Dear Judo Family, This year, World Judo Day focuses on the topic of well-being, a concept that affects all aspects of our lives, on the tatami, but also outside the dojo.
President of the IJF
The importance of well-being is particularly relevant in today’s world, where mental health problems, social isolation and sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts and societal changes have amplified the importance of prioritizing both mental and physical health. Judo, with its holistic approach to training the mind and body to help people become better citizens, serves as a guiding light in overcoming these challenges.
By focusing on different aspects of well-being (physical, mental, emotional and social), judo reinforces its role not only as a sport and martial art, but also as a practice that improves our overall quality of life.
- Physical well-being (judo as a catalyst for health, active lifestyles and flexibility).
- Mental and emotional well-being (judo as a facilitator of balance, resilience, self-esteem and confidence).
- Social well-being (judo encourages respect, mutual help, a sense of community and inclusion).
This year’s theme accompanies and encourages judo practitioners to see their training as more than just a sport, but as a path to holistic well-being, helping them become stronger, more resilient and more connected to their communities.
Many judo practitioners find their balance and harmony through their training. No matter how the day unfolds, whether full of triumphs or challenges, entering the dojo offers a feeling of renewal, and you always leave feeling more encouraged and balanced than when you arrived, with a new perspective. For most, the dojo becomes an additional home, a space for dialogue, and the judo club or team feels like another family. Whether you are a judoka, coach, referee, parent, grandparent or official, everyone finds their place and feels like they belong.
By participating in judo training and experiencing its positive impact, you not only improve yourself, but you also elevate your environment, spreading that renewed energy to those around you. This shared growth strengthens the entire community, creating a space where each individual contributes to the collective spirit of harmony and support.
On World Judo Day, October 28, the judo community is called to reflect on how its practice can continue to be a force for personal growth, mental health, connection and social contribution, a perfect embodiment of Jigoro Kano’s vision of judo as a way of life.
Marius L. Vizer
President of the IJF
Official Source: IJF.ORG
