Blending sport, environmental education and social inclusion, the event reaffirmed the organisations’ shared commitment to judo’s core values and to the crucial role young people can play in protecting the planet.
The day began with a dynamic outdoor judo class led by Olympic medallist and IJF Climate Ambassador Flávio Canto, supported by judoka from Instituto Reação, Umbra Vasco da Gama, and Associação Nagai. Following the training session, the children joined a beach clean-up supervised by Rio’s Urban Cleaning Company (Comlurb), transforming the shoreline into a classroom for environmental responsibility.
“Today was deeply symbolic for us,” reflected Kenji Saito, CBJ General Director. “We stepped outside our training centres to speak about sustainability at a pivotal moment. COP30 is taking place in Belém, where countries are discussing the importance of collective action for a more sustainable world. Through our partnership with the IJF, FJERJ, and Rio’s social projects, we hope to show children how essential sustainable thinking is and how responsible we all are for our surroundings.”
Flávio Canto highlighted the harmony between judo’s philosophy and environmental care, “When we speak of judo, we speak of jita-kyoei: mutual benefit and prosperity. It teaches us to look beyond ourselves. Our duty is not only to improve life on the tatami, but beyond it. The planet needs every one of us and judo’s principles fit naturally into that mission.”
The initiative coincided with the 30th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the world’s leading forum for climate negotiations, taking place this year in Belém do Pará. Drawing inspiration from the global movement, the CBJ and IJF sought to bring sustainability to the forefront of young judoka’s minds, connecting respect, responsibility and environmental stewardship.
“What matters most is environmental awareness and education,” said Alexandre Oliveira from Comlurb’s Selective Collection division. “It is essential that children grow up with sustainability in their hearts. This will benefit not only our generation but the next, who will continue to depend on the planet’s resources.”
Larisa Kiss, IJF Director for the Olympic Games and Olympic Movement for Judo, praised the collaboration, “I am delighted that the judo community could contribute to highlighting the urgent issue of climate change during COP30. Brazil is a wonderful country, rich in nature and in judo talent.
Working with the CBJ, even from a distance, we created an inspiring activity that reflects the values of our sport: friendship, mutual aid, wellbeing and respect for one another and for nature. A heartfelt thanks to all participants and especially to Flávio Canto, our tireless IJF Climate Ambassador, for leading the initiative and inspiring us all.”
Through judo, these young participants not only learned techniques and discipline, but also discovered their power to protect the environment. As COP30 draws near, Brazil’s judo community sends a clear message: sustainability begins with education, action and the belief that every small effort can help shape a healthier planet.
A new generation of eco-conscious judoka is stepping forward ready to defend both the tatami and the Earth.
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