Photo : by Mateja Jordović Potočnik

Empowering Adult Women through Judo

        Špela Lampe

It’s widely recognized that judo is more than a sport. But can it provide significant benefits also for adult women who, for instance, have never been physically active or have experienced various forms of abuse? Do judo clubs across the world provide such programs tailored for adult women?

Here is a quick checklist of how judo can empower women:

• Wellbeing: Judo provides a full body workout.

• Self-Defence: Judo equips women with practical, non-violent techniques to protect themselves and their loved ones.

• Overcoming physical and mental challenges: Judo not only builds self-confidence but also nurtures self-identity.

• Lifelong friendships: An opportunity to form new heart bonds and friendships.

• Pleasure and fulfilment: The combination of physical exercise, mental engagement and the necessary element of Fun makes judo a rewarding activity.

This article highlights how judo clubs can partner with various organizations supporting women with challenging backgrounds (economic, violence-based or simmilar) recognizing the mutual benefits of such collaborations as transformative pathways to empowerment, resilience, and well-being. Additionally, it discusses how these partnerships can attract new members to clubs through referrals from women's organizations.

Having fun and learning through play are the key elements to successful exercising

The Slovenian Judo Club Golovec has been offering a customized judo program for adult women for two years, particularly targeting those from vulnerable backgrounds. The methodology driving this program is grounded in the core values of judo, supplemented by an additional key value: Fun. At the program's core is a commitment to instill the principles and ethics inherent in judo, incorporating elements of discipline, respect, and personal growth. However, recognizing the significance of enjoyment and engagement, the program places a distinct emphasis on creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants. The pilot project was initially co-funded by the European Commission and designed to support and empower women facing various challenges. In addition to the physical benefits, the judo program, with its unique combination of mental and social advantages, empowers women to thrive both on and off the mat, embodying the true spirit of holistic wellness. After the conclusion of initial funding, the club is poised to ensure sustained impact through a multifaceted approach. This includes continuous monitoring, integration into existing systems, community engagement, and global promotion. To facilitate long-term success, the project will actively seek additional funding, document best practices, and prioritize adaptability.

But the heart and meaningful core of this program lies with the women who have been transformed through the program. Meet two remarkable examples (pictured), both single mothers — one with two children and the other with six — both survivors of abusive relationships, whose lives have been changed over the past year and a half since they began practicing judo. Ana and Eva, from Slovenia, discovered judo through a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering women and families, advocating for their needs, and protecting their rights. The organization partnered with their judo club, which demonstrated that judo, beyond its physical advantages, offers a multitude of benefits that extend to mental resilience, social connections, and lifelong well-being. 

How they saw themselves before starting judo:

Ana: ”Before starting judo, I endured a difficult, abusive relationship that left me completely lost. Despite not considering myself mentally weak, the circumstances led me to doubt my abilities and self-worth. I began to believe that I was told – that I was incompetent, incapable of doing anything right, and not a good mother. In short, I lacked a positive opinion of myself. I lived in constant fear, always looking over my shoulder even when I went out - a memory that remains vivid. Simultaneously, I grappled with guilt, feeling inadequate and that I wasn't doing enough.”

Eva: ”Before embracing judo, my life was chaotic. I fled from an abusive relationship with my six children, prioritizing their well-being over my own. Confidence eluded me; beneath my smile lay deep pain, anxiety, and fear, coupled with a profound sense of emptiness. I scarcely had a moment to focus on myself amidst the struggle to survive, secure a new and safe home, and care for my children simultaneously. Years of enduring verbal and physical abuse left me with a poor self-image; I felt humiliated, devalued, and inferior. Fear plagued my nights, leaving me sleepless and unsettled.”

And how they feel today, after being judokas for over a year: 

Ana: "I'm incredibly proud of myself, and that pride no longer feels uncomfortable; it's a source of satisfaction and calm. Winning the gold medal at the National Veteran Championships was a significant achievement for me, but my pride extends far beyond judo. It encompasses overcoming personal struggles, moving forward with determination, and maintaining unwavering faith in myself. Recognizing my own worth has been transformative. I'm grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. The support of my coach, mentor, and club management has been invaluable on this journey. Their guidance has been instrumental in my growth and success. Beyond my personal journey, I hope my story can inspire other women to stand up against violence and seek the support they deserve. Judo has become more than just a sport to me; it's a way of life. And I believe it can offer the same empowerment and strength to others who embrace it."

Eva: ”My life has completely turned around. Thanks to judo, I'm now confident, happy, and full of positive energy! Judo pushed me to face challenges  I never thought I could conquer. With the unwavering support of my coach, I found the strength to overcome my insecurities. Sharing my struggles with him, and seeing his empathy and encouragement, brought tears of both pain and relief. With his help, I can now openly embrace my weight, 120 kilograms, something I once hid. I'm grateful for how judo has helped me grow personally and brought joy into our home. Our family now shares more, talks more, and embraces a healthy, active lifestyle. Through judo, we're not just learning sport; we're learning life.”

To conclude, adult women who engage in judo training gain not only the physical skills to protect themselves and their loved ones but also the confidence to navigate challenging situations with composure and assertiveness. Judo promotes social inclusion, dialogue, and equality, embodying judo and Olympic values such as courage, respect, modesty, friendship, honor, sincerity, self-control, and politeness.

You can also follow Ana and Eva's judo stories on Judo Club Golovec's Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages with the handle @judoklubgolovec.

※ Views in this writing are the author's own