The official opening of the programme was honoured by the attendance of Hon. Dr Byron Camilleri, Malta's Minister for Education and Sport, whose presence reflected the country's continued commitment to education through sport. During his visit, the Minister met with Dr Lisa Allan, Secretary General of the International Judo Federation, together with representatives of the IJF Academy Foundation, to discuss the continued development of the Academy and its educational activities in Malta. The meeting marked the beginning of a constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening future co-operation between the relevant institutions. Addressing participants, the Minister welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the important role that structured sport-based educational programmes play in personal development, community engagement and lifelong learning.
The attendance of Dr Lisa Allan reaffirmed the IJF's strong commitment to educational excellence. Dr Allan highlighted the importance of the Judo for Self-Defence Instructor Programme as an innovative initiative that extends judo's educational mission beyond the tatami, equipping participants with practical self-defence skills while promoting confidence, discipline, respect and personal development.
Welcoming the participants, Envic Galea, Chair of the IJF Academy Foundation and President of the Malta Judo Federation, underlined Malta's growing role in the international judo community's educational activities and reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to developing innovative programmes that respond to the evolving needs of both society and the sport.
The Judo for Self-Defence Instructor Programme was developed by Dr Slavisa Bradic, Sports Director of the IJF Academy Foundation, as part of the foundation's commitment to expanding educational opportunities within judo and making the values and principles of judo accessible to an even wider audience through structured self-defence education.
The practical component of the course was delivered by an exceptional international faculty led by Florin Daniel Lascau, President of the IJF Academy Foundation and world champion, alongside Daniela Krukower, world and Pan American champion, and Tina Trstenjak, Olympic, world and European champion. Their combined expertise ensured that participants benefited from instruction of the highest international standard.
The pilot programme attracted 26 participants from 15 countries across five continents, demonstrating the global appeal of the initiative. Participants represented Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, China, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Syrian Arab Republic and the United States of America. This diversity created a rich learning environment, encouraging the exchange of experiences, cultural perspectives and best practice in self-defence instruction.
The programme proved to be an outstanding success, with all participants passing the final assessment. Throughout the practical sessions they demonstrated exceptional engagement, enthusiasm and commitment. Feedback received during the course reflected strong support for both the content and its practical relevance for coaches, instructors and educators working within their own communities.
As this was the pilot edition, participants have also been invited to provide detailed feedback on their learning experience. Their observations will help shape future editions of the programme as the IJF Academy Foundation continues to refine and expand this important new educational initiative.
The practical session in Malta marked another significant milestone for the IJF Academy Foundation, becoming its 147th practical session since 2013 and further illustrating the continued growth and international reach of its educational activities.
Registered in Malta, the IJF Academy Foundation is a recognised higher education institution, licensed and regulated by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). It delivers accredited academic and professional education programmes to the worldwide judo community. Since its establishment, more than 4,000 students from 170 countries across five continents have graduated from its programmes, making it one of the most internationally diverse educational initiatives in world sport.
The successful completion of this pilot programme represents another important step in the continued evolution of the IJF Academy Foundation's educational offer. By combining the technical principles and values of judo with practical self-defence education, the programme opens new opportunities for instructors around the world while reinforcing the Academy's commitment to innovation, academic excellence and lifelong learning.
