During the 2025 Senior European Judo Championships, something truly special unfolded off the competition mats. The EJU hosted a vibrant kids camp that brought together young judoka from across the continent, a joyful celebration of judo’s spirit, where education, inspiration and tradition came alive through the energy of hundreds of children, elite athletes and passionate coaches.
The camp wasn’t just another event on the schedule, it was a living, breathing expression of what judo is all about. Nuno Delgado and Gévrise Émane, two Olympic bronze medallists and leading voices in the EJU’s educational mission, opened up about the emotional impact and long-term significance of the gathering.
Nuno Delgado: “This was more than an event, it was a movement.”
For Nuno Delgado, every moment on the tatami was infused with meaning. His words carried the weight of someone who sees judo not just as a sport but as a force for good.
“Every time we stepped onto the tatami with the children, we were building something much bigger than just skills,” he reflected. “In Montenegro, surrounded by 20 nations, we saw judo become a celebration of unity and inspiration. From just 300 kids, we could inspire 30,000 more because they took these magical moments home with them. They shared them with their families, friends, and communities. That’s the real spirit of judo: a family growing stronger across borders.”
Delgado didn’t speak in numbers or statistics, he spoke in feelings. In the pride of children cheering for their heroes. In the joy of champions giving their all for the next generation. For him, this camp was a symbol of what judo can create when the focus is on people, not medals.
“In a country celebrating 50 years of judo, with a small but passionate community, we brought together the dreams of children and the excellence of our sport’s top athletes,” he said. “That’s what judo is about: respect, inspiration, and building the next generation with heart.”
What made it even more powerful, he noted, was the sincerity of the experience, “This wasn’t about photo ops or promotions, it was about real connection. We shared kata, nage-komi, yaku-soku-geiko, randori. We sweated side by side. These moments created belonging, joy, and dreams no social media campaign could replicate. It was passion meeting purpose and that’s what will carry our sport into the future.”
Looking ahead, Delgado didn’t hide his ambitions. He believes this is only the beginning. “Our goal is to see these camps spread across Europe,” he said. “To build something children and families recognise. Something they can trust and feel proud to be part of. We want to connect communities, grow judo sustainably, and remind the world that judo is more than sport, it’s a way of life.”
Gévrise Émane: “Judo builds identity, friendship and resilience.”
For Gévrise Émane, the event felt deeply personal. Watching hundreds of children come together, laugh, train, and grow through judo touched something in her heart.
“Seeing all these young children smiling, making new friends and discovering judo together was simply amazing,” she shared. “Judo is so much more than techniques, it’s connection. It’s learning to trust, to respect and to believe in yourself. When children feel that early in life, it stays with them. That’s the real gift of judo.”
Her dream is to make this kids camp a lasting tradition, one that grows bigger and richer each year: “As Education Director, I would love to see this happen annually, perhaps even on several occasions throughout the year, with more clubs, more children, and more cultural exchange,” she said. “When children travel to a new country through judo, they don’t just compete, they learn. They see the world from new perspectives, and it opens their minds in beautiful ways.”
Émane also spoke with deep conviction about judo’s role in personal development, “Without education, we are nothing,” she said. “Judo teaches you how to fall, yes, but more importantly, it teaches you how to rise. It teaches children about perseverance, humility, and self-awareness. That’s why I have committed myself to judo’s educational side. Helping young people grow into who they’re meant to be, that is a legacy worth working for.”
She ended with a reflection on the power of presence and of example: “When I saw their eyes light up while meeting their heroes, it reminded me how essential role models are. In today’s fast, digital world, kids need more than screens. They need real people showing real values. Athletes who inspire not just by winning but by how they carry themselves. Kids don’t just watch us, they feel who we are. And through that connection, they become stronger, more resilient, and one day, they will give back too.”
Are you interested in hosting the next EJU Kids Camp or enhancing your existing camp with the support of the European Judo Union? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
Author: Szandra Szogedi