Ju-Jitsu Int’l Federation Joins GGI for Global Launch
Bangkok, Thailand — Guardian Girls International (GGI), the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) proudly announced the global launch of the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ) project, in the presence of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand, and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand. The launch ceremony took place on November 4, 2025, during the Ju-Jitsu World Championships at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, marking a historic milestone in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through sport.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment among international and national partners to promote gender equality, end violence against women and girls, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.
With the launch in Thailand, the country becomes the second ASEAN member state to implement the GGJJ project—furthering its leadership in gender-responsive sports programs and reaffirming its dedication to creating safe, inclusive environments for women and girls. Thailand now joins 24 countries across five continents participating in Guardian Girls global programs designed to empower women and prevent gender-based violence through martial arts.
A Global Partnership for Empowerment and Safety
The launch ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International, and Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation and First Vice-President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS). The agreement formally establishes the global rollout of the GGJJ initiative under the joint leadership of GGI and JJIF.
Representatives from the Ju-Jitsu Association of Thailand (JJAT), GGI Southeast Asia, and rYojbaba Sports also delivered messages of strong support, reflecting a shared vision of using sports as a platform to empower women and protect human rights.
Voices of Partnership
“It is our great honor to partner with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation in launching the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu initiative worldwide,” said Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International. “Originating from Japan, Ju-Jitsu is now a global discipline that embodies respect, resilience, and self-control. Through GGJJ, we aim to advance gender equality, empower women and girls, and prevent gender-based violence across communities in Thailand and beyond.”
“JJIF is proud to collaborate with Guardian Girls International to ensure that the principles of equality, safety, and respect are deeply rooted in the Ju-Jitsu movement,” said Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation. “Under this partnership, Ju-Jitsu becomes more than a martial art—it becomes a global force for empowerment, offering women and girls the confidence, skills, and dignity to lead safer, stronger lives.”
“At UNFPA, we believe that true empowerment begins with safety, knowledge, Rights and Choices,” said Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of UNFPA Thailand. “The Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu initiative reflects these core values — using the principles of safe sport to build not only self-defense skills but also confidence, respect, and awareness of one’s rights. Through this partnership with GGI, JJIF, and our allies, UNFPA advances its mandate to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence, make informed choices about her body and future, and reach her full potential.”
About the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ) project
Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu is a flagship global project of GGI, implemented in exclusive partnership with the JJIF and its network of over 120 National Federations. The initiative uses Ju-Jitsu—a martial art that originated in Japan and evolved into a global sport—as a means to equip women and girls with practical self-defense skills, raise awareness of gender-based violence, and build confidence and leadership. Through certified female instructors and standardized training programs, GGJJ will organize seminars, academies, and community workshops worldwide, fostering safe spaces and promoting gender equality in and through sport. Official Site: https://guardiangirls.org/jujitsu
About Guardian Girls International (GGI)
Guardian Girls International (GGI) is a global non-governmental organization co-founded by Mr. Shin Koyamada, actor and producer (The Last Samurai), and Ms. Nia Lyte, women’s rights advocate and social entrepreneur. GGI advances gender equality and prevents violence against women and girls through sport-based empowerment, intercultural dialogue, education, and community engagement. The organization collaborates with international sports federations, United Nations agencies, governments, NGOs, and educational institutions around the world. Official Site: https://GuardianGirls.org
About the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)
The JJIF is the recognized world governing body for the sport and martial art of Ju-Jitsu, representing over 120 National Federations and millions of practitioners globally. JJIF promotes the values of respect, integrity, and inclusivity through international competitions, education, and development programs. It is committed to fostering equality, safety, and fair play across all levels of the sport. Official Site: https://jjif.sport
About UNFPA in Thailand
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. It works to uphold the rights and choices of populations of all ages and genders, especially vulnerable populations, including women, girls, persons with disabilities, and young people in over 150 countries. UNFPA works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Through a life-cycle approach, gender equality, and the 'leave no one behind' principle. For more information, please visit our website at https://thailand.unfpa.org
