Preventing violence through martial arts

- The Judo for Peace Experience in South Africa -

Roberto Orlando

(Judo for Peace South Africa Director, 2024 UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize Winner)

Judo for Peace South Africa is a programme funded by the International Judo Federation in collaboration with UNHCR. The focus of the programme is to use judo as a platform for local communities to meet, collaborate and contribute to Social Cohesion, Youth Empowerment and Child Protection. Here in South Africa, our main partners are Nike,Three2six, Future Families, Grassroots Soccer, Judo South Africa, The Gauteng Department of Education. As for today, we are present in Johannesburg with 6 clubs; we operate in 10 schools whereas other satellite clubs are in Durban and Cape Town.

Our Vision is to fulfil the dreams of Jigoro Kano Shihan (founder of Judo), which are:

1. To see a brighter future through the application of the teachings of Judo;

2. To foster mutual help for a better society. The Judo moral code also assists in this, as it teaches the judoka the values of courtesy, courage, honesty, honour, modesty, respect, self-control, and friendship

The theme of crime prevention touches many remits as the causes of violence are deep rooted in the society – with South African being not an exception – and can be prompted by these causes:

1. Cultural – violent behaviours are widely accepted, in particular domestic violence toward children and women. It can take the form of physical  and psychological abuse; the most common are GBV (Gender Based Violence) and the bullying in school.

2. Economic – the country presents a high level of unemployment with a widespread phenomenon of violent crimes – with youth finding the best way to earn their living through the acts of petty crimes.

3. Institutional – as state authorities and civil society seem to lack the right tools to address crime in both coercive and educational ways. 

In our effort to reduce the violence through martial art we have gone through many efforts and trials, we have engaged with local stakeholders and we have learned from the communities we are serving.

Identification as the first step to understand violence and crime. In our best practices we consult and discuss with beneficiaries on their perception of crime and violence, its effects on the society as well as the causes that encourage such dysfunctional behaviours. The Dojo (Judo club) serves as safe space where before and after training is possible to talk to each-others; we have open dialogues on violence through roundtables and by promoting awareness sessions. As for the latter it is notable to consider that some abusive behaviours – such as bullying or domestic violence – are not always considered as crimes. Domestic violence is somehow culturally accepted – as a problem to solve in private - in spite of its negative consequences on society and individuals. Bullying is part of the daily life in school and complaining to school authorities is considered unmanly.

Cultural: Judo by its definition the gentle (ju) way (do), is a martial art that avoids conflict and promotes peace. In its daily practice the use of aggressive actions is sanctioned and judo promotes values like self-control and respect of rules. The role of the Sensei is fundamental in instilling judo values in the everyday judo practice. Concurrently behaviours against the moral code – in and out of the dojo – are sanctioned with corrective actions that reinstate the positive values and explain the importance of adhering to collaborative behaviours. In our case coaches receive a technical training that entails the understanding of youth psychology with a specific focus on Gender-inclusion and cultural diversity. Finally judo teaches to avoid direct confrontation, the brutal opposition of force to force; in the everyday life this is translated in conflict avoidance behaviour and a genuine interest in the search for peaceful resolutions. 

Economic: Due to the lack of financial means and social services youth is not exposed to sport; most often the only option left is to hang in the streets and learn criminal behaviour. Judo for Peace presence in under-served areas allows youth to engage in sport and learn a way of life, presenting a brighter future and the possibility to experience positive social interaction. It is noteworthy to mention that judo is a way of life and for some young adults it may represents livelihood – having successfully started a career of coach and earning their living by teaching judo in schools and clubs. Mentoring is a key activity in this regard, Judo for Peace is partnering up with local organization – SAYes and NIKE - offering one to one mentoring to young adults; the combination of the judo lifestyle with a professional mentoring is the most powerful tool to allow individuals to be “the best version of themselves”.

Institutional: Working in public schools and in under-served areas helps us to reach the most vulnerable youth and collaborate with institutions on crime prevention strategies. In the course of the years we have invited the local police to explain the consequences of Gender-based violence; offered self-defense seminars to women and community based organization; promoted roundtables on positive roles on masculinity. Finally when crime happens we have been able to offer some support to victims – it is the case of domestic violence and robberies – by offering trauma debriefing and a safe place to stay and regain self-confidence.

In conclusion Judo offer a valid alternative to violence and crime and it may be seen as a powerful tool to combat crime. In spite of being perceived as a highly competitive sport, judo is fundamentally an educational discipline with the aim of developing individuals mentally, spiritually and physically. The Judo for Peace experience demonstrate that once again martial arts can be used as a most effective tool to prevent crime and contribute to a more collaborative society.