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Press Release #3

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Jita Kyoei 2: Three Years of Shared Growth and Judo Values Culminate in Kranjska Gora

After three years of collaboration, learning, and shared passion for judo values, the Erasmus+ Project Jita Kyoei 2 has reached its successful conclusion. The final conference took place in the scenic town of Kranjska Gora,Slovenia, from 25–27 October, marking the end of a journey that brought together a remarkable network of partners from across Europe.

The project united a wide range of stakeholders from the European Judo Union (EJU) and the Fédération Française de Judo (FFJDA) to grassroots clubs and associations including Športno društvo GIB (Slovenia), Ginásio Clube Português (Portugal), Judo Club Rijeka (Croatia), Judo Club Liberty Oradea (Romania), and theNGO Sport Evolution Alliance (Portugal). Each partner contributed its unique expertise, demonstrating how diverse experiences can come together under the shared spirit of Jita Kyoei, “mutual welfare and benefit.”

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The final event in Kranjska Gora encapsulated this spirit perfectly. Over three days, partners gathered for meetings, three hands-on workshops for young athletes, and a final conference reflecting on the achievements and legacy of the project. The workshops, led by experts Mojmir Kovač (GIB), Philippe Hameon (FFJDA), andNuno Delgado (EJU), offered young judoka an inspiring opportunity to experience the practical power of values-based training.

Nuno Delgado, representing the EJU, captured the energy of the event: “This week in Kranjska Gora, the Education and Sport Department of the EJU united forces for the final conference and workshops of Jita Kyoei II, a pioneering project that has uplifted the Judo community for the past five years.”

He continued:

“The program culminated in a magical moment on the tatami during the European Cadet Cup training camp, where Olympians joined young judoka to promote the values of true champions, all to the powerful rhythm of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best.’ Inspired by this energy, the cadets carried the spirit beyond the mat, cleaning the sports hall with the same commitment and intensity as their randoris. A simple gesture, yet one that builds champions for life.”

The principle of Jita Kyoei, to progress together and contribute to society, was felt deeply by all participants. Juliane Robra, Olympian and Project Manager at Sport Evolution Alliance, reflected on the unity that defined the event:“I came to Kranjska Gora for the final conference of Jita Kyoei. Seeing different generations, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, and even those who have never practised judo, come together was, for me, the true realisationof judo and the principle of Jita Kyoei. All united for the same purpose: to foster this fundamental principle and the values of judo, to thrive together and contribute to society.

“At Sport Evolution Alliance, we look forward to the future impact of Jita Kyoei 2, which provides a methodology, course, and label to further implement this core principle and its Values in our daily practice and lives. We will continue to support and disseminate Jita Kyoei and are available forfuture collaborations that help embed its values across sport and society.

“I left Kranjska Gora filled with positive energy, inspired by the spirit of sharing, the joy of reconnecting with people from my competition years and the gesture of receiving a judogi from the Croatian team, as I had come without mine. A tangible reminder of the true essence of judo.”

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©2024 by JITA KYOEI 2

Funding programme: Erasmus + Sport – Collaborative Partnership
Period – 01/2023 to 12/2025
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