Guardian Girls International (GGI) and Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Launch Global Projecct to Safeguard Women and Girls Through Ju-Jitsu in Partnership with UNFPA Thailand and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand — Guardian Girls International (GGI), the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand, and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand proudly announced the global launch of the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ) project. The launch ceremony took place on November 4, 2025, during the Ju-Jitsu World Championships at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, marking a historic milestone in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through sport.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment among international and national partners to promote gender equality, end violence against women and girls, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.
With the launch in Thailand, the country becomes the second ASEAN member state to implement the GGJJ project—furthering its leadership in gender-responsive sports programs and reaffirming its dedication to creating safe, inclusive environments for women and girls. Thailand now joins 24 countries across five continents participating in Guardian Girls global programs designed to empower women and prevent gender-based violence through martial arts.
A Global Partnership for Empowerment and Safety
The launch ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International, and Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation and First Vice-President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS). The agreement formally establishes the global rollout of the GGJJ initiative under the joint leadership of GGI and JJIF.
Representatives from UNFPA Thailand, the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, the Ju-Jitsu Association of Thailand (JJAT), GGI Southeast Asia, and rRyojbabaSports also delivered messages of strong support, reflecting a shared vision of using sports as a platform to empower women and protect human rights.
Voices of Partnership
“It is our great honor to partner with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation in launching the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu initiative worldwide,” said Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International. “Originating from Japan, Ju-Jitsu is now a global discipline that embodies respect, resilience, and self-control. Through GGJJ, we aim to advance gender equality, empower women and girls, and prevent gender-based violence across communities in Thailand and beyond.”
“JJIF is proud to collaborate with Guardian Girls International to ensure that the principles of equality, safety, and respect are deeply rooted in the Ju-Jitsu movement,” said Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation. “Under this partnership, Ju-Jitsu becomes more than a martial art—it becomes a global force for empowerment, offering women and girls the confidence, skills, and dignity to lead safer, stronger lives.”
“At UNFPA, we believe that empowerment begins with safety, knowledge, and opportunity,” said Ms. Siriluck Choungchaisit, Head of UNFPA Thailand. “Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu embodies these values by equipping women and girls with practical self-defense skills and confidence, while also promoting awareness of their rights. UNFPA is proud to work alongside GGI, JJIF, and our partners to create a society free from violence and discrimination.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Guardian Girls International and the Ju-Jitsu International Federation on the launch of this meaningful project,” said H.E. Mr. OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand. “Ju-Jitsu, rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage, teaches that true strength comes from harmony, not dominance. Japan remains deeply committed to promoting gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls, and we are pleased to see these values expressed through the GGJJ initiative.”
Guardian Girls International (GGI) and Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) Launch Global Projecct to Safeguard Women and Girls Through Ju-Jitsu in Partnership with UNFPA Thailand and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand — Guardian Girls International (GGI), the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand, and the Embassy of Japan in Thailand proudly announced the global launch of the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ) project. The launch ceremony took place on November 4, 2025, during the Ju-Jitsu World Championships at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, marking a historic milestone in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through sport.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment among international and national partners to promote gender equality, end violence against women and girls, and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.
With the launch in Thailand, the country becomes the second ASEAN member state to implement the GGJJ project—furthering its leadership in gender-responsive sports programs and reaffirming its dedication to creating safe, inclusive environments for women and girls. Thailand now joins 24 countries across five continents participating in Guardian Girls global programs designed to empower women and prevent gender-based violence through martial arts.
A Global Partnership for Empowerment and Safety
The launch ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International, and Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation and First Vice-President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS). The agreement formally establishes the global rollout of the GGJJ initiative under the joint leadership of GGI and JJIF.
Representatives from UNFPA Thailand, the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, the Ju-Jitsu Association of Thailand (JJAT), GGI Southeast Asia, and rRyojbabaSports also delivered messages of strong support, reflecting a shared vision of using sports as a platform to empower women and protect human rights.
Voices of Partnership
“It is our great honor to partner with the Ju-Jitsu International Federation in launching the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu initiative worldwide,” said Mr. Shin Koyamada, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Guardian Girls International. “Originating from Japan, Ju-Jitsu is now a global discipline that embodies respect, resilience, and self-control. Through GGJJ, we aim to advance gender equality, empower women and girls, and prevent gender-based violence across communities in Thailand and beyond.”
“JJIF is proud to collaborate with Guardian Girls International to ensure that the principles of equality, safety, and respect are deeply rooted in the Ju-Jitsu movement,” said Mr. Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation. “Under this partnership, Ju-Jitsu becomes more than a martial art—it becomes a global force for empowerment, offering women and girls the confidence, skills, and dignity to lead safer, stronger lives.”
“At UNFPA, we believe that empowerment begins with safety, knowledge, and opportunity,” said Ms. Siriluck Choungchaisit, Head of UNFPA Thailand. “Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu embodies these values by equipping women and girls with practical self-defense skills and confidence, while also promoting awareness of their rights. UNFPA is proud to work alongside GGI, JJIF, and our partners to create a society free from violence and discrimination.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Guardian Girls International and the Ju-Jitsu International Federation on the launch of this meaningful project,” said H.E. Mr. OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand. “Ju-Jitsu, rooted in Japan’s cultural heritage, teaches that true strength comes from harmony, not dominance. Japan remains deeply committed to promoting gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls, and we are pleased to see these values expressed through the GGJJ initiative.”
About the Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu (GGJJ) project
Guardian Girls Ju-Jitsu is a flagship global project of GGI, implemented in exclusive partnership with the JJIF and its network of over 120 National Federations. The initiative uses Ju-Jitsu—a martial art that originated in Japan and evolved into a global sport—as a means to equip women and girls with practical self-defense skills, raise awareness of gender-based violence, and build confidence and leadership. Through certified female instructors and standardized training programs, GGJJ will organize seminars, academies, and community workshops worldwide, fostering safe spaces and promoting gender equality in and through sport. Official Site: https://guardiangirls.org/jujitsu
About Guardian Girls International (GGI)
Guardian Girls International (GGI) is a global non-governmental organization co-founded by Mr.Shin Koyamada, actor and producer (The Last Samurai), and Ms.Nia Lyte, women’s rights advocate and social entrepreneur. GGI advances gender equality and prevents violence against women and girls through sport-based empowerment, intercultural dialogue, education, and community engagement. The organization collaborates with international sports federations, United Nations agencies, governments, NGOs, and educational institutions around the world. Official Site: https://GuardianGirls.org
About the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF)
The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) is the recognized world governing body for the sport and martial art of Ju-Jitsu, representing over 120 National Federations and millions of practitioners globally. JJIF promotes the values of respect, integrity, and inclusivity through international competitions, education, and development programs. It is committed to fostering equality, safety, and fair play across all levels of the sport. Official Site: https://jjif.sport
About UNFPA Thailand
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, working to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA Thailand works closely with national and community partners to eliminate gender-based violence, strengthen prevention systems, and ensure comprehensive support for survivors while advancing equality and empowerment for all. Official Site: https://thailand.unfpa.org
