PROMOTIONAL EVENTS
Intergenerational Summer Judo in İzmir: Families on the Tatami
İzmir – Türkiye, July 2025
In July in İzmir, Türkiye, parents and kids came together for a lively judo session that was all about having fun, moving together, and making memories. The mats were full of energy, laughter, and a great mix of learning and play. Families discovered new skills, shared plenty of smiles, and enjoyed quality time side by side.
The event was coordinated by Ms. Aleyna Kapan Yavuz, 2nd DAN, and organized in cooperation with İzmir Alsancak Jimnastik İhtisas Spor Kulübü and Aleyna Kapan Boutique Pilates Studio. Their teamwork created a warm, welcoming space where everyone felt included and inspired.
What families said about it:
Deniz ŞAHİN: “The event was a great experience for both children and families. It created a wonderful environment where the children could use their energy positively and learn about sharing and team spirit. The active participation of families allowed us to spend quality time together. We thank everyone who contributed.”
Dilek ÜNAL: “I’m a sports fan, but judo was an interesting experience. I really enjoyed it. It was fun to do it with my son. It was nice to be able to throw him! If I had the time, I’d like to learn judo too. I’d like to thank our teacher, Aleyna, for this activity.”
Ali ŞAHİN: “Today, we had a very enjoyable, sports-filled day with our children. We all had fun and made wonderful memories. It was great for us to be together as a family and see our children happy. We hope to see events like this happen more often.”
From Parents to Kids: JOY Unleashed on the Mats in Slovenia
Ljubljana – Slovenia, June 2025
Judo club Golovec successfully concluded its judo season with a heartwarming intergenerational training session involving parents and their children. The session was led by coach Mr. Ervin Fazlić, 2nd DAN, who guided families through an engaging and inclusive practice designed to bring generations together through the spirit of judo.
Ana, a participating mother, shared her feelings about the event:
“Because of the children’s teary eyes, you could see how proud they were of their parents. The children were literally bouncing with joy and pride.”
This special training not only strengthened physical skills but also deepened the family bonds and highlighted the JOY of shared experiences across generations. Judo club Golovec continues to promote community, inclusion, and the values of judo through innovative grassroots initiatives.
Judo Club Golovec – Adults Advancing with Passion and Purpose
Ljubljana, Slovenia – June 2025
Judo Club Golovec proudly wrapped up the season with adult beginner judoka successfully passing their exams for higher belts. This achievement highlights the growing interest in judo among adults, many of whom joined for personal growth, fitness, or to train alongside their children and friends. The adult group includes beginners and parents inspired by their children’s judo journeys. Their dedication shows that it’s never too late to start or return to the sport.
“Judo at any age builds strength, confidence, and connection,” says Dr. Nuša Lampe, 6th DAN, director of Judo Club Golovec, who recently earned her PhD. The club community proudly congratulates her on this exceptional academic achievement. “Training together fosters intergenerational learning and sustainable community growth,” she adds.
As the season ends, the club celebrates not only belt progress, but also the powerful message that judo is for everyone – at every stage of life.
Judo Club Liberty Oradea – Growing Stronger with Passion and Perseverance
Oradea, Romania – May 2025
At Judo Club Liberty, the spirit of judo knows no age limit. The adult judoka group is a vibrant, motivated team brought together by a shared love for the sport and a deep personal drive to grow.
This unique and homogeneous group includes former judoka who have courageously returned to the tatami after 15–20 years, rediscovering their passion and discipline. Alongside them, they proudly welcome parents of young judoka who were so inspired by their children’s journey that they took the bold step to start their own. Completing the group are individuals who have always dreamed of practicing judo but never had the chance, until now.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, they share a common goal: to grow technically and personally, and one day reach the coveted black belt. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and mutual support are a true inspiration within our club.
”We are immensely proud of them and grateful to witness their remarkable journey, a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start, return, or fall in love with judo,” says Maria Loredana Lascau, 3rd DAN, president of Judo Club Liberty Oradea.
Strengthening Bonds: Intergenerational Judo session in Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka, Croatia – May 2025
Judo Club Rijeka hosted a special intergenerational judo training session that brought together children and adults for a joyful and empowering experience. The event aimed to equip participants of all ages with safe break-falling techniques while embracing the core values of judo, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. The training featured engaging and fun exercises tailored to every age group, allowing individuals to grow stronger together and build bonds that extend beyond the dojo.
Dr. Slaviša Bradić, 7th DAN and project lead coordinator, emphasised the significance of this initiative:
“We are proud to be part of the JOY project, where, together with our partners, we strengthen communities across Europe through judo, bridging generation gaps. Judo is more than a sport; it’s a bridge between generations that builds respect, health, lifelong knowledge transfer, social skills, and a shared love for sport and each other.”
This was the 16th event organised under the JOY project across Europe, which aims to promote judo as a powerful tool for inclusion, respect, and healthy living across all generations.
Intergenerational Judo in Focus at Erasmus+ Sport JOY Dissemination Event in Rome
Rome, Italy – May 2025
On 28 May 2025, the University of Rome “Foro Italico” hosted a dynamic dissemination event attended by approximately 50 Master’s students enrolled in the LM67 programme for Preventive and Adapted Physical Activity, with women comprising around 40% of participants.
The session was led by Dr. Simone Ciaccioni, 4th DAN, Sport Sciences researcher at Pegaso Telematic University, and moderated by Prof. Caterina Pesce of the University of Rome “Foro Italico.” Special guest Dr. Fabio Piergiovanni, a medical doctor specializing in diabetology and an experienced senior judo practitioner, enriched the discussion by sharing both professional expertise and personal experiences.
Students engaged enthusiastically with the innovative concept of intergenerational sport, particularly exploring how judo can foster meaningful connections between younger and older practitioners.
The event showcased key outcomes and practical tools from two European projects: JOY and its predecessor EdJCO (www.edjco.eu), underscoring combat sports’ unique role as inclusive, age-integrated physical activities.
This dissemination event played a vital role in raising awareness about the social and health benefits of intergenerational sport practices, with a special focus on judo as a powerful medium for promoting active and successful aging.
Judo Club Liberty Brings Judo to Life in the Heart of Oradea
Oradea, Romania – May 2025
Judo Club Liberty brought energy and excitement to the city centre of Oradea with a dynamic outdoor judo demonstration that inspired both youth and adults. The event offered a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience the values of judo in a relaxed, playful, and inclusive setting.
“We proudly presented the JOY – Judo Connecting Older and Younger Generations project, inviting all generations to discover the joy of movement, connection, and healthy living together,” said Maria Loredana Lascau, president of Judo Club Liberty Oradea.
This engaging event once again proved that judo is far more than a sport. It is a lifelong practice that empowers individuals, bridges generations, and builds stronger, healthier communities.
"Judo en Familia" in Madrid
Madrid, Spain – April 2025
Following the successful event in Zaragoza, the Judo en Familia initiative continued in Villanueva del Pardillo, Madrid, where 60 new participants, children and adults alike, came together for an inclusive and vibrant judo session.
The event was organized by Club de Judo Newton and led by Mr. Fernando Diéguez (6th DAN).
The event beautifully showcased the core values of the JOY project, promoting intergenerational learning, mutual respect, and community-building through the practice of judo.
Congratulations to everyone involved for making this event such a success!
JOY Promotional Event in Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy – April 2025
An inspiring intergenerational judo practice, led by Dr. Simone Ciaccioni from the University of Rome Foro Italico, was held as part of the 25th-anniversary celebration of Scuola Judo Tomita – 富田柔道学校.
The celebration event marking 25 years of the club’s dedication to judo was attended by 400 visitors. Congratulations to Scuola Judo Tomita for this remarkable milestone!
Coach Seminar
Zaragoza, Spain – March 2025
Club de Judo Newton, in collaboration with Liceo Europa de Zaragoza, hosted a Coach Seminar on Intergenerational Judo led by esteemed judo experts Mr. Raúl Camacho Pérez (8th DAN), Mr. Enrique Eraña (7th DAN), and Mr. Fernando Diéguez (6th DAN).
The two-day event brought together 15 judo coaches eager to enhance their knowledge of training older practitioners and intergenerational groups. The seminar was honored by the presence of the President of the Judo Federation of Aragón, Mrs. Cristina Berrocal and the Education Director, Mr. Julio Giménez who warmly welcomed participants.
The first day featured a mix of theoretical presentations on the EdJCO Project and the JOY Project, followed by practical mat sessions where coaches explored innovative exercises, games, and techniques designed for intergenerational judo. The second day focused on session planning, judo history, and philosophy, offering a well-rounded educational experience.
Beyond technical skills, the seminar fostered community building and social development, reinforcing judo’s core values of mutual respect and understanding.
JOY Judo Session with Mothers and Grandmothers
Oradea, Romania, March 2025
The Judo club Liberty Oradea celebrated spring and Women’s History Month with a powerful and inspiring session that brought children, mothers, and grandmothers together on the tatami.
The event not only honoured the Month of Women, highlighting the significant contributions women have made to history and contemporary society, but also showcased the strength of the club, which is managed entirely by women. Guided by female role models, Ms. Maria Loredana Lascau, a 3rd DAN Judo master, and Ms. Alina Borza, a 1st DAN Judo master, participants embraced the core values of judo: Courage, Respect, Modesty, Friendship, Honour, Sincerity, Self-control, and Politeness.
Across generations, families shared laughter, learning, and deepened their connections. This event offered a chance to celebrate the resilience and strength of women while fostering important intergenerational bonds.
This unforgettable session also reflects the JOY project’s mission to empower communities and promote intergenerational connections through the timeless values of judo.
"Judo en Familia" at Club de Judo Newton – A Day of Fun and Connection
Zaragoza, Spain, January 2025
Club de Judo Newton hosted the “Judo en Familia” event at Colegio Liceo Europa Zaragoza, led by 8th DAN Judo master Mr. Raúl Camacho Pérez. The event brought families together, fostering intergenerational bonds through the practice of judo.
For older participants, it helped enrich relationships, improve physical well-being, and promote healthy aging, while for youth, it built confidence, self-esteem, and improved communication across generations.
The event also encouraged community building, and social skill development benefiting both groups and reinforcing the values of mutual respect and understanding.
JOY at Antalya Kemer during the Turkish Judo Federation Referee and Coaching Technical Seminar 2025
Antalya, Türkiye, January 2025
The JOY Project made a significant impact at Antalya Kemer 2025, showcasing its mission to connect generations through judo and foster stronger, more inclusive communities. Presenting the project to the participants was an incredible opportunity to share its goals and highlight the achievements of its first year with a broader audience. Events like this ensure that JOY continues to inspire communities across Europe and beyond.
Our Türkiye project partners from İzmir, Mr. Mesut Kapan and Mr. Kaya Gezeker, expressed their enthusiasm about JOY’s participation in Antalya:
“We proudly represented the project at the Coaches and Referees Technical Seminars. During these sessions, interested participants were informed about the JOY Project. Events like this ensure the JOY Project continues to inspire communities across Europe and beyond!”
2024 Foro Italico Sport Day - Getting closer to the Community
Rome, Italy, October 2024
The University of Rome Foro Italico organized a vibrant day celebrating sports, physical activity, health, wellness, and well-being. Participants aged 3 to 100 enjoyed a variety of activities and took advantage of free physical and medical assessments. Many enthusiastically stepped onto the judo mat to practice ukemi (break-fall techniques), taiso (judo gymnastics), and both tachi-waza and ne-waza (standing and ground-based judo techniques). Guided by JOY judo coach and researcher Simone Ciaccioni, attendees were amazed by the fun and connection fostered through intergenerational judo, as people of all ages played, learned, and laughed together. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
JOY at the Italian Society of Exercise and Sport Science (SISMeS)
Rome, Italy, September 2024
Our researcher, Simone Ciaccioni, PhD, participated in the SISMeS 2024 (19-21 September) Conference in Rome, Italy, where he presented the findings of the Intergenerational Judo literature review. The presentation highlighted how judo can bridge generational gaps by promoting physical activity across all ages.
During the event, Dr. Ciaccioni emphasized: “Intergenerational judo not only enhances physical health but also fosters social cohesion and reciprocal learning between younger and older participants. By tackling stereotypes and encouraging participation, we can create more inclusive opportunities in sport.”
JOY Project at EJU Judo Festival 2024
Poreč, Croatia, June 2024
The EJU hosted the EJU Judo Festival 2024 in Poreč, Croatia, where the JOY project and its new website were presented to coaches and the judo community at the Project Showcase and Networking Event. Toma Jelušić from Judo Club Rijeka shared his thoughts: “In the previous EDJCO project, we structured a science-based coaching module aimed at teaching the older judo practitioners, and now we aim to create similar resources for coaches for an intergenerational judo. Although the timeline and partners are aligned with the European Commission, the program is open to everyone, and we’d like to see more countries get involved.”
Judo for All Ages: Joyful Family Session in İzmir
İzmir, Türkiye, June 2024
İzmir Alsancak Jimnastik ve İhtisas Spor Kulübü, along with its partners, hosted a practical and joyful judo session for kids and families. Children built confidence and social skills, while adults benefited from improved fitness and stress relief. Mr. Mesut Kapan, a 6th DAN judo master, shared his thoughts on the occasion: “I have been doing judo for 49 years. Judo is my way of life. My wife, daughter, son, and even my son-in-law are all black belt judoka. Every time I do judo, I feel different, changed. Especially practicing judo with children, teaching them, and spending time with them makes me very happy.”
Judo Bridges Generations at Peter Pan Judo Trophy in Rome
Rome, Italy, April 2024
World Parkinson's Day: Embracing Judo for Parkinson's Patients: Introducing Gensoku No Genkei
