The programme welcomed two iconic French champions: Cathy Fleury, Olympic and world champion and the first French woman to win Olympic gold in judo, and Gévrise Émane, three-time world champion, Olympic medallist and vice-president of France Judo. Their visit became a catalyst for inspiration, bringing world-class judo to young South African athletes in Soweto, Alexandria, Berea, Kagiso, Rosettenville and other Johannesburg communities.
Empowerment Through Example
Judo Without Borders was designed to promote cross-cultural dialogue, inclusion and empowerment through sport. The project offered hundreds of children and young athletes the chance to learn from legends, experience new techniques, and above all, discover the values that define judo: respect, friendship and courage.
Each visit to a local dojo told a story of resilience. Many of the children train with limited resources but limitless energy. In Berea, President of Judo South Africa Mr Temba Hlasho welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed judo’s unique role in building discipline, hope and unity within communities.
The high point came during a seminar at Lycée Français Jules Verne in Johannesburg, attended by Aurore Bergé, French Minister of Equality, alongside Samuel Ducroquet, Consul of France, and Gévrise Émane. Refugee-background coaches from JFPSA led a vibrant training session with Cathy Fleury, blending technical mastery and social purpose. The event embodied judo’s dual mission perfectly: developing skill while strengthening humanity.
Women Leading the Way
Female leadership and empowerment were central to the project. The presence of Cathy Fleury and Gévrise Émane brought a strong message of equality, inspiring the young women and girls they met. At the Nike Shapa Centre in Soweto, a women-only self-defence workshop gathered more than 35 participants, creating a space where empowerment met movement. The sight of world champions guiding local women through judo fundamentals symbolised what sport can achieve; confidence, safety and dignity.
The message continued at the World Judo Day celebrations in Berea, held under the global theme of peace. Here, young judoka from different townships trained side by side, proving that on the tatami language and background dissolve into shared respect and joy.
A Foundation for the Future
Over 500 young people took part in various sessions; the initiative laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership between France Judo and Judo for Peace South Africa. Plans are already in motion for reciprocal exchanges. Future projects will also include a cadet-level video kata competition, designed to reach even the most remote communities, spreading access to judo education and competition.
Sport as a Language of Peace
By the end of the ten days, it was clear that Judo Without Borders had become much more than a sports programme. It was a movement, one that showed how shared practice and mutual respect can dissolve barriers of culture, class and origin.
“This project has shown that when we share our knowledge and our hearts, barriers disappear,” said Roberto Orlando, co-director and coach of JFPSA. “Every handshake, every smile, every throw was a message of peace”, before adding, "Through partnerships like this, Judo for Peace South Africa continues to transform lives, proving that the true victory in sport is not medals or titles, but the connections it forges."
As JFPSA looks ahead, the mission is clear: to make Judo Without Borders an annual exchange that nurtures both body and spirit, because, in the words of Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, “The ultimate aim of judo is to perfect oneself and contribute to society.”
In that spirit, Judo Without Borders 2025 stands as a living reminder that ‘stronger together’ is more than a motto, it is the way forward.