On the tatami, everyone counts: IPPONGEAR backs EJU Adapted Judo

Every so often, sport delivers a reminder that medals aren’t the whole story. The European Judo Union’s Adapted Judo movement sits right in that space—where purpose and community matter as much as performance. Now IPPONGEAR has decided to lean into that idea by extending its partnership with the EJU and officially joining as an Adapted Judo Programme Partner.

Inclusion isn’t a slogan if people can actually step on the tatami.

According to the announcement, the cooperation is designed to be practical, not symbolic. Plans include a dedicated Adapted Judo collection, support for EJU Adapted Judo events throughout the year, and vouchers intended to help participants access essential equipment. IPPONGEAR also says a portion of its revenue will be donated to organisations that care for individuals with disabilities.

This matters because Adapted Judo is described as a growing programme across Europe and beyond, built on a simple principle: on the tatami, everyone is equal. That idea becomes real in the small moments—kids taking their first steps onto the mat, confidence building session by session, and the shared effort that turns training into belonging. Images linked to the EJU Get Together Adapted Judo Tournament 2025 capture that atmosphere without needing big speeches.

Stefan Kneitinger, CEO of IPPONGEAR, connected the move to the brand’s long-standing relationship with Croatian Judo and said they recognised the development and potential of Adapted Judo early on. He also pointed to the emotions visible in children’s faces and framed the support as something that simply feels right.

For the EJU, the message lands clearly: this partnership is positioned as a starting point, not a finish line. It’s another push toward making judo accessible—so more people, in more places, can feel that the sport truly belongs to them.

Source: EJU_News