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During European Youth Week 2026, the JOY project [Judo Connecting Older and Younger Generations] launched the Young Judo Voices Campaign, a coordinated social media campaign highlighting the role of young people in intergenerational learning. The campaign brought together 40 young judoka from Türkiye, Spain, Romania, Slovenia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating a shared European space for dialogue and exchange within the judo community.
Giving Young Judoka a Voice
The initiative featured athletes aged 6 to 25, focusing on their experiences and reflections on intergenerational judo. Participants were invited to consider what they have learned from more experienced judoka, what they themselves contribute, and why training across generations matters.
Their responses highlighted three key messages:
- Young people are active contributors in judo, both learning from and enriching its traditions
- Mutual exchange between generations strengthens technical, social, and personal development
Intergenerational training fosters respect, inclusion, and lifelong learning
Youth Voices from Across Europe
To place young people at the centre of the campaign, participants shared their reflections on learning across generations in judo:
“Intergenerational training is important because we learn from each other. Older judoka share their experience, and we bring new perspectives and energy.”
“Training with more experienced judoka is a challenge in the best way. They push me to improve and always teach me something new.”
“In judo, age doesn’t really matter on the tatami. What matters is the willingness to keep learning.”
These statements reflect a shared reality observed throughout the JOY project: learning in judo is a continuous exchange where experience and curiosity meet on the tatami, shaping both younger and older generations.
More video statements from young judoka are available on the JOY project social media channels:
Instagram: @joy.eu.project
Facebook: JOY – Judo connecting Older and Younger generations
