SoftPath: Integrating Judo and Lifelong Values into Primary Education

forthcoming

Vision The project envisions primary schools as environments where physical activity and personal development go hand in hand, with judo introduced as a tool for fostering respect, cooperation, resilience, and physical literacy. By embedding structured, values-based judo education into regular physical education lessons, schools will not only enrich their sport offerings but also support students’ social and emotional growth, encouraging inclusive participation and fostering long-term engagement in grassroots sport through cooperation with local judo clubs. Target Group - The project targets primary school children aged 6 to 12, with a particular focus on children from rural areas, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with fewer opportunities to participate in organised sport. - Teachers, both general and PE-focused, represent a key target group, particularly those lacking the confidence, experience, or training to introduce martial arts or new sports into the curriculum. - The project also actively engages local judo clubs, including those new to Erasmus+, to build their capacity for cooperation with schools and increase their role in promoting inclusive sport participation. Main Objectives The project aims to equip primary school teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical tools to deliver safe and inclusive judo sessions that combine physical activity with values-based learning. The Mehka pot handbook, tailored for school settings, will provide ready-to-use lesson plans, safety guidance, and adaptable activities, enabling teachers to confidently deliver judo content. The project will also build structured cooperation pathways between schools and local judo clubs, ensuring students with an interest in judo can transition seamlessly from introductory school sessions to long-term club participation.