Recently, United Through Sports (UTS) has been privileged to support initiatives like those led by International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) Equality Commission Chair Sue Glassey, joined by her colleague Raissa Remandaban Magnin, a sustainability expert interlinking sport, public health, and disability, to bring Muaythai to neurodiverse boys and girls.
Acting as a bridge across the international sports community, UTS facilitated a first meeting with the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), an international federation going above and beyond to make the sport inclusive for athletes of all abilities, including Para and Special categories. Valuable insights were shared by IPF President Gaston Parage and Secretary General Robert Keller. This collaboration exemplifies how international federations can work together to drive impactful change and pave the way for greater inclusivity in sports.
Building on this momentum, UTS organised another meeting, this time with the European Judo Union (EJU) to explore their adaptive and inclusive judo initiatives. It was during this meeting that we were introduced to Marina Drašković, a remarkable individual whose journey is a testament to the power of sport to change lives and to her determination to make judo accessible for all.
Marina Drašković: A Pioneer of Adaptive Judo
Marina’s journey into adaptive judo is nothing short of extraordinary. As a child, she dreamed of Olympic glory in judo, but when those dreams didn’t materialize, she pursued a degree in economics and business with the goal of becoming a millionaire. However, after graduation, she struggled to find a job. Despite her academic qualifications, she had no work experience outside of sport, and companies failed to recognize the value of her athletic background.
Her path took an unexpected turn when she learned about an aikido coach who used to teach children with cerebral palsy but could no longer continue. Marina felt compelled to step in even if she had no prior experience working with disabilities, because she needed to ensure those children didn’t lose the opportunity to participate in martial arts, and decided to teach them judo.
Despite skepticism from her peers, who claimed it was impossible for children with disabilities to practice judo, Marina refused to accept this limitation. Within a week, she began teaching her first class. With no roadmap to follow or experience to base on, she relied on trial and error, creating exercises on the spot. At the end of that session, two twin girls hugged her and thanked her, a moment that transformed her life. Having never received such heartfelt gratitude in her coaching career, Marina realized her true calling: to create a world where judo is accessible to everyone.
Founding FUJI: A Symbol of Resilience
In 2012, Marina founded FUJI, her adapted judo club named after the iconic mountain, symbolizing the personal and collective challenges we must overcome. FUJI quickly became a safe space for children with diverse disabilities, including cerebral palsy, mobility challenges, ADHD, and autism.
Her innovative approach soon caught the attention of the European Judo Union (EJU), which invited her to lead their adapted judo initiatives. There, Marina developed a structured system that enables athletes of all abilities to compete safely and fairly, and works tirelessly to develop the sport in all nations to be inclusive, working with the national judo federations.
Innovation and Impact
Marina’s work exemplifies creativity and perseverance and her philosophy is clear: if something seems impossible, she finds a way to make it happen, and she focuses on showcasing and promoting possibilities, not limitations that children with disabilities have. She collaborates with physiotherapists, judo specialists, and disability experts to create tailored training programs for each athlete’s needs. She has transformed physiotherapy exercises into engaging judo warm-ups and designed tutorials for athletes with mobility challenges, proving that judo can be practiced anywhere, by anyone.
A Growing Legacy
Marina’s initiatives have spurred remarkable growth in adaptive judo. Last year alone, 600 athletes from 20 countries participated in competitions and tournaments shaped by her vision. While Marina remains committed to grassroots development, she also plays a pivotal role at a structural level as the leader of the EJU Adapted Judo Project. In this capacity, she not only encourages national federations to embrace adaptive judo but also provides training for their coaches and works to develop and implement adaptive judo programs within national federations. Her efforts ensure that the movement continues to expand and flourish at every level.
A Role Model for All
Marina Drašković’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Her work not only transforms the lives of athletes with disabilities but also challenges perceptions, proving that sport can truly be for everyone.
UTS President Stephan Fox shared: “Marina is an extraordinary human being. She exemplifies the belief that what lies behind us and what lies before us are insignificant compared to the strength and greatness within us. She doesn’t wait for opportunities to find her, she creates them with determination and vision. Guided by the dreams in her heart, Marina carves a path of purpose and inspiration for others. I hold her in the highest regard and admire her deeply.”
UTS is proud to share Marina’s incredible journey. As we continue our mission to build a more inclusive sports movement, her story serves as a powerful reminder that if we take action, we can achieve the impossible, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for all.
To learn more about Marina’s work, visit FUJI Judo Club and the European Judo Union
