The SAFE COMBAT project team gathered in North Macedonia’s capital on 12–13 January for a pivotal transnational project meeting (TPM3), marking a significant step forward in promoting safe and inclusive environments across combat sports and martial arts in Europe. Skopje, which has been at the forefront of sports hosting in 2025, began 2026 in style by welcoming 12 participants from six partner organisations, alongside three online participants. The European Judo Union was represented by Veronika Jakl and Alla Hösl.
SAFE COMBAT is a groundbreaking Erasmus+ initiative dedicated to addressing persistent challenges in combat sports, including harassment, abuse and discrimination. Whilst these disciplines enhance physical and mental wellbeing, they also face unique demands that require targeted safeguarding practices.
The project upholds the core values of respect, discipline and resilience through three key pillars: safe training environments, inclusive policies, awareness and education for all stakeholders. The two-day meeting at Netaville Coworking focused on advancing Work Package 3 (WP3), with particular emphasis on:
Safeguarding Code Presentation
Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (TMU) presented the comprehensive safeguarding code designed specifically for combat sports. The code will now be translated into six languages to ensure accessibility across all partner nations.
Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Structure
Partners engaged in productive discussions regarding the structure and content of the online safeguarding course. The brainstorming session generated valuable input from all participants, who demonstrated exceptional proactivity and collaborative spirit.
“The exchange of opinions was incredibly productive,” noted Hösl. “Every partner brought unique insights that will strengthen the final course content.”
The meeting also addressed all remaining project activities, including the development of a certification system for clubs, promotion strategies for project outcomes and planning for the final conference.
With the foundation now firmly in place, the SAFE COMBAT team will focus on:
- Translation: The safeguarding code will be made available in six languages
- Content Creation: Development of comprehensive online course materials
- Certification Development: Establishing a club certification system (WP4)
- Dissemination: Enhancing project visibility across Europe (WP5)
The next project meeting will take place in Gijón, Spain, in May 2026, where partners will officially release the online safeguarding course.
About SAFE COMBAT
The SAFE COMBAT consortium brings together leading organisations in combat sports:
- European Judo Union (EJU)
- WAKO Europe (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations)
- Sport Evolution Alliance (SEA) – Portugal
- Thomas More University of Applied Sciences (TMU) – Belgium
- The Sport Committee Unlimited (SIH) – United Kingdom
- North Macedonia Karate Federation (KFRSM)
As SAFE COMBAT progresses towards its conclusion, the project continues to demonstrate that creating safer environments in combat sports requires collaboration, commitment and continuous education. By providing accessible tools, training and certification systems, the initiative aims to ensure that respect, discipline and resilience remain at the heart of combat sports across Europe.
SAFE COMBAT is more than a project, it is a mission to ensure that the values which define combat sports are upheld through safe training environments, inclusive policies and comprehensive education for all stakeholders.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Author: EJU Media