Press Release : Guardian Girls Academy in Colombia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

"Guardian Girls Academy: Personal Security for Women"

Bogotá, August 12, 2025 -- The Guardian Girls Academy, "Personal Security for Women", is the result of strengthening bilateral sports relations between the Government of Japan and the Government of Colombia, with the goal of helping to address issues such as violence against women. This initiative seeks to prevent gender-based violence in the country through sport, promoting empowerment, self-defense, leadership, and safe participation, in coordination with international, institutional, and community stakeholders.

The Ministry of Sport of Colombia and Guardian Girls International (GGI) are joining forces to launch this seminar, which will use Japanese martial arts—the foundation of combat sports—as a tool for the prevention of gender-based violence. Over the past two years, GGI, affiliated with the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), has expanded its initiatives to more than 20 countries, partnering with governments, United Nations agencies, community leaders, and international sports organizations to advance the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls worldwide.

From the National Government, through the Ministry of Sport of Colombia, technical and diplomatic cooperation in the sports field is promoted, calling on combat sports federations to contribute their expertise to building a more educated, equal, and respectful society. This effort promotes values such as respect and solidarity, aligning with the Ministry’s purpose of contributing to well-being, quality of life, public health, education, culture, and social cohesion.

To make this seminar a reality, a call for applications will be opened for women over the age of 18 who are interested in learning tools to prevent gender-based violence, strengthen their skills and knowledge, increase their confidence to protect themselves, and contribute to building safer and stronger communities.

General Information:

• Open to women over 18 years of age.
• Will be held simultaneously in three cities: Cali, Bogotá, and Barranquilla, covering the disciplines of Judo, Jujitsu, and Aikido.
• The seminar is free of charge and in-person, with limited spots allocated in order of registration (Bogotá: 150; Barranquilla: 50; Cali: 50).
• Registration period: August 12–20, 2025.
• Classes begin: Friday, August 22, 2025, running for 8 consecutive weekends.

Important Notice:

• Women who are interested and of legal age must complete the registration process by filling out the form and signing the Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement. Only then will they be formally registered and able to attend the classes.

To register:

• Complete the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/821DfRX98t
• Please note that, at the location where the classes will be held, the Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement will be provided to you, which you must complete and sign.