The Erasmus+ SAFE COMBAT project, in which the European Judo Union plays a leading role as coordinator, continues to make significant progress in promoting safer, more ethical and inclusive environments across Combat Sports and Martial Arts (CS&MA).
Ahead of the upcoming implementation partners meeting, set to take place in Gijón on 20–21 May, the consortium has already achieved several important milestones, reinforcing the project’s commitment to safeguarding and education throughout the sporting community.
One of the key achievements to date is the release of the extensive SAFE COMBAT Research Report, providing a strong evidence-based foundation for improving safeguarding standards and encouraging safer practices within Combat Sports and Martial Arts across Europe.
In parallel, the SAFE COMBAT Safeguarding Code: Definitions & References has also been published. This important project output has been specifically designed to support clubs, coaches, athletes and organisations in creating more respectful, accountable and secure sporting environments.
To further assist clubs and federations in raising awareness, the consortium has developed a practical SAFE COMBAT Safeguarding Poster, available in seven different languages, ensuring accessibility and relevance for organisations throughout Europe.
Work is also progressing on the project’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which will be presented during the meeting in Gijón before its official launch at the end of May. The course will provide clubs and technical staff involved in Combat Sports and Martial Arts with valuable educational resources focused on safeguarding policies, as well as practical approaches to preventing and addressing violence, abuse and discrimination at all levels of intervention, from micro to macro environments.
At the same time, consortium partners are developing a dedicated safeguarding certification system for CS&MA clubs. The certification criteria have already been established, and clubs meeting the required standards will receive official certification, recognising their commitment to safeguarding and athlete welfare.
Throughout the summer period, four project partners, the European Judo Union, World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, KFRSM and SEA, will organise multiplier sporting events aimed at further promoting the SAFE COMBAT project and, in particular, the newly developed certification system.
Preparations are also underway for the project’s final conference, which will conclude the initiative and present its overall findings and outcomes. The conference will be held in Portimão during the Veteran European Judo Championships in October.
As project coordinator, the European Judo Union continues to actively promote SAFE COMBAT and its outcomes throughout major EJU events, while also strengthening awareness through its established safeguarding network across Europe.
For more information, please visit the official project website: safecombat.eu
Author: EJU Media