How SAFE COMBAT Is Building Stronger Protection in European Martial Arts

The SAFE COMBAT project is moving forward with several major steps before its next implementation partners meeting in Gijón on 20–21 May. With the European Judo Union acting as coordinator, the Erasmus+ initiative is focused on making Combat Sports and Martial Arts safer, more ethical and more inclusive across Europe.

One of the biggest developments so far is the publication of the SAFE COMBAT Research Report. That document gives the project an evidence-based platform for improving safeguarding standards and encouraging safer practices in clubs, organisations and training environments.

Another important release is the SAFE COMBAT Safeguarding Code: Definitions & References. It was created to help clubs, coaches, athletes and organisations build sporting spaces that are more respectful, accountable and secure.

The project is shifting safeguarding from theory into practical tools.

Accessibility has also been part of the push. A SAFE COMBAT Safeguarding Poster has been produced in seven languages, giving clubs and federations around Europe a simple resource to support awareness and day-to-day education.

The next stage is already close. Work is continuing on the project’s Massive Open Online Course, which is scheduled to be presented during the Gijón meeting ahead of its official launch at the end of May. The course is designed for clubs and technical staff involved in Combat Sports and Martial Arts, with learning materials centred on safeguarding policies and practical ways to prevent and address violence, abuse and discrimination.

That educational focus stretches from the smallest training settings to broader organisational structures. In other words, the project is not only asking sport to react better when problems appear, but also to build environments where those problems are less likely to happen at all.

At the same time, consortium partners are developing a safeguarding certification system for CS&MA clubs. The criteria have already been established, and clubs that meet the standards will receive official certification recognising their commitment to safeguarding and athlete welfare.

This gives the project a concrete next step beyond awareness alone. For clubs, it creates a visible way to show that safeguarding is not just a statement, but a standard being put into practice.

Throughout the summer, four project partners — the European Judo Union, World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, KFRSM and SEA — will organise multiplier sporting events to promote SAFE COMBAT and especially the new certification system.

The European Judo Union remains at the centre of the project as coordinator.

There is also a clear finish line in sight. Preparations are underway for the final conference, which will present the project’s findings and outcomes in Portimão during the Veteran European Judo Championships in October.

Until then, the European Judo Union continues to promote SAFE COMBAT through major EJU events and its safeguarding network across Europe. The message is simple, but it matters: safer sport does not happen by chance, and this project is trying to make sure clubs have the tools to protect athletes better.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union