Automatically Qualify

• Minor injuries (sprains, temporary fractures)

• Short-term medical conditions

• Performance anxiety

• ADHD alone (varies by event)

• Mild learning differences without functional limitation (depends on organizer)

Each tournament sets its own eligibility policy.

For someone like you who runs major tournaments and youth programs, Para divisions can be one of the most powerful and inspiring categories you offer.

Adaptive Martial Arts (Local & Developmental Programs)

Outside international governing bodies, many schools run adaptive martial arts programs, including:

• Autism spectrum divisions

• Down syndrome divisions

• Developmental or cognitive support divisions

• Veterans divisions

• Amputee divisions

• Neurodivergent youth divisions

These are often labeled:

• “Para”

• “Adaptive”

• “Special Abilities”

• “Inclusive Division”

Benefits of Para Martial Arts

For youth and adult athletes:

• Builds confidence and independence

• Improves coordination and motor skills

• Develops discipline and focus

• Creates community and belonging

• Provides elite competition pathway

For tournaments (like the events you promote in Pittsburgh), adding Para divisions:

• Expands inclusivity

• Increases participation

• Attracts sponsorships

• Creates powerful, inspiring moments

Common Misconception

Para does not mean “less competitive.”

Many Para athletes:

• Train daily

• Compete internationally

• Perform advanced kata at elite levels

• Follow strict classification systems

It is high-performance sport with adaptive rules.