Everyone remembers Makoto Oyamada from The Last Samurai, the 2003 epic historical action film directed and produced by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise. This Hollywood celebrity is attending the Emirates on the occasion of the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships. His presence is not anecdotal, as he founded the Guardian Girls Program in 2009 and is currently in talks with the IJF to explore the possibility of further collaboration.
The Last Samurai featuring Tom Cruise and Makoto Oyamada – Photo provided by Makoto Oyamada
Shin Koyamada, a martial arts expert herself, and her wife, Nia Wright, a women's empowerment speaker, are co-founders of the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF Global). Building on their backgrounds immersed in both martial arts and women's empowerment, they aim to create a global program that benefits vulnerable girls and women to protect themselves through sport and martial arts. I have decided. This initial idea gave birth to the Guardian Girls initiative.
“This is my first time visiting this region, and even though I have a background in martial arts, this is my first time watching a judo competition at this level. I am honored and happy to have received such a warm welcome from the entire judo community. I think family.
Makoto Oyamada and Marius Visère
After several days of intense judo, I can say that I really love the sportsmanship of all the participants. I did judo when I was younger, so I know how difficult it is to reach the level of these competitors. When I look at them, I see how much they have sacrificed. It's amazing to get there at their age and I believe it goes beyond winning and losing.
I learned karate, kendo, archery, and judo. I can see that they are putting all their effort into their training. Watching judo here in Abu Dhabi, I would like to tell the athletes that no matter the result, they should take it as an experience that will help them become better people. You can't win all the time, but you have to learn every time.
Meeting with the IJF Gender Equality Committee
I truly believe that you can learn how to live through judo. Judo is a way of life. The focus goes beyond a sports career, but by doing judo you can find a focus that leads to a more intense life.
-66kg class award ceremony
I saw Hidayat Heydarov's reaction on the second day and I think his outburst of joy speaks for itself. The hours he spent training on the tatami, the sacrifices he made with his family, all suddenly came together.
To be honest, I kind of forgot what international events like this championship can bring to society in terms of peace and unity. In today's chaotic world, sports are the only way to do that.
Over the past few days, Marius Visser and I have talked a lot about Bushido and the respect and loyalty it brings to all of us. Human values are prioritized above all else. I was only 21 years old when I joined Samurai, but since then I have learned a lot, especially that Japanese martial arts have universal value. Judo has a DO and that is the path we should follow.
All of these philosophies led me and my wife to launch the Oyamada International Foundation (KIF) and the Guardian Girls Project. So far, we have enabled girls and women in 15 countries to benefit from her expertise in martial arts and women's empowerment. It's not just about technique, because the most important aspect is developing confidence and self-esteem. We hope to build a strong partnership with IJF to empower women in our respective countries and promote the values of judo. ”
A special session for women, “Guardian Women's Judo,'' will be held in Abu Dhabi soon. While Shin Oyamada enjoys the values our sport represents, he will find concrete applications for building a better society.
