Congratulations dear fans to World Judo Day! October 28, the birthday of Jigoro Kano, is an annual day of awareness about judo and its values.
This day is for all judoka. I hope that all practitioners, clubs, national federations and Continental Unions will rally to highlight the greatness of judo.
For the third year in a row, the IJF is organising and promoting the World Judo Day, which is a full day dedicated to the values of our sport all over the globe. I know that many of you across the planet will prepare a special event to celebrate the educational dimension of Judo. Actually, you are all working on a daily basis to promote the extraordinary values of judo.
The International Judo Federation, in its missions, has the duty to develop judo in all sectors, without any kind of distinction and/or discrimination. When Master Jigoro Kano created judo in 1882, he wanted to create a means of education and he did it. This is the foundation of our discipline.
Judo has fundamental values that grow naturally in the dojo and on the mat, particularly through the various exercises that all of us have learned in our clubs. These values must find a favorable echo in everyday life and beyond that, in our society.
Last year’s second edition was a fantastic success. Thanks to all of you and to your inventiveness, we were able to organise brilliant activities on all five continents. The theme of the second edition of the World Judo Day was ‘JUDO FOR ALL’, when it was ‘RESPECT’ for the first edition back in 2011. In 2013, we have chosen “PERSEVERANCE” as the main theme. This important value is symbolized by: “No matter how many times you may fall down, the important is to always stand up again.”
This year, we would like to see around the world, on the same tatami and at the same time, all categories training together: men and women, youngsters and adults, white and black belts… all sharing the PERSEVERANCE value.
Marius Vizer, IJF President, said: “Dear judoka and judo lovers, with the occasion of the World Judo Day I ask all judoka and judo communities in the world to follow, defend and promote the Olympic spirit and values which are also the values of our sport. I ask for unity and solidarity and through the energy and spirit of judo we can increase our community and build a better world.”
Yarden Gerbi (ISR) – 2013 World Champion
I think without perseverance you can’t succeed in judo. For example I was working for a long time on a specific technique. I felt it was really good but I had never used it in a fight. I kept working on it and one year it took me till I used it during a competition. Without perseverance I don’t think it’s possible to succeed for a long time in judo, or in your job, studies, or any other goal in your life. Even when it’s hard, it is perseverance which helps you reach what you really want.
Loic Pietri (FRA) – 2013 World Champion
I think that perseverance is the first quality of all champions.
Miryam Roper (GER) – 2013 World Championship bronze medallist
Perseverance means never give up chasing your dreams. Life isn’t always easy. From time to time you face obstacles, setbacks or even failure. These are the times you need perseverance. But once you’ve overcome those difficulties and you then achieve your goal the success feels even better because you’ve earned it.
In judo perseverance is essential. For once you are never done. You’ve never learnt everything. There is always something to master. Perfection is not a state of mind but a steady progress. Also, in judo perseverance pays off. At least for me. Judo has always been my passion but only my persistence, sometimes stubborn ambition to improve has brought me where I am now, a World medallist at the age of 31. It definitively took me longer than most others, but here I am. I didn’t give up, I followed my heart and I keep working hard to chase my dream of becoming Olympic Champion.
Gevrise Emane (FRA) – 2013 World Championship bronze medallist
Perseverance for me is the essence of judo. To fall down and to get up: that’s what we all do in judo! Do not let go, do not admit defeat has been and remains my motto whether on or off the mat.
And nothing to do with misplaced stubbornness, but just the desire to give my best to go to the end of myself, to ultimately be able to look me in the eye!
Barbara Harel (FRA) – Former two-time European Champion
Perseverance means going after your dreams! Setting goals and making every effort possible to achieve them. In defeat we must draw lessons for the future! It is important not to get demoralised or to lose hope despite the failures! Judo is a tough sport that requires a lot of sacrifices but when you manage a good result it’s worth the effort!
Judoka
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