Youth leaders Lars and Maj developed The Journey of the Four Dojos, an innovative workshop that trained judo coaches on inclusive teaching practices. Through interactive learning sessions and a custom-designed comic strip, the project helped educators create more welcoming environments for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities while promoting inclusion throughout the Slovenian judo community.
About the Project
The Journey of the Four Dojos project was designed to promote inclusion within the judo community by equipping coaches and instructors with the tools needed to better support athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Youth leaders Lars and Maj developed an interactive workshop focused on inclusive and adaptive teaching practices, helping judo teachers create more welcoming and accessible training environments.
A unique feature of the project was the creation of a comic strip,
The Journey of the Four Dojos, which served as the foundation for the workshop and helped illustrate key concepts of inclusion in an engaging and accessible way. The youth leaders delivered the workshop at multiple events, sharing practical strategies for inclusive coaching with judo educators throughout their community.
The Inspiration
Lars and Maj were supported by members of their local club, Judo Klub Sokol, and Special Olympics Slovenia, who encouraged them to create a resource that would help coaches better understand inclusive pedagogy.
The Project
The youth leaders developed and delivered a workshop for judo teachers focused on inclusive coaching practices. Through interactive activities, discussions, and the use of the comic strip, participants learned how to adapt instruction and create environments where athletes of all abilities can thrive. The workshop was successfully implemented at three different events, allowing the youth leaders to test and refine their approach while reaching educators across the community.
Project Impact
The workshop helped judo teachers better understand inclusive pedagogy and provided practical tools for working with athletes of diverse abilities. Participants reported increased awareness of inclusion and greater confidence in adapting their teaching methods. By supporting coaches and educators, the project created opportunities for more athletes to fully participate in judo and experience a more inclusive sporting environment.
Project Leaders Reflection
Lars and Maj’s favorite memory was delivering the workshop for the first time and seeing it succeed. Throughout the project, they learned the importance of flexibility and adapting activities to meet the needs of different groups. They were especially proud of the impact the workshop had on their community and of their ability to work together to create a lasting resource that can continue promoting inclusion in the future. Both youth leaders plan to continue presenting the workshop and expanding its reach.
