To lead this highly anticipated seminar, Larisa Kiss, Director for the Olympic Games and Olympic Movement for Judo, was joined by Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, a leadership and communication trainer, professional certified coach and founder of Women Lead Sports, as well as Hedvig Karakas (HUN), three-time Olympian, world medallist and European champion, and Denisa Deliu, multiple-time national champion for Romania in judo and kickboxing, and assistant to the IJF President.
The purpose of the seminar was to train women in the fundamentals of judo in a safe environment, by teaching them breakfalls, throwing techniques and defensive skills. The experience was rich in interaction, enthusiasm and empowerment. The activities took place on 1st and 2nd June at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh and featured 32 young women, non-judoka, who had the pleasure of discovering judo and its values.
Each day consisted in two activities: the first part was an empowerment masterclass, where students received precious information. The themes were: 'Foundation and Self-Awareness', 'Leadership Fundamentals', 'Team Dynamics', 'Communication Styles & Self-Leadership Tools' and 'Key Skills for Self-Confidence & Communication'. During the afternoon session on the tatami, the participants could learn more about self-defence judo and discover the ukemi (break-falls) and how to protect yourself from possible attacks.
During her opening remarks, Larisa Kiss said, "It is a true honour to be with you today for the launch of the IJF Strong Girls Judo initiative here in Saudi Arabia. When I started my career in sport, this was a male-dominated field and I consider myself privileged to have witnessed the general perception change as is continuing to happen now.
I have also had the privilege of working closely with a strong and visionary man, IJF President Mr Marius Vizer, who has always believed in merit, in fairness and in the strength of women. His leadership has shown me and many others that gender equality is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.
I can say that our federation has made significant steps towards creating more opportunities for women, both on and off the tatami. One of our latest initiatives is the Strong Girls Judo programme that is about empowerment, self-confidence, resilience and the knowledge that strength comes in many forms. Strong Girls Judo is not only for those who dream of becoming champions but also for girls and women who wish to grow, to protect themselves and to feel stronger in everyday life.
I am honoured to be an alumnus of Women Lead Sports, a powerful platform led by the incredible Gabriela Mueller, whose programme has deeply inspired me. Through that experience, I learned that real leadership begins with self-awareness and courage and I see that same potential in everyone of you here today."
Larisa Kiss also expressed her appreciation to the Saudi Judo Federation and its president, Dr Abdulaziz Al-Bassam, for their support and vision, while emphasising the role of the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, which represents a shining example of progress and leadership in the Kingdom. "My heartfelt thanks go to Ms Reem Al-Qaidi, National Teams Director and Deputy Director of Sports Affairs, whose co-operation made this special event possible," she added.
Over recent years, Saudi Arabia has been witnessing a remarkable transformation, through the energy of its youth, especially the young women of this generation, who are full of purpose and possibility.
During the two-day seminar, participants were guided by Hedvig Karakas and Denisa Deliu, who introduced the audience to judo through a self-defence approach that was practical, effective and meaningful, an approach that is especially valuable for those who may not choose competitive sport, but who still seek the confidence and physical awareness that judo can provide.
The activities were led with deep respect for local culture, traditions and values, focusing the contribution on how the students can contribute to shaping the future of gender equality in their society.
There is no doubt that the experience was meaningful, joyful and transformative. All the participants could take something valuable away, to underline a deeper sense of their own strength and potential.
What is Strong Girls Judo?
With Strong Girls Judo, participants embark on a transformative journey where they learn not only judo techniques but also valuable life skills. Through structured training sessions, girls develop physical strength, co-ordination and flexibility, enhancing their overall fitness and self-defence capabilities.
Beyond the physical aspect, Strong Girls Judo focuses on building mental resilience and empowerment. Participants learn to overcome challenges, fostering increased self-confidence and self-esteem. By mastering judo techniques, they gain the tools to navigate potential threats with composure and confidence.
