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 Judo.
Judo has fundamental values that grow naturally in the dojo and on the mat, particularly through the various exercises that every judoka have learned in clubs. These values must find a favorable echo in everyday life and beyond that, in the society.
Last year's first edition was a fantastic success. Thanks to all of the participants and to their inventiveness, brilliant activities were organized on all five continents in more than 50 places. The theme of the first edition of the World Judo Day was 'RESPECT'.
In 2012, "JUDO FOR ALL" has been chosen as the main theme. Wherever one comes from, whatever the social situation, the gender, the physical or mental capacities may be, everybody steps on the mat with equal chances and without any differences. This is symbolized by the white judogi that all judoka wear during the judo clinics and that help their partners to practice good judo.
"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. We would also like to see mentally and physically challenged judoka together with all the other judo players, champions with kids…: JUDO FOR ALL", explains the IJF President, Marius Vizer.
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", concluded Mr. Vizer.