Judo In Schools: Erasmus+ Sport Project
Judo In Schools: Erasmus+ Sport Project
The Erasmus+ Sport project “Judo In Schools” was a two-year initiative that ran from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. It brought together four partner organizations: Judo Club Rijeka (Croatia), Budo Center Athens (Greece), Judo Club Liberty Oradea (Romania), and Judo Newton Madrid (Spain).
Project Overview
The “Judo in Schools” project aimed to address the growing lack of physical activity among children in grades 1-4 by introducing judo as a structured and inclusive after-school sports program. This initiative established a strong foundation for children’s physical, mental, and moral development, integrating the educational benefits of sports with the unique philosophy of judo, as envisioned by its founder, Jigoro Kano.
Judo is more than just a sport; it fosters values such as respect, discipline, perseverance, and mutual support. By focusing on these principles, the project promoted personal growth, social adaptability, teamwork, and leadership while actively working against bullying, aggression, and discrimination.
This initiative united judo clubs from four European countries, creating a collaborative network dedicated to education and social development rather than competitive athlete training. The project enhanced accessibility to sports by offering a free program within schools, ensuring inclusivity regardless of economic, racial, or linguistic backgrounds.
Aligned with the City of Rijeka’s sports strategy and broader European objectives, the program supported active citizenship, transnational cooperation, and the fusion of education and sports sectors. Through this initiative, children not only improved their physical and motor skills but also embraced judo’s moral code, contributing to their overall personal development and the promotion of a healthy, inclusive society.
Key Project Achievements
- Judo in Schools Manual – A 30-page guide available in English and all partner languages.
- Training & Implementation – Over 37 coaches trained, with pilot projects benefiting 400+ children.
- Enhanced Collaboration – Strengthened cooperation between sports clubs and schools, facilitating transnational knowledge exchange and innovation.
- Inclusion & Accessibility – Ensured free participation, removing financial and social barriers.
- Long-Term Sustainability – Increased partner organizations’ capacity for international collaboration and integration of sports into education systems.
Dissemination & Digital Promotion
To ensure broad accessibility, the project’s main results were made available online via partner websites and social networks. Additionally, dedicated social media pages were created for ongoing promotion and engagement.
- Facebook: Judo In Schools Facebook Page
- Instagram: Judo In Schools Instagram
- Erasmus+ Project Result Platform: Judo In Schools Erasmus+
Coordinator contact:
Judo Club Rijeka
judoklubrijeka@gmail.com
+385911305305
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.