Between 12-13 December, the International Conference on Safe Falling for the Elderly Through Judo took place at Tokai University, Japan, for the second time. The event brought together judo scientists and trainers from 18 countries and 14 universities to share insights and advancements in this vital area.
With outstanding organisation, the conference featured a blend of theoretical and practical sessions, facilitating an exchange of experiences among the participants. The focus on teaching safe falling techniques highlights one of judo’s significant contributions to society, addressing the global issue of injuries and fatalities caused by falls, which remain a leading concern worldwide.
Representatives from the European Judo Union, including Head Kata Commissioners, Dr. Slavisa BRADIC and Ms Monica PIREDDA, played a key role. They demonstrated training methods for the elderly, adapting judo kata content to meet the needs of this demographic during the practical sessions. Dr. Bradic also delivered a theoretical lecture, emphasising the positive impacts and extensive potential of judo kata, particularly through the “Kata for All” project.
Additionally, member of the EJU Educational Commission and Safe Fall Project leader, Mr Oscar DEL CASTILLO, shared his compelling experiences with methodological exercises during the practical sessions, enriching the discussions with his innovative approaches. This conference once again underscored the importance of leveraging judo as a tool for promoting safety and well-being among the populations, fostering international collaboration to enhance training methods and expand the reach of this invaluable initiative.
Author: Szandra Szogedi