Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport Programme of the European Union, the project brings together six partner organisations from six European countries around a shared ambition: to demonstrate that learning through judo does not end with technical practice but continues throughout every stage of life.
While millions of people practise judo worldwide, its greatest strength lies in the values it transmits. Respect, discipline, responsibility, self-control and mutual welfare are at the heart of every dojo. JUDO4LLC seeks to build on these foundations by providing clubs with practical tools that encourage personal growth, collaboration and active participation within their local communities.
At the core of the initiative is the development of the JUDO4LLC framework, an innovative methodology linking traditional judo values with the European Key Competences for Lifelong Learning and the LifeComp framework. Designed for everyday use in clubs, the framework will support coaches and volunteers in fostering leadership, co-operation, critical thinking and community engagement through regular club activity.
The project will also establish an interactive online platform, creating a European network where clubs, coaches and practitioners can exchange ideas, share good practice, discuss common challenges and learn from one another. Rather than serving simply as a repository of educational resources, the platform aims to become a living community based on collaboration and mutual support.
To ensure the approach is both practical and sustainable, the methodology will be tested by 20 judo clubs across at least six European countries, involving around 200 participants. Their feedback will play a key role in refining the model before it is made available to the wider judo community.
The International Judo Federation is contributing to the dissemination of the project's outcomes, helping to ensure that the knowledge and tools developed through JUDO4LLC reach clubs and federations well beyond Europe.
As the project enters its first implementation phase, partners are focused on developing the JUDO4LLC framework that will underpin the entire initiative. In the months ahead, new educational resources, digital tools and collaborative opportunities will be introduced, reinforcing the role of judo clubs as places where people of all generations can continue learning, sharing experiences and strengthening their communities.
Ultimately, by bringing people together through lifelong learning, JUDO4LLC reinforces one of Jigoro Kano's original aspirations: using judo not only to develop better judoka, but also to help build better societies.