The International Judo Federation (IJF) carried out a broad consultation to determine the changes that should or could be introduced in international judo to respond to the expectations of modernity and evolution linked to all sporting activities.
Through its official website, the IJF reported that, after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, on June 16, 2024, all National Federations were invited to send proposals for the judo regulations.
This window closed at the end of September, at which time all proposals were combined and presented to the International Judo Federation Technical Meeting for evaluation and discussion. The opinion of the media was also sought in order to answer as many questions as possible.
“With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a cycle has closed and a new one has opened the day after the event, which will lead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games. As at the end of each development period, the International Judo Federation has launched a broad consultation to determine the changes that should or could be introduced in international judo to respond to the expectations of modernity and evolution linked to all sporting activities.”
He indicated that the adaptations that will be made in the coming months in high-level practice were the subject of debate, analysis and discussions after the Abu Dhabi 2024 Grand Slam, which has just been held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
These discussions were held between members of the IJF Executive Committee, the most prominent national federations and international experts recognized and appreciated for their skills in the fields of refereeing, sports and the organization of World Judo Tour events.
The received aspects were freely discussed, keeping in mind the desire to maintain judo’s ability to evolve with the times, while preserving its fundamental values that make it a decidedly modern and deeply educational activity.
Among what stands out was that of “promoting judo ippon and reducing penalties, putting the decision of the competition in the hands of the positive performance of the athletes.”
He noted that the conclusion of the work will be presented at a seminar before the end of 2024.
Likewise, he indicated that, based on the guidelines proposed by this group of international experts, the seminar and after a final review, the IJF will develop the strategy that will result in an update of the rules that will be launched for the next Olympic cycle.
“Everything will be officially presented in January and will be implemented for the first time on the occasion of the first event of the World Judo Tour at the Grand Slam in Paris 2025.”
With information and photo from the IJF.
