The UDJM is built on real-world impact. Each participant completes an applied management project, transforming course concepts into tangible improvements within their clubs, associations or national federations. These projects represent one of the Academy’s richest sources of innovation and many of those ideas are now featured on the IJF Academy bookshelf.
Among the standout contributions is the project by Tina Trstenjak, Olympic, world and European champion. Her executive summary focuses on the transition from high performance sport to a professional career. Her work highlights the challenges athletes face when leaving elite competition and demonstrates how structured dual career pathways can support long-term wellbeing and success. Her case study, now part of the Academy’s bookshelf, offers a compelling model for federations seeking to strengthen athlete support systems.
Other notable UDJM projects include innovative governance and club modernisation initiatives from administrators across Europe, Asia, Africa, Pan America and Oceania. Each project illustrates how graduates apply management principles to create measurable impact in their respective environments.
These initiatives reflect the true strength of the UDJM: empowering judo leaders to implement meaningful improvements immediately within their own organisations.
As Dr Arthur explains, the course is designed so that students can combine their existing skills and experience with new knowledge to achieve genuine management effectiveness and sustainable administrative change. His continued involvement ensures academic rigour, global relevance and a learning experience shaped by more than three decades of sport management expertise.
The UDJM curriculum, detailed in the student handbook and on the IJF Academy platform, covers the essential pillars of modern sport administration. These include strategic planning, communication, event management, safeguarding and leadership.
If you are ready to strengthen your management capacity and contribute to the future of judo, the next UDJM cohort is now being accepted. Join a growing community of leaders shaping our sport with knowledge, vision and purpose.
Applications through national judo federations close at the end of February. Apply now!