WELL-BEING THROUGH JUDO

World Judo Day 2024 will focus on the theme of well-being, celebrating judo’s holistic contribution to physical, mental, and emotional health. Held annually on October 28, the birthday of judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano, World Judo Day aims to highlight the values and benefits of the sport beyond the competitive arena.

Judo and Well-Being

This year’s theme, “Well-Being,” underlines judo’s role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Judo’s rigorous training enhances physical fitness by improving strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Its mental aspects, like discipline, focus, and emotional control, contribute to mental resilience and stress reduction. The sport’s emphasis on mutual respect and community-building fosters positive social connections, enhancing emotional and social well-being.

World Judo Day unites the global judo community in celebrating the sport’s values, including respect, perseverance, and mutual aid. Clubs, athletes, and coaches around the world will organise events, workshops, and seminars focusing on how judo contributes to overall well-being, helping people of all ages lead healthier, more balanced lives.

The Legacy of Jigoro Kano

Jigoro Kano founded judo as a way to improve individuals and, by extension, society. His principles of “Jita Kyoei” (mutual benefit) and “Seiryoku Zenyo” (maximum efficiency) remain central to judo’s philosophy, and this year’s World Judo Day theme is a testament to his vision of judo as a pathway to physical and personal growth.

As the world celebrates judo in 2024, the focus on well-being serves as a reminder of the sport’s enduring power to transform lives, bringing balance to body, mind, and spirit.

The International Judo Federation offers the opportunity to reward World Judo Day participants with a diploma that can be downloaded online via the links below.