Great news for all young judo enthusiasts and parents! The registration deadline for the highly anticipated Judo & Fun Camp 2024 has been extended. If you haven’t secured a spot yet, now is your chance to do so!
New Deadline: August 22, 2024
As judo continues to grow across Europe, the focus is shifting toward providing more opportunities for young judoka who aren’t necessarily aiming for the competitive circuit but still wish to experience the joy and values of the sport. With the majority of European judoka falling within the Cadet and Pre-Cadet age groups, there is a rising demand for events that cater to their development outside of competition. Recognising this need, the German Judo Federation (DJB) is pioneering a new initiative aimed at making judo more inclusive and enjoyable for all.
The upcoming Judo & Fun Camp in Cologne is set to be a groundbreaking event, marking the start of what could become a blueprint for non-competitive judo events across Europe. This camp is not just any event—it’s the opening of the European Week of Judo Values 2024 (EWJV), a celebration that will span most countries from September 23rd to 30th, coinciding with the European Week of Sport (EWO).
A New Approach to Youth Judo
The German Judo Federation is fortunate to have a dynamic team of youth leaders, their junior team, who have taken the reins in organising this inaugural event. Their enthusiasm and dedication are setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging and enriching experience for young judoka. The European Judo Union (EJU) is supporting this effort, bringing in Judo For Children coordinator and Olympic medalist Nuno Delgado, who will lead some of the sessions.
The camp in Cologne will also feature a special appearance by a member of the German national judo team, adding an extra layer of excitement for the participants. This event is more than just a gathering; it’s an opportunity to install the core values of judo, such as respect, friendship, and discipline, into the next generation.
Building a Blueprint for the Future
One of the main objectives of this event is to develop a blueprint that other National Federations (NFs) can use to organise similar non-competitive events. By the end of the event, a guide will be available for all NF’s to organise such an event by understanding the tasks involved and helping to build up the event.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the EJU’s commission on non-competitive judo for children. Alongside a round table group comprised of experts from various NFs and club partners, the commission is working to create a series of events that emphasise the “Fun-damentals” of judo, child development, and the involvement of key stakeholders like families, coaches, and professionals from education and health sectors.
Promoting Judo Values Across Europe
The Cologne camp also serves as a platform to promote the EJU’s educational calendar, which highlights a different judo value each month. In September, the focus is on Respect, a cornerstone of judo that will be emphasized throughout the camp. Federations across Europe are encouraged to use this calendar, customised with their own artwork and translations, to communicate these values to their communities.
By integrating these educational aspects into the Judo & Fun camp, the DJB alongside EJU is not only providing a fun experience for young judoka but also reinforcing the principles that make judo more than just a sport. It’s about developing well-rounded individuals who carry the values of judo with them in all aspects of life.
A New Era for Non-Competitive Judo
The Judo & Fun Camp in Cologne is just the beginning. As the blueprint is refined and more events receive the EJU’s endorsement, the hope is to see non-competitive judo events flourish across Europe by 2025. These events will provide a valuable outlet for young judoka who love the sport but aren’t focused on competition, ensuring that they too can enjoy all the benefits that judo has to offer.
So, whether you are a young judoka, a coach, or a parent, mark your calendars and get ready to experience judo in a whole new way. The future of judo is not just about medals and competitions; it’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive, learn, and have fun. And it all starts this September in Cologne. See you there!
Images: German Judo Federation (DJB)
Author: Szandra Szogedi