GGJ – About – Guardian Girls International

Guardian Girls Judo is a global initiative of Guardian Girls International (GGI) that empowers women and girls through Judo-based self-protection training and gender-equality education. Implemented with national and regional Judo federations, the project transforms dojos into safe, inclusive spaces where women build confidence, resilience, and practical skills to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. By combining Judo’s values of respect, balance, and mutual welfare with certified instruction and community engagement, Guardian Girls Judo strengthens national efforts to advance gender equality while expanding opportunities for women’s participation and leadership in Judo.

Empower Women and Girls Through Judo-Based Self-Protection
Provide accessible training that equips women and girls with practical techniques, awareness skills, and confidence to prevent and respond to violence.
Promote Gender Equality and Safety Through Sport
Use Judo’s values of respect, discipline, and mutual welfare to foster communities that challenge gender-based violence and support women’s rights.
Strengthen National Judo Federations’ Role in Social Impact
Engage federations and certified instructors in delivering high-quality, women-focused programs aligned with GGI’s global standards and national priorities.
Increase Women’s Participation and Leadership in Judo
Expand opportunities for women as athletes, coaches, officials, and community leaders within the sport ecosystem.
Support Government and Community Efforts to Prevent GBV
Collaborate with ministries of sports, women’s agencies, NGOs, and schools to integrate Judo-based empowerment into national prevention strategies.
Build Safe and Inclusive Training Environments
Equip dojos and partner institutions to serve as safe spaces where women and girls can learn, heal, and develop resilience.

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Rooted in the ancient traditions of jujutsu, Judo emphasizes using technique, balance, and leverage rather than brute strength. Its core philosophy is based on two principles:

Seiryoku-Zenyo — “Maximum efficiency with minimum effort”
Jita-Kyoei — “Mutual welfare and benefit”

Judo practitioners, called judoka, learn throws, pins, joint locks, and grappling techniques designed to subdue an opponent safely and efficiently. It is practiced worldwide as a competitive sport, a discipline for character development, and a tool for physical fitness, mental resilience, and self-defense.

Beyond technique, Judo promotes respect, humility, discipline, and non-violence—making it one of the most widely respected martial arts and a powerful platform for youth development and gender equality initiatives such as Guardian Girls Judo.