The International Jiu-Jitsu Federation –JJIF- and Guardian Girls International –GGI- formalized their cooperation during the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Championship held in Bangkok (Thailand). The agreement establishes a joint framework aimed at promoting safety, confidence and empowerment for women and girls through the practice of jiu-jitsu, with the participation of institutional representatives, athletes and invited delegations.
The initiative prioritizes the creation of safe training environments for female athletes, supported by educational and self-defense programs designed to build personal resilience and autonomy. The cooperation aims to integrate activities into international events and community-based projects linked to clubs and national federations.
Guardian Girls: martial arts to prevent gender-based violence
Guardian Girls International emerged as a program developed by the Shin Koyamada Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Its goal is to contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence by strengthening self-confidence, bodily autonomy and emotional resilience. The approach combines technical martial arts instruction with awareness and community engagement initiatives.
The program has previously cooperated with the World Karate Federation, the International Judo Federation and the International Aikido Federation, developing educational workshops, ambassador-led training sessions and community outreach activities across different regions. These experiences have shaped a model that integrates sport, social development and the active participation of athletes.
The role of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation
Jiu-jitsu incorporates techniques of close-control, efficient movement and safe management of physical contact, which can support self-defense and enhance the perception of personal safety for women and girls. Its methodology reinforces the ability to recognize risk situations, regulate distance and express confidence in physical and social interactions.
Based on the implementation experiences of previous Guardian Girls partnerships with other federations, training sessions are expected to be aligned with international competitions, training camps and coordinated activities between JJIF, GGI and UNFPA. The involvement of female coaches and role-model athletes will help promote values such as mutual respect, leadership and solidarity.
Institutional leadership and international dimension
The signing ceremony was attended by Shin Koyamada, Chair of the Board of Guardian Girls International; Takayuki Nakano, Ryoji Baba and Hiroyuki Oishi, representing GGI Southeast Asia; as well as OTAKE Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, and representatives of the UNFPA Thailand office. The participation of athletes and technical staff highlighted both the sporting and educational dimensions of the agreement.
The cooperation will support the implementation of the program across national federations and associated networks, with the objective of expanding its educational reach and promoting safe environments for the practice of jiu-jitsu in different regions worldwide.
