Global consensus statement how can Judo contribute to reducing the problem of injurious falls in older adults?

P.1 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper © Nicolas Messner P.2 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper „The Arts and Sciences of Judo“ Interdisciplinary journal of International Judo Federation Vol. 4 No. 1 2024; ISSN 2788-5208 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sanda Čorak, IJF Scientific Committee ASSISTANT EDITOR Andrea de Giorgio, University of Luxembourg ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDITOR Jo Crowley, IJF Media EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Marius L. Vizer, IJF president Mohamed Meridja, IJF Scientific Committee Envic Galea, IJF Scientific Committee and IJF Academy Tibor Kozsla, IJF Scientific Committee and IJF Academy Daniel F. Lascau, IJF Scientific Committee and IJF Academy Shinji Hosokawa, IJF Scientific Committee EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD: Hrvoje Sertić, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology, Croatia; Attilio Sacripanti, University of Tor Vergata, Italy; Emanuela Pierantozzi, University of Genoa, School of Excercise and Sport Sciences, Italy; Emerson Franchini, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Michel Calmet, University of Montpellier, Faculty of Sport Sciences, France; Michel Brousse, University of Bordeaux, Faculty of Sport Sciences, France; Elena Pocecco, University of Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Austria; Jose Morales Aznar, Ramon Llull University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Spain; Lisa Allan, International Judo Federation, UK; Akitoschi Sogabe, Konan University, Education & Research Center for Sport & Science, Japan; Wieslaw Blach, University of Physical Education Wroclaw, Department of Sports Didactics, Poland; Takanori Ishii, Ryotokuji University, Urayasu, Japan; Mike Callan, University of Hertforshire, Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, UK; Luis Fernandes Monteiro, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Lusofona univeristy, Lisbon, Portugal; David Fukuda, University of Central Florida, USA; Andrea de Giorgio, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Petrus Louis Nolte, Moray House School of Education & Sport, University of Edinburgh, UK; Leonardo Mataruna, Department of Sport Management, Canadian University Dubai, UAE; Ivan Segedi, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia; Christophe Lambert, IJF Medical Commission; Pinelopi S. Stavrinou, University of Nicosia, Cyprus AIMS AND SCOPE: “The Arts and Sciences of Judo” (ASJ) is a newly established international interdisciplinary journal of the International Judo Federation (IJF). It is a research journal that welcomes submissions related to all aspects of judo – kinesiology, psychology, economy, marketing and management, history, arts, technology, communication sciences and all other related fields. It is an international platform for presentation of innovative research and scholarly works and for expressing opinions and views on the development of judo, giving a significant contribution to an understanding of the theory and practice of judo. In that way “The Arts and Sciences of Judo” serves as a reference source for education, but it also offers possibilities for exchange of ideas and keeping up with the latest developments in judo. 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The ASJ is committed to peer-review integrity and upholding the highest standards of review. Copyright: Authors retain ownership of the copyright for their publications if the original work published in the ASJ is properly cited. Submiting to the „Arts and Sciences of Judo“ – Interdisciplinary journal of the IJF: For more information about the journal and guidance on how to submit, please see academy.ijf.org/journal Publisher: IJF Academy Foundation (Malta, Ta Xbiex) Co-publisher: International Judo Federation (IJF) Layout: Nicolas Messner, IJF Media Front page: Nicolas Messner P.3 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper Table of contents Shime-waza and Unconsciousness: International Research By Yuji Yamamoto, Ryota Fujiya, Nobuhiro Kamiya, Takamasa Anai, Shinzo Tokuda, Shinji Osokawa .......... p.4 Global Consensus Statement: How Can Judo Contribute to Reducing the Problem of Injurious Falls in Older Adults? By By Mike Callan, Charlotte Bird, Slavisa Bradic, María del Carmen Campos Mesa, Oscar del Castillo Andrés, Maja Sori Doval, Jean-Pierre Dziergwa, Jim Feenan, Michael Headland, Akira Ikumi, Kosei Inoue, Agathe Daria Jadczak, Takeshi Kamitani, Asako Katsumata, Hisano Kawahara, Nusa Lampe, Richard Marsh, Katie Mills, Kenji Mitsumo- to, Yasuhiko Moriwaki, Rustam Orujov, Kristiina Pekkola, Rashad Rasullu, Benoit Séguin, Akitoshi Sogabe, Karin Strömqvist Bååthe, Hitoshi Sugai, Meera Verma, Vivian Weerdesteyn .................................. p.14 Students Gender' Differences in Attitudes about Judo By Husnija Kajmovic ......................................................................... p.28 Judo: An Educational Tool for Society By Denisa Sabina Emilia Deliu, Dan Deliu ........................................................ p.37 Basic Judo Kata Programme For Children By Slavisa Bradic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.41 Empowering a Judo Athlete with an Intellectual Developmental Disorder to Become a Judo Teacher By Gaston Descamps, Tina Pestotnik, Maria João Carvalheiro Campos, Alain Guy Marie Massart ............ p.48 P.14 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper Global Consensus Statement How Can Judo Contribute to Reducing the Problem of Injurious Falls in Older Adults? Abstract: The Global Consensus Statement on judo-based interventions for older adults addresses the potential of judo techniques, particularly ukemi (safe falling techniques), in minimising the risk and impact of falls among the elderly. Falls represent a significant health challenge for the ageing population, contributing to injuries and high healthcare costs. The statement outlines best practice and recommendations for implementing judo-based fall prevention programmes globally. These programmes leverage judo's multi-faceted approach, incorporating strength, balance, co-ordination, and safe landing skills to reduce the severity of falls and minimise the fear of falling. Research indicates that older adults can learn and retain these motor skills, enhancing their ability to fall safely and reduce injury risks. The consensus also highlights the importance of collaboration between judo federations, healthcare providers and community organisations to scale these interventions effectively. By promoting judo-based exercise programmes, the consensus aims to improve physical, psychological and social wellbeing among older adults, ultimately enhancing their independence and quality of life. Keywords: older adults; fall prevention; judo; ukemi; safe landing; exercise programmes By Mike Callan1, Charlotte Bird2, Slavisa Bradic3, María del Carmen Campos Mesa4, Oscar del Castillo Andrés5, Maja Sori Doval6, Jean-Pierre Dziergwa7, Jim Feenan8, Michael Headland9, Akira Ikumi10, Kosei Inoue11, Agathe Daria Jadczak12, Takeshi Kamitani13, Asako Katsumata14, Hisano Kawahara15, Nusa Lampe16, Richard Marsh17, Katie Mills18, Kenji Mitsumoto19, Yasuhiko Moriwaki20, Rustam Orujov21, Kristiina Pekkola22, Rashad Rasullu23, Benoit Séguin24, Akitoshi Sogabe25, Karin Strömqvist Bååthe26, Hitoshi Sugai27, Meera Verma89, Vivian Weerdesteyn29 Authors’ affiliations: 1. University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 2. Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership, Live Longer Better Project, United Kingdom 3. International Judo Federation Academy, Croatian Judo Ukemi Project, Croatia 4. University of Seville, Adapted Utilitarian Judo, Spain 5. University of Seville, Adapted Utilitarian Judo Spain 6. Tsuda University, All Japan Judo Federation Fall Prevention Project, Germany 7. Judo Vlaanderen, Judo Flanders carefree falling for elderly, Belgium 8. Fighting Chance Scotland, Safe Falling & Mindfulness, United Kingdom 9. University of Adelaide, Dynamic Balance for Life Project, Australia 10. University of Tsukuba, Yawara-chan taiso Project, Japan 11. Tokai University, JUDOs, All Japan Judo Federation, Japan 12. University of Adelaide, Adelaide University Judo Club, Australia 13. Tokaigakuen University, Yawara-chan taiso Project, Japan 14. University of Shizuoka, Judo KENKO Taiso Project, USA 15. University of Saitama, How to fall well, Heisei Int’l University Judo Club, Japan 16. Judo klub Golovec, Educating Judo Coaches for Older Practitioners, Slovenia 17. 4-consulting (Economic Policy), Carnegie Judo Club, United Kingdom 18. Judospace Educational Institute, Camberley Judo Club, United Kingdom 19. Tokai University, JUDOs, All Japan Judo Federation, Japan 20. Kokushikan University, Judo KENKO Taiso Project, Japan 21. Safe Fall Project, Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Azerbaijan 22. Judo4balance for elderly, European Judo Union, Sweden 23. Safe Fall Project, Azerbaijan Judo Federation, Azerbaijan 24. Université de Sherbrooke, Québec Fall Prevention and Control Program, Canada 25. Konan University, All Japan Judo Federation Fall Prevention Project, Japan 26. Dalarna University, Judo4Balance, Swedish Judo Federation, Sweden 27. DEFiER Corporation, Japan 28. University of Adelaide, Dynamic Balance for Life Project, Australia 29. Radboud University, Judo Bond Nederland, The Netherlands P.15 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper The Global Expert Group on safe falling for the elderly through judo comprises organisations involved in the teaching of and research into safe falling for older adults, through judo. It was formed with the aim of co-ordinating and supporting safe falling through judo activity across the world. At the International Consensus Conference on Safe Falling for the Elderly Through Judo, held in Japan in November 2023, it was agreed that the Global Expert Group delivering safe falling for the elderly through judo across the world, would create a consensus statement on ways to support and encourage the worldwide rollout of these solutions. This statement outlines the interventions and approaches that the group recommends to national judo federations and other deliverers by detailing the consensus of best practice activities that the Global Expert Group members have developed. The intended audience for this statement includes local commissioning and strategic leads within countries and national federations which concern themselves with safer falling challenges among older adults that could be impacted upon by the teaching of basic judo falling techniques known as ukemi. This consensus statement aims to compile knowledge and evidence of how judo can contribute to reducing injurious falls and benefit the health of older adults. Following publication, the Global Expert Group and the International Judo Federation (IJF) Academy intend to initiate a programme of work to educate coaches and other professionals around the delivery of programmes for older people based on the guidance provided in this document. Introduction to the Management of Fall Risk Factors and Safer Falling The worldwide population is ageing with an increase in geriatric syndromes and physical function decline, leading to a higher risk of falling and fall-related injuries in older people (Christensen, 2009). The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists accidental falls as the second major cause of injuries leading to death and a high cost of medical care (World Health Organisation, 2021). Preventing falls and fall-related injuries in older adults is therefore a major health challenge and it is increasingly important to develop strategies to better manage the rising number of falls but also reduce fall-related injuries. Geriatric syndromes such as frailty and sarcopenia, as well as physical function decline including limited mobility, impaired balance and gait, postural hypotension, reduced muscle strength and cognitive decline have been associated with an increased risk of falling in older adults (Panel on Prevention of Falls in Older Persons, 2011). These risk factors can be managed with multi-component exercise interventions, which have been shown to improve physical function in older adults (Jadczak, 2018) thus benefitting the fall prevention campaign. However, one in four older adults still experience a fall each year and 30% require medical attention as a result (Queensland Government, 2022). Data from the United States of America shows that each year about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024) highlighting the tremendous consequences falls for older people. While multi-component exercise interventions have shown to be beneficial in preventing falls and managing risk factors (Jadczak et al., 2018), there is still a major gap when searching for strategies to reduce harm from falling and fall-related injuries. One innovative strategy is to use the sport of judo to teach older adults how to land safely in case they do fall. Judo is a multi-component exercise intervention that includes balance, posture, strength and flexibility (Kano, 1986). In addition, judo uses specific safe landing techniques, ukemi, which can be utilised to teach older adults how to land safely (Kano, 1986). If older adults can learn to land safely, it could be implied that they can prevent injury and fractures, avoid hospital admission and reduce other negative health consequences. A recent scoping review revealed that judo-based exercise interventions are safe and feasible for older adults and have the potential to impact positively on physical function, muscle strength, gait, quality of life, fear of falling and flexibility (Chan et al., 2023). It has been suggested that teaching judo-specific ukemi techniques might be a favourable strategy for reducing falls and consequential injuries in adults with no previous experience in judo (Dobosz, 2018). Definition of Judo Judo, originally referred to as ‘Nihonden Kodokan Judo,’ literally meaning ‘Kodokan Judo of Japanese origin,’ is a modern Japanese martial art, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882 (Hoare, 2009). According to Kano, “Kodokan literally means ‘a school for studying the way,’ ‘the way’ being the concept of life itself.” (Kano, 1932). Consisting of two characters, ‘jū,’ translates as ‘gentle’ and ‘dō’ translates as ‘the way.’ Jūdō thus means ‘the way of gentleness’ or ‘the way of softness and flexibility.’ (Brousse & Matsumoto, 1999; Kawamura & Daigo, 2000). Judo is a method of physical, intellectual and moral education, which was originally developed for self-defence and evolved into a competition sport after being included in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1964 (IJF, 2024a). Since then, judo has gained international popularity not only as a competitive sport but also as a martial way for young and old with educational value. As of February 2024, 205 national judo federations are affiliated members of the International Judo Federation, with an estimated 40 million practitioners worldwide (IJF, 2024b). The techniques of judo are derived from traditional jujutsu P.16 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper Safe Falls – Technical Approaches in Judo Teaching Knowledge of How to Fall (ukemi) There is a range of coaching methodologies used by judo teachers experienced in working with older populations. Most of these approaches involve very small progressions to develop an understanding of the techniques, known as micro-progressions. This is supported by Callan (2023) who outlined a 14-stage approach to the teaching of mae-mawari-ukemi. Arkkukangas et al., (2021, 2022) suggest that progressions can be thought of in three main blocks: 1. Practising basic falling techniques such as falling backwards and sideways from a sitting or kneeling position, and strength exercises, body awareness, basic balance and mobility training, including getting up and down from the floor. 2. Continuing with falling techniques, increasing load in strength exercises, challenging balance and co-ordina- tion, greater range of movements and possibly power in strength exercises. 3. Continuing with advanced falling techniques (for example, from a standing position), challenging balance and strength exercises and ability to develop power in strength exercises. The importance of teaching basics to begin with is emphasised by Sakuyama (2021), who suggested that it is important to begin with easy movements in order to retain motivation. These include ukemi, cradle motion, backward and sideways, and uchite (motion of the hand hitting the mat). Other experts focus on specific exercises to assimilate safe and protected ways of falling (Campos-Mesa et al., 2020). Another teaching approach which is applied is repetition training; in judo this is known as uchi-komi (Ishikawa & Draeger, 2011). Here, the participant repeats new movement patterns and techniques in order to embed the learning. This approach is used for: breakfalls (ukemi), training of unbalancing (kuzushi) and training with turning of the body (tai-sabaki) (Borba-Pinheiro et al., 2016). The motor learning model of Fitts and Posner (1967) and the notion of motor visualisation is also used by some teachers (Dziergwa, 2022). The technical points of teaching safer falling emphasise three main aspects (McDonald & Callan, 2023). Firstly, maintaining alignment and ensuring that the head does not contact the floor helps to ensure the correct technique is adopted from a safety perspective. Secondly, distributing the force of the impact by making a large surface area contact the ground, practically applies the principles of mechanics to minimise the pressure on a single point of and include throwing techniques (nage-waza), grappling techniques (katame-waza) and striking techniques (atemi-waza) (Murata, 2009). Throws and groundwork techniques, including holds, chokes and joint locks targeting the elbow, are used in free practice or randori, and competition, while the practice of striking techniques is limited to kata, a method of formal practice consisting of prearranged patterns of attack and defence (Murata, 2009). Before judo practitioners master and apply various techniques while engaging in direct contact with each other, they learn how to fall safely. Therefore, ukemi, or safe break-falling can be considered the most essential skill of judo. Before learning to throw, judoka must master the basics of safe falling. Ukemi is a life skill which can prevent injuries in daily life and has the potential to contribute to fall prevention not only for the young but especially for older individuals (Chan et al., 2023; Dziergwa, 2022). The health-oriented practice of judo has the potential to improve overall strength (Burns & Callan, 2017), co-ordi- nation, posture and balance in practitioners (Arkkukangas et al., 2021). In addition to the physical aspect, training with a partner also requires mutual co-operation and trust in each other and therefore improves social skills (Bradic, 2023). Since its inception in 1882, judo has spread from a small room at Eishoji temple in Tokyo to all nations of the world over a period of more than 140 years (Hoare, 2009). Over more than a century, millions of judo practitioners have been thrown by their partners with force and have applied the principles of ukemi within their daily practice. The philosophy of judo is based on two core principles: the principles of ‘maximum efficient use of energy’ and ‘mutual prosperity for oneself and others’ (Uozumi, 2010). ‘Maximum efficient use of energy’ (seiryoku zen-yo) is a technical principle referring to the most efficient use of mind and body in judo practice, which can also be applied to all daily activities (Bennett, 2009). ‘Mutual prosperity for oneself and others’ (jita kyoei) is an altruistic concept applying the principle of ‘maximum efficient use of energy’ to all aspects of daily life (Bennett, 2009), ultimately aiming to contribute to society through individual commitment to self-perfection (Todo, 2020). According to judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano, judo training based on the principle of maximum efficiency aids the “Improvement of the human body, making it strong, healthy and useful, and so constitutes physical education. It can also be applied to the improvement of intellectual and moral power, and in this way constitutes mental and moral education.” (Kano, 1932). Based on these universal core values, judo is adaptable to the needs of each individual and thus can be practised by everyone, regardless of age, gender or physical attributes. P.17 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper impact. Finally, reducing the velocity of the fall is achieved by teaching the participants to use rolling to dissipate the force over a longer time. Standing Up The importance of being able to rise from the floor independently, to avoid any harm associated with lying for long periods is widely accepted (Montero-Odasso et al., 2022). Evidence has shown that judo sessions helped older participants to learn techniques to become more confident to stand up safely from the floor (Arkkukangas, Bååthe, Hamilton, Ekholm & Tonkonogi, 2020; Toronjo-Hornillo et al., 2018). Toronjo-Hornillo et al., (2018) also suggest including a warm-up and cool down during the session, along with mobility, balance, posture and strength training, as this can help the older people to feel more confident when practising breakfalls, ultimately reducing their fear of falling. They advocate that within classes, rising from the ground should be taught alongside yoko-ukemi (lateral falls) and ushiro-ukemi (backward falls). Burton et al., (2023) found that the two main methods for teaching rising from the floor are ‘backward chaining’ (Montero-Odasso et al., 2022), and the ‘conventional method’ (Reece & Simpson, 1996) and recommended that older adults practise the skill of rising from the floor, such as during judo sessions, with Skelton et al., (2005) having shown that it is possible to regain this skill. Equipment and Safety Considerations A range of equipment is used by existing safer falling through judo programmes. Supervision by an experienced coach is of great importance to ensure the technique is correct and therefore injury is avoided. As participants build confidence they can complete some basic exercises at home. Some, such as the Nijmegen Falls Prevention Programme and Judo Flanders Carefree Falling, make use of thick safety mats, some using additional equipment such as hoops, balls and chairs. Safety mats also allow people who cannot bend down low enough to practise the safe falling exercises to improve the technique. Most of the programmes deliver the sessions on standard-density judo mats. The scoping review by Chan et al. (2023) found eleven studies that used judo mats to conduct both judo-specific and judo-based interventions in middle-aged, older and mixed-age participants. Some sessions, such as the Quebec Fall Prevention and Control Program (Seguin, 2021) do not use any judo mats, instead, delivering the sessions on an indoor sports hall floor. Participants, often beginners, wear a variety of clothing such as loose-fitting exercise clothes, usually with no hard items such as belts or buckles. Long sleeves and trousers can also be worn to protect skin. As the participants make progress, they often choose to wear judogi (judo suit). For footwear, most judo sessions encourage bare feet on the mat but some older adults prefer to wear socks or even indoor, soft, training shoes. The aim of the judo teacher is to reduce any barriers to participation, as the participants may already be nervous about taking part. Specific Training Recommendations Judo practitioners have utilised a range of different training approaches when delivering their sessions. Individual differences and needs are of great importance when working with older adults. The physicality of the sessions should be adapted to suit the individual if they have any health issues or injuries. British Judo’s ‘Finding your Feet’ course uses a PARQ+ form as a pre-exercise screening tool. Longer programmes have more benefits concerning fear of falling as the skills learned become more autonomous and the participants build confidence. A weekly 45-minute session over 4 weeks showed a 16% decrease in fear of falling when compared with a control group (Callan et al., 2023). Reducing Impact Force, the Application of Mechanics Pressure is Force divided by Area. The pressure of an impact is measured in the S.I. unit pascal (Pa). One pascal is the pressure exerted by a force of magnitude one newton perpendicularly upon an area of one square metre (Page & Vigoureux, 1974). 1 Pa = 1 N / m2 Where N is a Newton, m is a metre. A Newton is the S.I. unit of force. One Newton is the force that would give a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of one metre per second per second, and so where ‘kg’ is a kilogram, ‘s’ is a second. 1 N = 1 kg·m /s2 So, an increase in the mass (kg) of the body would increase the pressure (Pa) of the fall. Therefore, a heavier person will exert more pressure than a lighter person for the same fall. Another way to increase the pressure is to reduce the area (m2) that contacts with the ground, such as landing just on the proximal area of the hand (upper limb fall reflex) or just on a single hip joint. Conversely, landing on a larger surface area, such as during a yoko-ukemi, will increase the denominator in the equation and thus result in reduced pressure from the fall. This is one of the mechanical reasons that judo practitioners are able to fall without injury; they land on a large surface area. Groen et al., (2010) showed significant improvements in hip impact force using a 1.2 m × 1.2 m force plate covered by judo mats in older participants after a weekly judo-based intervention over 5 weeks. P.18 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper Position of Body (Shizentai) and Breaking Balance (Kuzushi) In judo, participants are taught to stand in shizentai position. The Kodokan Judo Institute define shizentai as natural posture, in which the body is standing normally (Kawamura & Daigo, 2000). Tomiki (1956) explains that it “Is the posture of a person standing quietly with his head and upper body kept upright, arms hanging without constraint and legs not so firm and widely apart.” He explains that with this posture, the body keeps stability and does not fall and that additionally the limbs are kept soft so that they can shift to any action at any moment. In shizentai, the balance of the standing person is maintained because the centre of mass of the body is over the feet. Masud and Morris (2001) define a fall as, “A fall results when the vertical line which passes through the centre of mass of the human body comes to lie beyond the support base and correction does not take place in time.” So, we can see that a fall is defined as the absence of shizentai. Tencer (2005) explains further that “a fall occurs when the centre of gravity of the trunk moves outside the base of support provided by the feet against the floor.” We can think of a fall as being initiated by a loss of balance. The action of breaking your opponent’s balance in judo is known as kuzushi. Bountakis (2023) explains that judo teachers make an advanced study of the application of kuzushi in eight or 14 directions (Kudo, 1967). During judo sessions, older adults are taught the principles of kuzushi, to better understand the feeling of when their balance is broken and how to adjust back to a shizentai position or to initiate ukemi to help them fall safely. Coach Education As judo experts, qualified judo coaches already understand ukemi and kuzushi and can teach these principles to their students. Most judo participants are children and therefore coaches have built a wealth of experience teaching younger people. Several programmes around the world have developed coach education initiatives to prepare coaches to work with older adults. The EdJCO (Educational needs for coaching Judo in Older Adults) programme (Palumbo, 2023) based across several European countries, developed recommendations for addressing coaches’ educational needs through the implementation of an educational programme targeting judo practice in late adulthood. It achieved this through promoting evidence-based knowledge of judo training for older judo practitioners. They urged coaches to develop specific competencies and skills for addressing the special needs of older practitioners. The Netherlands research team built on their experience delivering the Nijmegen Falls Prevention Program (Weerdesteyn et al., 2006) to create ZekerBewegen (move with Callan (2023b) found that around 14% of the body surface area is in contact with the ground after a yoko-ukemi. This is equivalent to someone lying on their side. Rajaei at al., (2018) found that the pressure on the proximal area of the hand for a fall using the upper limb fall reflex was 277 kilopascals (kPa), whereas Callan (2023b) identified the pressure of a yoko-ukemi to be less than 3 kPa. The acceleration of the fall is also a factor. A fall that is slowing down (decelerating) will decrease the landing force and therefore decrease the pressure. In judo breakfalls, deceleration is achieved during the rolling action, for example in mae-mawari-ukemi. After fall training, hip impact force was reduced by a mean of 8% (Groen et al., 2010). Reducing Injury and Harm From Falls By participating in judo-based exercises, older people may become fitter and stronger, therefore reducing frailty. The ‘Clinical Frailty Scale’ (Church et al., 2020) is a useful indicator of frailty and the likelihood of falling, so reduced frailty through judo training means that participants will be less likely to experience a fall. If judo participants do fall, they will be more able to apply a breakfall correctly and therefore reduce the pressure of the fall and the severity of any potential injuries. Acknowledging individual differences and needs is of great importance when working with older adults. The physicality of the sessions should be adapted to suit the individual, if they have any health issues or injuries. British Judo’s ‘Finding your Feet’ course uses a PARQ+ form as a pre-exercise screening tool. There are many obvious positive health benefits for participants when learning to fall safely. However, there is currently a lack of research data on injuries to participants. This is an area in which further research is needed. The chronic disease Osteoporosis leads to bone fragility and is associated with fracture risks and consequent issues of mobility. Borba-Pinheiro et al., (2016) demonstrated the favourable effects of adapted judo programmes on bone mineral density (BMD) and quality of life (QoL) for postmenopausal women in pharmacological treatment and a low socioeconomic level. They concluded that combat sports based on throws and grips and immobilisation of the opponent's body, such as judo, are likely to be optimal in achieving positive training effects for postmenopausal women. Systematic reviews have reported that older adults who have taken part in resistance training, endurance training, multi-component training and balance training show improvements in balance ranging from 16% to 24% and have a lower incidence of falls ranging between 22% and 58% when compared with control groups (Valdés-Badilla et al., 2022). P.19 The Arts and Sciences of Judo, Vol. 4 No.1 Original scientific paper confidence) in partnership with the Dutch Judo Federation. ZekerBewegen judo instructors are trained to deliver a nine-week course to older adults that involves 20% balance and mobility and 80% ukemi practice. In 2023 there were 175 ZekerBewegen instructors operating across the Netherlands. In the UK, the British Judo Association have developed a Coach Education qualification called Finding your Feet (McDonald, & Callan, 2023). The programme is based on the exercises found in the Yawara-chan Taiso project (Kamitani, 2018; Callan et al., 2022). A series of ten coach education sessions were delivered during 2024 which qualified around 120 coaches to work with older adults in their communities. Psychological Benefits Exercise has long been known to improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function (Sharma, 2006). In particular, multi-component exercise like judo has been demonstrated to improve quality of life (QoL) in a number of studies, including in the elderly (Chan, 2023. Sakuyama, 2021). Judo has a strong ethical base anchored by the principles of mutual benefit (jita kyoei) and maximum efficiency (seiryoku zen-yo) (Kano, 1986), supported by an eight-point moral code: respect, honesty, self-control, friendship, courtesy, honour, courage and modesty (IJF, 2021). Originating in Japan, judo is also influenced by the concept of Omoiyari or consideration, altruistic caring for others. These philosophies make the judo dojo a safe, inviting and friendly space for older adults, particularly those with limited involvement in physical activity or sport. Judo coaches usually extend an inclusive, customised exercise programme aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes for all participants. Some projects also seek to understand the benefits of intergenerational training and therefore adhere to these programmes long-term. By having older adults participate in these programmes at a local judo club, children and grandchildren can also become part of the judo community, instilling these skills from a younger age as well as growing the judo community. The European Union has supported the JOY (Judo connecting Older and Younger Generations) project which helps to raise awareness of intergenerational judo and its positive psychological and social benefits. One of the negative aspects of ageing is an increased fear of falling (Parry, 2013). Consequences include avoidance of activity, social isolation, increasing frailty and a risk of further falls independently of physical impairment, which can lead to a downward spiral in both physical and mental capacity. However, judo programmes for novice older adults have been shown to reduce the fear of falling (Callan et al., 2022; Campos-Mesa, 2020) and improve motivation for exercise (Ciaccioni, 2021). Most people experience an age-related decline in cognitive function as a normal part of the ageing process but exercise at a moderately high level of physical activity can help maintain healthy brain function (Xu, 2023). Judo can be particularly helpful for developing and maintaining cognitive function through the use of kata and other challenging co-ordination activities such as uchi-komi as these require the use of left and right limbs in an asymmetric manner. It is well known that learning new skills can provide cognitive benefits for older adults (Wu, 2023). Judo can offer an exciting new set of skills using different muscles in everyday life, thus requiring more mental engagement and opportunity for cognitive development and maintenance. Loneliness and social isolation have also been observed as part of the ageing process, as one loses a life partner and/or friends and this translates into a reduction of physical contact, with its attendant benefits (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020). Judo is one of the few forms of exercise where people work in pairs, either with the instructor or with each other. This incidental and positive physical contact can benefit older adults in terms of offering a sense of wellbeing and contentment. The increase in confidence seen from an eight-week judo-based exercise programme (Jadczak et al., 2024) can be summed up by a former study participant (female, 80 years old, personal communication) reporting, “For me there have been some unexpected and surprising gains which may not all have shown up in the study results: I have lost my fear of falling and landing badly, feel generally in control and able to cope if I am not. I now seem to have ‘time’ midfall to consider my options and choose my landing method(s). If I do fall, I mostly feel in control and even more importantly do not go into shock and disorientation on landing. I have recovered some previously frequently used means of fall prevention that I had lost e.g., rapid stepping to regain balance. I have vastly increased my stability and the number of falls has reduced accordingly. I am generally in control of how and where I land and confidently, I have a range of ways to do so to mitigate consequences. 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