Building Bridges Across Generations: The JOY of Judo

January 2025
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 program. Through this initiative, JOY will enhance participation, bridge generational gaps, and promote lifelong involvement in judo as a unifying force for communities.

Project Objectives

Promote Intergenerational Judo: Enhance physical, social, and psychological well-being across generations.
Develop Educational Tools: Build an online platform to equip judo coaches with intergenerational teaching resources.
Foster Inclusion: Encourage participation in intergenerational judo to strengthen communities.

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 the following milestones:

Project Meetings: Kick-Off in Rijeka, Croatia (March 2024) and Transnational Meeting in Portorož, Slovenia (July 2024).
Project Launch and Digital Presence: Successfully launched the project website and social media platforms, with regular updates to engage the community and share progress.
Evidence-Based Research: Completed a literature review on intergenerational judo practices.
Scientific Contribution: Published Intergenerational Judo: Synthesizing Knowledge Across Ages in MDPI Sports (June 2024), consolidating insights into the benefits and risks of intergenerational judo.
Conference Presentation: Shared findings at the Italian Society of Motor and Sports Sciences (SISMeS 2024) in Rome, Italy.
Community Engagement: Organized six local events to raise awareness about the impact of intergenerational judo.

Slaviša Bradić, PhD, Lead Consortium Coordinator, Judo Club Rijeka:
“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.

For Older Adults: Helps combat isolation, improves physical stability, and reduces fall-related injuries.
For Youth: Encourages active lifestyles, builds resilience, and promotes teamwork.
Bridging Generations: Breaks stereotypes and fosters mutual understanding through shared judo experiences.

Looking Ahead
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

Follow the JOY project on social media:

Facebook: JOY – Judo Connecting Older and Younger Generations
Instagram: @joy.eu.project
#JudoJoy #IntergenerationalJudo #ErasmusPlus

Contact
Špela Lampe Cakići
Dissemination Coordinator, JOY Project
WhatsApp: +386 31 738 546
Email: spela.lampe@judogolovec.si
Website: www.judojoy.eu