Judo is more than a sport, it is a catalyst for social change, fostering solidarity and strengthening community bonds. The JOY Project (Judo Connecting Older and Younger Generations) is an innovative three-year Erasmus+ Sport initiative aimed at strengthening community bonds through judo. With €400,000 in EU funding, the project brings together experts from eight countries to foster intergenerational connections and promote health, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
To achieve these goals, the JOY Project will equip coaches with the knowledge and tools needed to safely and effectively engage participants of all ages. By addressing age-specific physical and psycho-social needs, such as balance, coordination, motivation, and self-confidence, coaches can foster meaningful intergenerational exchanges. Central to the project is an online educational platform, which will provide scientifically grounded resources to support the planning and delivery of intergenerational judo programs. Through this initiative, JOY will enhance participation, bridge generational gaps, and promote lifelong involvement in judo as a unifying force for communities.
Project Objectives
The JOY Project aims to enhance physical, social, and psychological well-being across generations by promoting intergenerational judo, developing an online platform to equip coaches with intergenerational teaching resources, and fostering inclusion by encouraging participation in intergenerational judo to strengthen community bonds.
Uniting Partners Across Europe
- Judo Club Rijeka – Lead Partner, Croatia
- IJF Academy (International Judo Federation Academy Foundation), Malta
- European Judo Union (EJU), Austria
- University of Rome Foro Italico, Italy
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sports, Slovenia
- Judo Club Golovec, Slovenia
- Club de Judo Newton, Spain
- Judo Club Liberty Oradea, Romania
- İzmir Alsancak Jimnastik İhtisas Spor Kulübü, Turkiye
First Year’s Highlights
Since its launch in January 2024, the JOY Consortium has achieved significant milestones. The project began with a Kick-Off meeting in Rijeka, Croatia, in March 2024, followed by a Transnational Meeting in Portorož, Slovenia, in July 2024. To build visibility and engagement, the consortium successfully launched the project website and social media platforms, ensuring regular updates to connect with the community and share progress. Researchers completed an evidence-based literature review on intergenerational judo practices, contributing to a deeper understanding of the sport’s impact. The project made a notable scientific contribution with the publication of Intergenerational Judo: Synthesising Knowledge Across Ages in MDPI Sports (June 2024), providing valuable insights into the benefits and risks of intergenerational judo. Findings from this research were also presented at the Italian Society of Motor and Sports Sciences (SISMeS 2024) in Rome, Italy. On a community level, the JOY Project successfully organised six local events to raise awareness about the positive impact of intergenerational judo.
Lead Consortium Coordinator of Judo Club Rijeka, Dr Slaviša Bradić, said:
The JOY project aims to bridge generational gaps and empower judo coaches with the knowledge and skills to foster meaningful connections through judo. Building on the success of the EDJCO project (Educating Judo Coaches for Older Practitioners), we will enhance judo coaching competencies to create programs that unite the elderly and youth, promoting health and relationships.
JOY Goals Aligned with European and Global Goals
JOY directly supports European initiatives on active ageing and youth participation in physical activities. The project addresses the need for intergenerational solidarity and improved well-being through physical activity. By helping older adults combat isolation, improve physical stability, and reduce fall-related injuries, while also encouraging youth to lead active lifestyles, build resilience, and promote teamwork, JOY creates shared experiences that break stereotypes and foster mutual understanding across generations.
Over the next two years, the JOY project will implement a tailored program for judo coaches, publish scientific papers, and participate in scientific and judo-related events. Dissemination activities, led by Judo Club Golovec, will ensure the project’s visibility across Europe and internationally. For updates and resources, please visit: www.judojoy.eu
Also involved in this project is Director of the IJF Military and Police Commission, Mr Kaya GEZEKER, who expressed his delight around one of JOY’s latest appearances:
We proudly represented the IJF Academy at the Coaches and Referees technical seminars held in Antalya. During these sessions, we informed nearly 800 participants about our JOY Project.
Notably, the General Director of the Turkish Judo Federation and IJF Academy Expert, Mesut KAPAN, also plays a key role in this vital venture. The JOY project was also presented at the most recent Italian Society of Motor and Sports Sciences meeting. All in all, this initiative truly embodies the spirit of unity, resilience, and lifelong learning, using judo as a powerful tool to bring generations together and create lasting community impact.
Images and Resources: Špela Lampe CAKICI
Author: Szandra Szogedi