REF: 324-740 NPO EDEN JUDO ASSOCIATION
Eden Judo Association is a registered NPO with ONE purpose, to offer all aspects of Judo to underprivileged children
EDEN JUDO is bringing judo as a sport into disadvantaged communities and cultivates a code of self-respect, compassion, integrity, loyalty, courage, honor, discipline and perseverance. We focus on making Judo accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background. By leveraging community support, partnerships and grants, we aim to establish an inclusive environment that nurtures talent, builds character, teaches self-discipline, and fosters a love for Judo.
We strive to build thriving communities, inspired by a Judo family that encourages excellence, fosters unity, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential, while cultivating a deep love for the sport of Judo.
We create job opportunities and empower people within disadvantaged communities.
Mission Statement:
To teach Judo as an Olympic sport in disadvantaged communities.
To establish dojos (training facilities) within the communities.
To make Judo learning affordable.
To uplift and empower individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds through the practice of Judo, promoting physical, mental, and social growth and wellness.
To cultivate respect, discipline, and a lifelong love of learning.
To provide a safe and supportive environment where members can achieve their goals.
To never turn a child or youth away, ensuring that everyone can grow through Judo.
What we’ve achieved thus far:
We have several development judokas training at the dojos in George and Kleinkrantz, and it is making an impact on the local youths.
Success stories such as Bradwon Boesak from the farming community in Herold, represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Championships in Birmingham, England, in 2019.
Lizette Kalo from Kleinkrantz and Bo van Schalkwyk from George, representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Championships in Port Elizabeth in 2023.
Branwill Kortjie achieving a silver medal at the African Cup Cadets and Juniors in Pretoria in 2025.
And currently, Ruwayda Fortuin from Kleinkrantz and Zoe de la Croix from George, representing Judo South Africa’s Development youth team at the SANIX Juvenile International Team Championships in Fukuoka Japan in December 2025.
But what we’ve just started and hope to grow, will have an even more tremendous impact on disadvantaged children and young people.
With the help of our development coach, a club was launched in Touwsranten, a “township” in the Hoekwil area. With limited training mats, and secondhand suits, these judokas already took part in their first tournament and did exceptionally well.
Our aim
- With the already established club in Kleinkrantz
- a safe training facility, equipped with safe training mats.
- Training judo suits as well as competition judo suits
- Either funds or sponsor to hire transport to training camps and competitions / or our own transport, aka minibus.
- To establish training facilities in every community to cut out late night commuting.
- To raise enough funding to employ a head coach to move between community clubs
Benefits of judo to township kids and young adults:
- Mental and Emotional Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Physical activity like judo releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Increased Self-Confidence: Mastering judo techniques and achieving goals can significantly boost self-esteem.
Discipline and Focus: Judo emphasizes self-control, respect, and focus, which can translate to other areas of life.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Judo teaches respectful competition and conflict resolution strategies.
Social Development:
Teamwork and Camaraderie: Training in a dojo fosters a sense of community and teamwork.
Respect for Others: Judo emphasizes respect for opponents, coaches, and training partners.
Leadership Opportunities: Advanced students can take on leadership roles, mentoring younger practitioners.
Community Impact:
Positive Role Models: Judo dojos can provide positive role models and mentors for young people.
Safe Space: Dojos can offer a safe and supportive environment for kids and young adults.
Community Engagement: Judo dojos can organize events and activities that benefit the local community.
Physical Health:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Judo is a physically demanding activity that enhances heart and lung function.
Increased Strength and Flexibility: Regular practice builds muscle strength and improves flexibility and range of motion.
Enhanced Coordination and Agility: Judo techniques require precise movements and quick reactions, leading to better coordination and agility.
Weight Management: Judo can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Overall, judo training can be a valuable tool for personal and social development, particularly in underserved communities. It provides a structured environment for physical activity, mental and emotional growth, and social interaction.
The motto in class is “It doesn’t matter how hard you fall, get up and try again”. With this motto we aim to show every child that anything is possible with perseverance – NEVER GIVE UP HOPE