Mark your calendars for 23-30 September 2024 and get ready to participate in one of the most significant events in European sport and the judo community, the European Week of Judo Values (EWJV). This global celebration of judo coincides with the European Week of Sport, allowing you to take part right from your own dojo!
Theme: Find Your Balance
This year’s theme, Find Your Balance, goes beyond the physical skill of balancing on the judo mat, it represents the need to balance society, especially in promoting gender equality in judo. With far fewer female participants than male, it’s essential that we work together to create a more inclusive environment. Judo is for everyone, and we must recognise that girls and women can fight just as fiercely as boys and men.
Kicking Off with the Judo & Fun Camp in Cologne
The European Week of Judo Values 2024 will launch with the Judo & Fun Camp in Cologne, an innovative event designed to promote non-competitive judo across Europe. This camp is set to inspire future initiatives, creating a blueprint for events that highlight the fun, educational, and community aspects of judo.
Get Involved!
You can take part by organising activities in your dojo that reflect the Find Your Balance theme.
Whether it’s mixed-gender practice sessions or educational workshops, your activities should showcase how judo instils essential values, including Jita Kyoei 2 (JK2): proactivity, responsibility, trust, self-realisation. This year’s focus is primarily on proactivity, encouraging judoka to lead by example on and off the tatami.
Example of Activities – Activities are including but not limited to promoting Gender Equality by having boys and girls practice together during judo lessons or foster Intergenerational connections by inviting parents or grandparents to join a session. Embrace Inclusion by inviting friends with special needs to experience judo or simply encourage environmental responsibility through activities like planting, recycling, or cleaning the tatami. Bring judo into the workplace by training or sharing the ‘judo way of life’ in different ways, physically, technically, and mentally. Finally, participant could also encourage Mutual Benefit by sharing cross-training experiences with athletes from other sports and martial arts.
Key Information
- WHEN? 23-30 September 2024
- WHERE? Location of Your Choice
- HOW? Plan your activities and send us images or videos of your experiences to [email protected]. Don’t forget to use the specially designed EWJV logo!
Join Us!
Whether you are a seasoned judoka, coach, parent, or simply believe in the values of judo, your involvement in the European Week of Judo Values can make a real impact. Let’s work together to find balance on the mat, in our communities, and across the judo world. Save the date and be part of a movement that will shape the future of judo in Europe.
Why Participate?
The European Week of Sport as well as the European Week of Judo Values is for everyone, regardless of age, background, ability, or fitness level. Sport improves both mental and physical health, offering a great platform for personal growth. Start finding your balance today, both on and off the mat.
Is there anything else?
Yes! The first 10 dojo to submit their EWJV activities will win exclusive EJU bags! Be sure to send your submissions to [email protected] and remember to use the official logo! Let’s come together, celebrate judo values and help shape a more inclusive and balanced future!
Author: Szandra Szogedi