GGA About Project – Guardian Girls International

Aikido, born in the 1920s through the vision of Morihei Ueshiba (1883~1969), a master who attained the pinnacle of proficiency in classical Japanese Martial Arts, stands as a unique Japanese martial art. It diverges from conventional approaches by emphasizing harmonizing with the attacker's movements and redirecting their force, as opposed to confronting it directly.Distinguished by its non-competitive nature, Aikido transcends the pursuit of flawless techniques. Instead, its training philosophy revolves around enhancing one's character in alignment with the principles of nature. In this martial art, the goal extends beyond mastering specific steps; it's about personal growth and embodying the inherent wisdom of the natural order. Aikido training serves the dual purpose of nurturing both physical and mental well-being, catering to individuals of varying skill levels through repetitive practice. Accessible to anyone, the practice not only contributes to overall health but also fosters a natural boost in self-confidence for everyday life.

In February 2024, the Guardian Girls Aikido (GGA) project was launched nationally in Colombia through a collaboration between KIF Colombia, the Embassy of Japan, and UNFPA Colombia. Since then, GGA has expanded to Japan, Peru, and Türkiye, working with embassies, UN agencies, and local Aikido organizations to empower and educate hundreds of women. Through seminars and community programs, GGA continues to advance gender equality and equip women with practical skills and confidence to prevent and respond to violence.

How We Deliver
The implementation of the GGA project is based on GGI’s commitment to remaining neutral and inclusive toward all Aikido styles and organizations that share our mission and objectives worldwide. In each country, we require an Aikido organization to register as an Authorized National Implementing Organization (ANIO), becoming an Affiliate Member Organization of GGI’s National Committee (e.g., Guardian Girls Colombia, Guardian Girls Japan, Guardian Girls Kenya). This structure ensures that the project is promoted and coordinated inclusively, transparently, and sustainably at the national level while fostering collaboration across diverse Aikido communities.

Empower Women and Girls:
Equip women and girls with practical Aikido-based self-protection skills, awareness, and confidence to help prevent and respond to violence in their daily lives.

Promote Gender Equality Through Aikido:
Partner with diverse Aikido organizations globally to create inclusive environments that increase women’s participation, visibility, and leadership in martial arts and community safety initiatives.

Develop Female Leadership:
Identify, train, and certify female Aikido instructors as Certified GGA Instructors, enabling them to serve as role models, educators, and advocates for empowerment and non-violence in their communities.

Strengthen National Implementation:
Establish Authorized National Implementing Organizations (ANIOs) as GGI’s Affiliate Member Organizations in each country to coordinate GGA activities in an inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative manner.

Foster Regional and Global Collaboration:
Work with governments, embassies, UN agencies, NGOs, and Aikido federations to scale up impact through seminars, academies, awareness campaigns, and cross-border initiatives.

Raise Public Awareness:
Highlight the role of Aikido as a tool for peace, safety, and gender equality, aligning the GGA project with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) and the International Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality Objectives.