Sunday, 23 March 2025, saw the Judo WA community come together for an inspiring day on the tatami as part of Judo Australia’s national J-Girls initiative.

Delivered under the banner of the J-Girls National Mat Takeover, the Perth event brought together girls and women from across Western Australia to celebrate the sport of judo, foster a sense of community, and shine a spotlight on the powerful role female athletes play in shaping our sport.

Led by two of WA’s own high-performance athletes – Maria Swan and Saya Middleton – the day featured engaging, empowering sessions focused on skill development, confidence building, and connection. Both Maria and Saya generously shared their expertise and personal insights, serving as inspiring role models for the next generation of judoka.

The J-Girls program is a national initiative by Judo Australia, designed to support and grow female participation in judo by creating inclusive, female-led environments that promote learning, leadership, and wellbeing. The program is proudly supported through Judo Australia’s PlayWell funding, with backing from the Australian Sports Commission.

Judo WA was proud to host this event as part of the coordinated national delivery, joining clubs and organisations across the country in marking this important occasion.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who made the Perth mat takeover such a success.

For more information on the J-Girls program, visit www.ausjudo.com.au/jgirls