The European Judo Union has launched the SAFE COMBAT Massive Open Online Course, a free educational resource designed to help clubs and coaches in combat sports and martial arts develop safeguarding policies and protect athletes.
The course is available to all clubs and technical staff involved in combat sports and martial arts across Europe and beyond. It covers six core modules: safeguarding in sport and specific risks in combat sports; psychological, physical and sexual violence, bullying, discrimination and neglect; healthy and responsible weight management; reporting procedures and club responsibility; brain injuries and concussion; and injury prevention and safety culture.
SAFE COMBAT was developed as part of an Erasmus+ project involving multiple European partners. The course aims to provide clubs with the knowledge needed to earn an official Safe Combat certification label, demonstrating their commitment to athlete welfare and safe training environments.
The programme recognises that combat sports and martial arts carry specific safeguarding challenges because of their physical nature. By offering practical, evidence-based training, the course helps coaches, club administrators and governing bodies understand their responsibilities and implement appropriate measures at every level.
The SAFE COMBAT course is freely accessible online and does not require prior safeguarding training.
The EJU has also announced the SAFE COMBAT Club Label, a certification available to clubs that complete the application steps. A club applying for the label needs a high-resolution club logo, proof of affiliation with its national federation, and the safeguarding officer's verification code received after completing the SAFE COMBAT MOOC. The label is intended to show that safeguarding measures are in place, and should not be described as a legal qualification.