The International Judo Federation is today hosting the fifth annual #WorldJudoDay on 28 October, 2015 with UNITY selected as this year’s theme. Previous themes were HONOUR (2014), PERSEVERANCE (2013), JUDO FOR ALL (2012) and RESPECT (2011).

The day is dedicated to coaches, fans, judoka and everyone with a passion for one of the world’s most widely practised sports. 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 counts 195 national federations and 5 continental unions as members. 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. The objective is to increase the number of judo players around the world and to help change people’s lives with the power of judo.

Mr. 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 the judo to increase our community and build a better world.”

Double Olympic silver medallist Neil Adams MBE said: “Unity is about bringing people together. Judo and sport in general is an unconscious, unselfish happening of this very thing. Uniting people, who in other situations or environments, may never have met or interacted, or had the chance to become friends, grow from each other’s experiences and life stories. Unity is possible. Judo and its story is one great example of that.”

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) is available on the official website (www.worldjudoday.com) that you can use freely to promote your own events.

This website is the main communication tool that we will use to promote all the activities throughout the world. Please send your pictures and comments about your own event to the IJF who will share it with the whole judo community. (press@ijf.org)

#WorldJudoDay posters are now available at www.worldjudoday.com. Print and display them at your dojo with details about your activities.