The European Judo Union once again had the honour of participating in Japan at the 3rd International Conference on Safe Falling for Older People through Judo, an event which this year expanded to three full days and featured 45 presentations, delivered both in lecture halls and on the tatami.
The conference brought together specialists from 14 countries across three continents, united by a shared objective: to improve the health, autonomy and quality of life of older adults through the teaching of safe falling techniques based on judo principles.
Representing the HUM-1902 Research Group, researchers Óscar del Castillo, María del Carmen Campos and Marta Ortiz presented their work on Adapted Utilitarian Judo, an approach designed to provide practical and safe tools that help older adults learn how to fall protectively, while promoting more active, autonomous and functional ageing.
Reflecting on the experience, Óscar del Castillo, EJU Safe Fall Project leader said:
“Returning to Japan, sharing knowledge and learning from so many international specialists has been deeply enriching and inspiring. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Royal Spanish Judo Federation, the Andalusian Judo and D.A. Federation, and the University of Seville for their invaluable institutional support, which is essential for continuing to advance this line of work. Let us keep working to ensure that judo remains a useful, humane and transformative tool for those who need it most, judo is more than a sport, it is judo for society.”
Author: EJU Media