JFPSA Unveils Its First Quarterly Bulletin
The Judo for Peace South Africa (JFPSA) programme continues to gain momentum, opening more doors for youth to experience the mental and physical enrichment judo offers. Established several years ago and backed by the International Judo Federation (IJF) in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), JFPSA has grown into a beacon of change and resilience. Under the guidance of Roberto Orlando, an IJF Academy graduate, the programme was recently recognised at the 2025 Paris Grand Slam, earning the accolade for ‘Best Judo for Peace Programme’ at the prestigious IJF Awards ceremony.
At its heart, the initiative is about far more than sport. Its aim is to use judo as a vehicle for positive social transformation—building bridges between communities, empowering youth and women, and providing a sense of belonging and protection for both refugees and local children. Headquartered in Johannesburg, JFPSA currently runs a network of six clubs and twelve school-based programmes, with its influence expanding steadily through new branches in Cape Town and Durban. These efforts are made possible through a wide range of committed partners, including Nike, the Italtile Foundation, the Three2six project, the Gauteng Department of Education, and Judo South Africa.
Following a vibrant and productive year in 2024 and a strong start to 2025, JFPSA has taken a new step in communication and outreach: the launch of a quarterly newsletter. This new bulletin will serve as a regular update on the programme’s activities, milestones, and aspirations, helping the broader judo and humanitarian communities stay informed and connected.
Early 2025 saw key visits from international representatives—Nicolas Messner from the Judo for Peace Commission and Leandra Freitas from the Judo for Children Commission. Their time in South Africa was spent engaging in a series of collaborative sessions across Johannesburg and Cape Town, aimed at reviewing the current progress and setting future goals. Among the standout moments was a powerful session led by Leandra Freitas focused on women’s empowerment, sparking dialogue around the role of women in society and within judo.
Every facet of the programme is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, whose vision of personal and societal development continues to guide JFPSA’s mission. The moral code of judo—emphasising values such as courage, sincerity, respect, and friendship—is not only taught on the tatami but woven into the daily lives of the participants. It is this code that shapes the young judoka into more than athletes; it molds them into thoughtful, respectful, and resilient individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
With the quarterly bulletin now in place, JFPSA takes another step forward in visibility, engagement, and impact—sharing its message of peace, strength, and solidarity with an ever-growing community.
