62 Young Judokas Shine at Sagunto’s School Sports Program Concentration

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

SAGUNTO, Spain — The Programa del Deporte en Edad Escolar (DEE) brought together 62 young judokas from four regional clubs for its second concentration event of the year, transforming Sagunto’s Pabellón Gimnasio into a vibrant hub of martial arts competition and camaraderie on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The day-long judo showcase — part of Spain’s broader initiative to promote youth sports — featured technical demonstrations, friendly matches, and a medal ceremony that capped off a morning of skill-building for participants aged 6 to 14. Organizers emphasized the event’s dual focus on athletic development and community engagement, with parents and coaches playing active roles in the proceedings.

Key Details of the Event

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Venue: Pabellón Gimnasio, Sagunto, Valencia, Spain
• Participants: 62 children (ages 6–14) from four clubs
• Clubs Involved: Quart de Poblet, Club Valencia, Judo Gilet, Club Morvedre
• Matches: 25 bouts, each lasting two minutes

Morning of Martial Arts

The concentration began with an introduction from Juan C. Morte, president of Club Morvedre, who handed the microphone to the young athletes themselves. The children addressed the crowd of parents, offering advice on sportsmanship and preparation — a moment that underscored the program’s emphasis on leadership and confidence-building.

Technical sessions followed, led by a team of experienced coaches:

• José Ramón Ojeda (head coach) – Explained the day’s structure and objectives
• Pepe Risueño (Quart de Poblet) – Directed a 25-minute warm-up, keeping the young judokas engaged with dynamic exercises
• Miguel Ángel Torres (Club Valencia) – Demonstrated advanced techniques and partner drills
• Carlitos Aranguíz (Judo Gilet) – Incorporated games and acrobatics to reinforce fundamentals in a playful setting

After a short break, the competition phase began. Matches were limited to two minutes each, with referees prioritizing safety and fair play over aggressive tactics. The 25 bouts unfolded over roughly an hour, culminating in a medal ceremony that drew cheers from families and fellow participants.

What the DEE Program Aims to Achieve

The Programa del Deporte en Edad Escolar, administered by the Valencian Community’s sports authorities, is designed to introduce children to structured athletic training while fostering social skills and healthy habits. Judo, with its emphasis on discipline, respect, and controlled physicality, is a natural fit for the program’s goals.

Saturday’s event in Sagunto was the second concentration of 2026, following a similar gathering earlier in the year. The DEE program operates across Valencia, with participating clubs hosting rotating events to ensure broad access for young athletes. While the program is non-competitive in the traditional sense — no official rankings or trophies are awarded — the medal ceremonies serve as recognition for effort and improvement.

Voices from the Mat

Though the primary focus was on the children, coaches and club leaders shared insights into the event’s significance:

“These concentrations are about more than judo. They teach kids how to set goals, work with others, and handle both success and setbacks. The smiles you spot today? That’s what we’re really measuring.”

— José Ramón Ojeda, head coach

Parents echoed the sentiment, with many noting the positive impact on their children’s confidence and social skills. The event’s inclusive atmosphere — where beginners and more experienced judokas trained side by side — was frequently cited as a highlight.

Behind the Clubs

The four clubs represented at the event each bring unique strengths to the DEE program:

• Quart de Poblet: Based in the municipality of the same name, this club is known for its structured youth programs and emphasis on technical fundamentals. The club’s dojo, Dojo Valencia HQ, serves as a regional training hub.
• Club Valencia: One of the most established judo clubs in the Valencia region, Club Valencia has a long history of developing competitive athletes while maintaining a strong grassroots focus.
• Judo Gilet: A smaller, tight-knit club based in Gilet, Judo Gilet prides itself on its family-like atmosphere. The club’s Instagram account, @judogilet, frequently highlights its community-oriented approach.
• Club Morvedre: Named after the historic region of Morvedre (modern-day Sagunto), this club plays a key role in organizing local DEE events. President Juan C. Morte has been instrumental in expanding the program’s reach in the area.

Why This Matters for Youth Sports

Events like the Sagunto concentration reflect broader trends in youth sports development across Europe. Programs such as the DEE prioritize participation and personal growth over elite competition, addressing concerns about burnout and early specialization. Judo, in particular, is gaining traction in school sports initiatives due to its emphasis on:

• Physical literacy: Developing coordination, balance, and body awareness
• Mental resilience: Teaching focus, patience, and emotional regulation
• Social skills: Encouraging teamwork, respect, and communication

The DEE program’s model aligns with recommendations from sports science experts, who advocate for “sampling” multiple sports during childhood rather than early specialization. By exposing children to judo in a low-pressure, community-oriented setting, the program aims to cultivate lifelong athletes — whether they pursue the sport competitively or recreationally.

What’s Next for the DEE Program

The next concentration event is expected to take place in late May or early June 2026, with details to be announced on the Federación de Judo de la Comunidad Valenciana website. Clubs interested in participating can register through the federation’s official channels.

For the 62 young judokas who took part in Saturday’s event, the next steps involve continuing their training at their respective clubs. Many will return for future DEE gatherings, while others may transition to more competitive streams within the Valencian judo community.

Key Takeaways

• The Programa del Deporte en Edad Escolar (DEE) held its second concentration of 2026 in Sagunto, bringing together 62 children from four regional judo clubs.
• The event focused on skill development, sportsmanship, and community engagement, with no official rankings or trophies awarded.
• Coaches from Quart de Poblet, Club Valencia, Judo Gilet, and Club Morvedre led technical sessions and matches, emphasizing fundamentals and fun.
• The DEE program aligns with broader European trends in youth sports, prioritizing participation and personal growth over early specialization.
• The next concentration is expected in late May or early June 2026, with details to be announced by the Valencian Judo Federation.

How to Follow the DEE Program

For updates on future events and registration details, visit:

• Federación de Judo de la Comunidad Valenciana (official website)
• Judo Gilet Instagram (for community highlights)
• Dojo Valencia Facebook (for training updates)

Have you or your child participated in a DEE event? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more coverage of youth sports initiatives across Europe.