Technical diversity and fight duration in Para Judo: A comparative assessment of the new classification system at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Para Judo is a sport designed for athletes with visual impairment and has historically grouped all competitors into a single class, regardless of the degree of vision loss. However, concerns about competitive equity led to the implementation of a new classification system at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, dividing athletes into two functional classes: J1 (totally blind) and J2 (with residual vision). This study aimed to analyze whether technical differences emerged between these classes following the change. Data were extracted from the official IBSA Results Book, covering all male and female matches from the Paris 2024 Games. Techniques were categorized according to Kodokan definitions, and statistical analyses were conducted to compare technique frequency, penalties ( Shido ), and match durations. No statistically significant associations were found between functional class and the analyzed variables. Although results were not significant, this study offers important initial evidence on the effects of the new classification and reinforces the importance of ongoing research to inform training and competition strategies in Paralympic Judo.