The Ju-Jitsu International Federation has approved changes to the composition of its Board with the appointment of Italian Sara Paganini as a new member of the executive body. The decision comes after Christian Horvath, representative of the social responsibility project ‘Ju-Jitsu 4 Good’, withdrew his candidacy for one of the voting positions within the Board.
The JJIF governance system provides for three additional members to be appointed by the elected Board to complete the executive structure in specific areas of expertise, competencies and criteria related to gender balance and the representation of different communities within the international Ju-Jitsu movement.
JJIF strengthens female representation
JJIF President Panagiotis Theodoropoulos welcomed the approved changes and highlighted the opportunity to strengthen the presence of athletes and increase female representation within the federation’s leadership.
The Board supported the appointment of Sara Paganini, one of the most recognised figures in Duo System worldwide. Having recently concluded her international career with the Italian National Team, the athlete remains actively involved in youth sport development and education through Ju-Jitsu, areas she now aims to further promote through her new institutional responsibilities.
One of the leading figures in Duo System
Paganini has practised Ju-Jitsu since 1997 and was a member of the Italian National Team from 2006 to 2024. During that period, she became one of the most successful athletes in the history of Duo System, winning three World Championship titles in 2014, 2018 and 2024, as well as seven European Championship titles, gold at the 2017 World Games and victory at the 2013 Combat Games.
Her return to top-level competition in 2024, after becoming a mother and following the years affected by the pandemic, culminated in the achievement of another World Championship title. At the same time, she has built an extensive career in coaching, technical education and projects designed to promote women’s participation and the international growth of Duo System.
Youth development, inclusion and education
In her first statement after taking up the position, Paganini said that Ju-Jitsu has been a fundamental part of her life since childhood and has helped shape her “not only as an athlete, but also as a person, mother and educator.” The Italian highlighted that the sport represents values such as respect, trust, discipline and human connection.
Among her priorities within the JJIF are the development of young athletes, increasing women’s participation in martial arts and the international expansion of Duo System. “I strongly believe that Ju-Jitsu can be an important educational tool capable of creating confidence, inclusion and positive communities all around the world,” she said.
The restructuring approved by the federation will also allow Christian Horvath to remain involved in institutional work. The Board asked him to continue leading initiatives related to safeguarding, inclusion and social responsibility, inviting him to remain within the extended JJIF structure to continue developing these strategic areas.
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