Jita Kyoei Day, inspired by the judo philosophy of mutual prosperity and benefit, will be a dynamic and engaging community event held globally between 23-30 September 2024. The event aims to demonstrate how judo is not just a sport but a powerful educational method that promotes additional values under Jita Kyoei 2 (JK2) such as proactivity, responsibility, trust, and self-realisation. This year the focus is on proactivity, a key quality that judo instils in its practitioners, encouraging them to take initiative and lead by example both on and off the tatami.
The event will transform any chosen location into an interactive dojo, inviting visitors of all ages to learn and experience the art of judo firsthand. From practical demonstrations to interactive sessions, Jita Kyoei Day promises a fun and enlightening morning for everyone. Some of the suggested locations to host the event can be such as the local town square or playground.
Date: 23-30 September 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Choice of your own
Next: How to Set Up?
- Tatami
The event will kick off with the preparation of the tatami, the traditional judo mat. Volunteers will ensure the area is safe and ready for demonstrations and public participation.
- Formal Greeting
The demonstration will begin with a formal greeting, emphasizing the importance of respect, a cornerstone of judo practice. This sets the tone for the event and introduces the audience to the disciplined yet welcoming environment of the dojo.
- Introduction of Judo
A brief introduction to judo will highlight its history, principles, and benefits. Presenters will explain how judo is more than just a martial art, it’s a way of life that fosters mental and physical growth.
- Invite Visitors to Join
In the spirit of inclusion, visitors will be invited to step onto the tatami and participate in basic judo techniques. This hands-on approach will allow them to experience the physical and mental discipline of judo. - Group Practice of Judo Techniques + Presentation of JK2 Values
Participants will be guided through simple judo techniques in a group setting. Instructors will simultaneously present JK2 values, showing how judo teaches proactivity, responsibility, trust, and self-realisation.
- Demonstrate Values through JK2 Methods: Role-Playing and Martial Arts Games
Role-playing scenarios and martial arts games will be used to teach key values in an engaging way. These activities will highlight proactivity, encouraging participants to take the lead, make decisions, and respond dynamically to challenges.
- Teach Visitors That Judo is All About Respect and Safety
Safety and respect are paramount in judo. Instructors will emphasize how these principles underpin every action in judo, from bowing before stepping onto the tatami to maintaining control during techniques.
- Distribute Promotional Leaflets for Club Training + Present JK2 Values
At various points during the event, promotional leaflets should be distributed, providing information about club training sessions and reinforcing the JK2 values. This will help interested participants find ways to continue their judo journey beyond the event.
- Focus on the four JK2 Values: Proactivity, Responsibility, Trust, and Self-Realization
Each value will be highlighted through activities and discussions, with special emphasis on proactivity. Participants will learn how taking initiative in judo mirrors proactive behaviours in daily life, such as setting goals, problem-solving, and leading by example.
- Keep the Area Around the Tatami Tidy
Volunteers will maintain a tidy area around the tatami, ensuring that water bottles, children’s shoes, and other items are neatly organized. This practice reinforces the judo value of responsibility, teaching participants to respect their environment.
- Conclude the Event with a Bow
The event will conclude with a group bow, a gesture of mutual respect and gratitude. This closing act symbolises the spirit of judo, honouring one another and the shared experience.
Why Proactivity Matters in Judo and in Life?
Proactivity is at the heart of judo practice. It involves taking control, making decisions, and acting with purpose rather than passively reacting to circumstances. In judo, being proactive means anticipating an opponent’s moves, staying alert, and continually adapting strategies. These skills translate directly into daily life, encouraging individuals to seize opportunities, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.
Through the fun and interactive demonstrations at Jita Kyoei Day, participants will see how judo nurtures proactive behaviours, empowering them to be leaders in their own lives. Whether it’s a young student learning the value of taking initiative in school or an adult applying these lessons in the workplace, judo lessons extend far beyond the tatami.
Images: Judo Club Liberty Oradea and Sportno Drustvo (Sports Society) GIB Ljubljana
Author: Szandra Szogedi