The Lombardy region has launched a free women’s self-defense initiative across martial arts gyms affiliated with the Italian Judo, Wrestling, Karate and Martial Arts Federation (Fijlkam), ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Titled “Io non sto ferma: impara a difenderti” (“I won’t stay still: learn to defend yourself”), the program was presented at Palazzo Lombardia by Federica Picchi, undersecretary to the presidency with responsibility for sport and youth.
Open Week Schedule Across Lombardy Gyms
The core of the initiative is a dedicated open week scheduled from November 23 to November 28, 2026. During this period, women can participate free of charge in one or more martial arts and self-defense lessons hosted at participating regional gyms. Available disciplines include judo, karate, wrestling, and MGA (Metodo Globale di Autodifesa), a comprehensive self-defense system developed by Fijlkam.
Regional officials designed the program to impart practical physical techniques while simultaneously addressing personal security, risk perception, and self-confidence. “We believed in this project from the very beginning,” Picchi stated during the presentation, explaining that the regional government aims to provide women with both useful defense tools and a deeper awareness of their own value and capabilities.
Beyond Physical Defense
Organizers emphasize that personal protection extends far beyond physical maneuvers. According to regional leadership, effective defense originates from personal awareness, self-trust, and respectful interpersonal communication. Sport acts as a foundational vehicle in this developmental process by teaching individuals how to respect others while valuing themselves.
This psychological and social emphasis forms the backbone of the broader curriculum taught by qualified federation instructors during the upcoming open week.
Expanding Martial Arts Programs Into Schools
The partnership between Lombardy and Fijlkam extends beyond the November open week into the educational sector through a scholastic initiative titled “Judo: Scuola e Regole, Rispetto e Relazione” (“Judo: School and Rules, Respect and Relationship”). Already underway for the 2026/2027 academic year, the scholastic program involves 40 classes across various institutions in the region, targeting lower secondary students as well as first- and second-year upper secondary students.
Each participating class undergoes a structured series of six sessions led by certified federation coaches. Regional sports authorities utilize martial arts as an educational tool for conflict management and bullying prevention, aiming to demonstrate to younger demographics that authentic strength derives from mutual respect rather than coercion.
Worth a look
