Olympic and world champion Tina Trstenjak, one of the expert instructors, expressed her joy in taking part, “I was delighted to be here, especially for this historic all-female session, which was also led by female experts. I am truly impressed by the participants’ knowledge and how quickly they are developing.” Her fellow instructors brought their vast experience as Olympic and world champions, guiding participants through technical practice and discussions around leadership and confidence.
Participant Svenja Rahn Sørensen from Norway shared her enthusiasm, “It was fantastic! It was so wonderful to join the women-only class and have the opportunity to be taught by women. There were a o many amazing stories. I hope they will do it again so others can have the same opportunity.”
Sabrina Filzmoser, serial world and continental medallist, added heartfelt reflections on the power of connection, “We had athletes, coaches, experts, wives, mothers and most importantly, humans, from all over the world, with different cultures and backgrounds, coming together for this unique first women’s session. From the very first day, we were equals, speaking one common language: judo.
Our supporters and experts understood how challenging it was for each of us to be here and that’s what made it so special. I hope there will be another session like this, so more women can share their experiences, cultures and strong mindsets with the world.”
Among the participants, Swedish Judo Federation President and Vice-President of the European Judo Union Kristiina Pekkola led by example, training and engaging in open dialogue with her peers.
The mornings were dedicated to technical instruction, while the afternoons focused on leadership and reflection. Loredana Lascau, WISH programme manager, introduced methodologies that support women’s progression in sport, and Professor Sanda Čorak, chair of the IJF Gender Equality Commission, discussed leadership styles and the skills that are essential for success.
The participants explored their personal ‘superpowers,’ qualities forged through judo, and shared how they overcome barriers such as a lack of self-confidence, limited educational access and socio-cultural obstacles. The energy in the dojo turned these challenges into shared strength. As one instructor summarised, “We came here to empower women but they ended up empowering us, reminding us why we do what we do.”
Behind this groundbreaking initiative stands IJF Academy Director Envic Galea, who expressed great pride seeing the project come to life, “The aim is not simply to hold a course for women but to help them advance by recognising their abilities. We want them to feel confident as capable coaches, regardless of gender. We will certainly aim to hold similar initiatives more often.”
FIJLKAM President Giovanni Morsiani welcomed the event and reaffirmed the strategic role of the Italian facility in international judo, “The IJF regards our Ostia Olympic Centre as a key reference hub. We hope this facility will become a permanent fixture in the IJF calendar. The Italian federation is dedicating this structure to international judo, offering our complete collaboration.”
The activity at the Pellicone Centre continues with a second IJF Academy course, open to both men and women, running from 27th October to 2nd November, with 43 participants including Italian Olympians Alessandra Giungi and Giovanna Tortora.
This first women’s IJF Academy session marked a turning point, not only for those who attended but for the wider judo community. It demonstrated that when opportunity, mentorship and belief align, growth follows naturally. Two goals emerged clearly from the week: to enhance women’s skills and competencies within judo and to build confidence so that more women apply for leadership positions and continue shaping the sport’s future.
In Rome, the tatami became more than a training ground, it became a platform for transformation. The women who gathered there left with new techniques, of course, but with renewed belief in themselves too, and in each other. Judo, once again, proved to be more than a sport; it is a way of life, a philosophy that builds respect, resilience and the quiet strength needed to create a more inclusive and inspired world.
Photos © Emanuele Di Feliciantonio, Florin Daniel Lascau and Slaviša Bradić