Mazatlán Hosts Judo Self-Defense Class for Women on International Women’s Day

Mazatlán, Sinaloa – In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, a National Personal Defense Class titled “Unstoppable Women” was held at the Sports Center of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. The event aimed to empower women with self-defense skills and enhance their personal security.

Collaboration for Women’s Safety

The class was organized by the Mexican Judo Federation with the support of the Mazatlán municipal government, demonstrating a collaborative effort to prioritize women’s safety and well-being.

Judo Experts Lead the Training

José Manuel Núñez Gutiérrez, president of the Sinaloa State Association of Judokas, led the warm-up exercises. Members of the Mazatlán Judo Team – América Hernández, Ximena Meda, and Samanda Palomares – then guided participants through practical self-defense techniques, including falls, wrist releases, and maneuvers addressing chokes and neck immobilization.

Empowerment Through Self-Defense

Samanda Palomares Mendoza emphasized the importance of self-defense training for women, stating, “Nowadays it is very critical for women to learn to defend themselves, because in addition to the fact that it means more security for themselves, it is also independence.”

Government Support and Judo in Mazatlán

Ezequiel Mora Bracamontes, director of the Mazatlán Municipal Sports Institute, attended the class, highlighting the municipal government’s support for the initiative, which aligned with the goals of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

Understanding Judo

Judo, a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport, was created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It is based on principles of maximum efficiency with minimum effort, focusing on takedowns, immobilizations, chokes, and armlocks to subdue an opponent. The sport promotes both physical and mental discipline, and competitions are held on a tatami while participants wear a judogi.

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