Promoted by the government of Mexico and the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), this historic initiative relied on the technical leadership of the Mexican Judo Federation (FMJ). Together, they showed that judo is far more than a sport; it is a discipline that builds confidence, resilience and practical skills for everyday life.
The choice of judo as the technical foundation of this national class was deliberate. One of the key objectives of the initiative was to promote self-care and a culture of prevention through practical and effective techniques. Judo, which translates as ‘the gentle way,’ is naturally suited to self-defence. Its philosophy and biomechanics are based on using an opponent’s strength, weight and momentum against them. This approach allows a woman, regardless of her size or physical build, to neutralise an attacker through precise throwing, control and immobilisation techniques rather than brute force.
To ensure a safe programme of learning, each state appointed experienced coaches certified by the FMJ. Their role extended beyond technical instruction; they helped participants develop confidence, awareness and the mental strength necessary to face challenging situations.
In an unprecedented nationwide effort, the principles of judo and physical activation were brought to life simultaneously in 102 venues across the 32 states of the Mexican Republic. The mobilisation was remarkable!
- Mass participation: more than 52,600 women stepped onto tatami and training areas throughout the country.
- True inclusion: girls, young women, adults and senior participants took part, proving that learning self-defence through judo is accessible to all.
The event reached a powerful moment of inspiration with the presence of Paralympic champion Lenia Ruvalcaba, one of the most accomplished judoka in Mexican history. A gold medallist at Rio 2016 and bronze medallist at Beijing 2008 and Tokyo in 2021, she embodies the spirit of an ‘Unstoppable Woman’ perfectly.
Her participation brought an extraordinary dimension to the event. Lenia demonstrated that determination, technique and discipline can overcome any barrier. By sharing her experience in high-performance judo, she inspired thousands of women to see this martial art as a pathway to confidence, independence and personal growth.
The National Self-Defence Class, ‘Unstoppable Women,’ marked a powerful conclusion to a weekend dedicated to recognising the historic struggle for gender equality. With judo at its heart, Mexico showed that sport can be a catalyst for empowerment, solidarity and the exercising of all women’s rights, helping to build a safer and more inclusive society for all.