Why Juliane Robra Still Lives Judo Every Day

Juliane Robra is bringing a deeply personal Judo perspective to the European Judo Union’s virtual conference on 3 July. The former Swiss judoka and European medallist will speak during the Safe Combat programme, connecting lessons from the tatami with the wider challenge of building safer and more inclusive sport.

Robra, now a partner at the Sport Evolution Alliance, describes Judo as much more than competition. In her view, it is a lifelong path of learning and self-improvement, and that idea still shapes how she works, leads and makes decisions long after her competitive career.

That message gives her appearance at the EJU event real weight. Robra is not speaking only as a former athlete, but as someone who says the values learned in Judo continue to influence her professional life, relationships and personal growth.

One of the key ideas she highlights is that success does not look the same for everyone. Instead of pushing people into comparison, she sees Judo as a practice that teaches athletes to focus on their own development. For teams and organisations, that mindset can open the door to stronger inclusion and a better understanding of how different people contribute to a shared goal.

She also points to core Judo principles such as mutual welfare and benefit, and the best use of energy, as lessons that remain relevant far beyond sport. For Robra, recovery is not something separate from performance. It is part of performance, and that balance between effort, rest and reflection matters not only in training but in work and family life too.

For Robra, Judo did not end with competition.

The Judo Moral Code also remains central to her outlook. Respect, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, self-control, friendship and politeness are not presented as abstract ideals, but as practical tools for leadership, resilience and decision-making. Robra credits Judo with teaching her how to deal with setbacks, adapt and keep moving forward.

Those ideas carry directly into her role with the Sport Evolution Alliance, a non-profit organisation that uses sport to support education, inclusion, integrity, wellbeing and social transformation across Europe and beyond. Although it is not a Judo organisation, Robra says its work is closely aligned with Judo philosophy, especially in areas such as respect, trust, collaboration and continuous learning.

Ahead of the conference, Robra also made a clear case for why safety must stay at the centre of combat sports. She described it as essential for the long-term health and success of both athletes and organisations. In a discipline that offers major benefits but also carries real risks, safety culture is not optional.

According to Robra, strong safeguarding and attention to physical and mental wellbeing help create training environments based on trust and respect. They also support more sustainable participation by reducing avoidable injuries and helping athletes develop over time.

That is where the Safe Combat certification comes in. Robra says it gives clubs and coaches practical support on risk management, injury prevention and safeguarding, while showing a real commitment to athlete welfare.

Safe, strong and inclusive Judo is the focus on 3 July.

The EJU conference is scheduled for Friday, 03 July 2026, from 17:00 to 20:30 CET, with free admission. Robra will appear in the session on how to get a club Safe Combat-certified alongside Prof. Nemanja Stankovich.

For anyone who sees Judo as more than results, Robra’s perspective feels especially powerful. Her message is simple but lasting: the practice may begin on the tatami, but its value can stay with you for life.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union