This was the first time the “International Conference Safe Falling for the Elderly through Judo” was
organised together with University of Hertfordshire, Tokai University and the IJF Academy. The event was hosted by Tokai University in Japan.
A total of 42 delegates attended from 14 national federations including the likes of Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Croatia, Belgium, Japan, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and USA. From this group 24 universities were represented and among them, six professors.
On behalf of the EJU, Education Director, Kristiina PEKKOLA, Head Kata Commissioner, Slavica BRADIC and lead of the Safe Fall Project, Oscar DEL CASTILLO, as well as IJF Education Director, Dr Sanda CORAK.
Member of the EJU Scientific Commission and Professor of Judo Education at the University of Hertfordshire, Mike CALLAN, was very satisfied with the outcome of the theoretical and practical sharing on the first day. The second day, the focus was on smaller groups, with time to discuss and share “lessons to learn”.
The participants were introduced to “Judo4Balance and “Strömqvist Bååthe” Fall Competence Test”
(SBFT). Which is a measurable tool created by Karin STROMKVIST BÅÅTHE of Sweden. To have a clearer picture, there are measurable factors when the programme starts, to know the “health status with judo perspective” and a test following 16 weeks of training to gage whether or not there has been an impact. The Swedish team has already managed to publish five pieces of work in recognised journals about Judo4balance at the workplace and the elderly.
There was a huge commitment among all participants, and diversity and variation of experience and exercises. Everybody agreed in that judo is a perfect method for landing safely, to strengthen your
body, to be more flexible and it is fun.
Author: Thea Cowen