Every year since 2011, the 28th of October marks World Judo Day is celebrated by clubs, judoka and organisations across the globe. On this day we also celebrate the birthday of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo.

This year’s theme is ‘Inclusion, Uniting the Judo Family’, the theme was announced on World Women’s Day to highlight the importance of inclusion for women in all areas of judo. In a statement released for WJD, IJF President Marius Vizer, states: “Inclusion is vital, especially in humanity’s most difficult moments.”

The sport of judo is open to everyone and British Judo prides itself on being a welcoming, inclusive community both on and off the mat. Celebrating differences, respecting and being sensitive to others without causing harm, is central to our values. The only thing that defines us in judo is the colour of our belts.

At British Judo we agree that inclusion is vital, and as part of World Judo Day we are pleased to launch the British Judo Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The British Judo Diversity and Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on diversity and inclusion through all pillars of the work at British Judo. The strategy will be followed by the Association’s Diversity and Inclusion action plan which is due to be launched in 2023.

The Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan highlights areas it believes can, and should, be addressed to promote greater inclusion in British Judo. It aims to build on the core values, principles and ideas, allowing everyone in the sport to understand their role in supporting existing initiatives and progressing new ideas.

Download and read the British Judo Diversity and Inclusion strategy here.

An accessible version of the British Judo Diversity and Inclusion strategy can be downloaded here.

British Judo will also be continuing the celebration of World Judo Day, sharing the achievements and stories of those who are driving inclusion forward in the sport of judo.

Watch out for further news from British Judo by checking out our latest news section. You can also catch up via our official social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.