12 September 2013

World Judo Day theme: PERSEVERANCE

Ukemi Lessons at School

World Judo Day theme: PERSEVERANCE

The 2013 World Judo Day, the third edition of the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) annual judo celebration, will focus on the theme of PERSEVERANCE on Monday 28 October

Previous themes were JUDO FOR ALL (2012) and RESPECT (2011) for the day which is dedicated to coaches, fans, judoka and everyone with a passion for one of the world’s most widely practiced sports. The World Judo Day takes place on the same date every year as 28 October is the birthday of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Today, more than 20 million people practice judo around the world on a daily basis. The IJF has 200 national member federations and five continental unions. The World Judo Day is our showcase of the sport’s values and our spirit as judo is more than a sport. Judo is an educational tool that can help people to live together and to respect one another. Our objective is to increase the number of judo players around the world and to help change people’s lives with the power of judo. IJF President Marius Vizer 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.” Following on the success of the first edition, the 2012 World Judo Day was a worldwide movement as the judo family showed their unparalleled passion for the sport and its values. The World Judo Day is an opportunity for judo lovers to share experiences and promote the sport in their region with activities such as demonstrations, competitions, inter-club training sessions and taster sessions. A communications tool kit (press releases, posters, banners, flyers) will soon be available on the official website (www.worldjudoday.com) that you will be able to use freely to promote your own event. This website is the main communication tool that we will use to promote all the activities throughout the world. Please send us your pictures and comments about your own event and we will share it with the whole judo community. Share your stories and pictures with the hashtag #WorldJudoDay via the various social media channels.