Judo

I would like to introduce myself to you as the new ICSD Technical Director of Judo since May 2007.

I am very pleased to announce that France is organizing the World Deaf Martial Arts Championships on 22 to 26 May 2008 in Toulouse in the region of Midi-Pyrenees.

I am also delighted to see the number of countries and participation of athletes and officials that are planning to participate in this event have set a record number - about 20 countries with about 190 participating athletes. 

The World Deaf Martial Arts Championships is a very important step, because they are the first opportunity to compete before the Summer Deaflympics in Taipei 2009. The 3 combat sports (Karate, Judo and Taekwondo) are recognized by the ICSD and it is a good springboard to prepare for these games.

During the World Deaf Martial Arts Championships, there will be a conference on Friday, May 23 to develop the Judo deaf athletes at the international level, the conference agenda includes:

• The organization of the next World Deaf Martial Arts Championships
• Arbitration adapted to the deaf
• Sign Language (Vocabulary Judo)

I congratulate the Organizing Committee that has made a great effort to organize the best possible World Deaf Martial Arts Championships.

With a great pleasure to meet you all in Toulouse, very soon.

Damien Antoine
ICSD Technical Director - Judo