Yesterday afternoon, Friday 24 November, a representative of the Opportunity to Equal association was welcomed into the Kodokan judo school in Taranto to meet the young athletes and discuss gender violence, equal opportunities and respect towards others.
Sabrina Pontrelli, president of the association and Rossella Galeone, member of the board of directors and mother of the very young judoka Maria Vittoria, were able to listen and answer the questions of the boys and girls who have chosen to engage in this sport.
“It is important to teach children, from a very young age, the values of sport which are also essential in life – said President Pontrelli – Even more so with judo, which was born as a martial art of self-defense, it was natural to face, with the due caution given the tender age of our interlocutors, the burning issues of current events to talk about respect between human beings of any gender, race and religion”.
Master Luigi Chetry, third dan black belt, accompanied by Simona Ruffo, first dan black belt, explained for the occasion that this discipline, although it is a martial art and a method of personal defense, does not involve the use of violence , but it is made up of techniques and holds whose objective is to render the opponent harmless, through his immobilization.
“It is not a simple physical activity – added Chetry – It is a complete sport, practiced from 4 years onwards, which in addition to training the body, helps the spirit and develops self-esteem and self-control. In fact, profound education and a deep respect towards both the master and the opponent.”
After an initial ‘theoretical’ and debate moment we then moved on to the practical action, in other words to the execution of some holds and the explanation of the various defense techniques.
Since it was the eve of November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the two representatives of Opportunità alla Pari wore a pair of red shoes while the two teachers, Luigi Chetry and Simona Ruffo wore the red belt which is usually worn in competitions to distinguish themselves from the opponent but which in honor of this symbolic day represented a sign of solidarity towards all women victims of violence and femicide.
2023-11-25 12:44:59
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