- George Chung
- Oct 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Each year on October 28, the world celebrates World Judo Day, honoring the legacy and philosophy of Judo. This martial art, founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882, embodies more than just physical combat—its core principles emphasize respect, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that resonate worldwide.
In 2024, judokas and enthusiasts celebrate under this year’s theme, further enriching the journey of Judo’s profound impact on personal growth and self-discipline.
The Legacy of Jigoro Kano: Transforming Martial Arts into a Philosophy
Jigoro Kano, Judo’s creator, transformed traditional Japanese jujutsu into an art form focused on skillful throws, holds, and ground techniques designed to maximize "efficiency of movement and mutual welfare." His vision was to instill character-building qualities, using the tatami (mat) as a platform for education.
Why October 28? Honoring Kano’s Birthday and His Vision for Judo
Celebrating World Judo Day on October 28 is particularly meaningful as it marks Kano’s birthday. His relentless work in spreading Judo beyond Japan, establishing the Kodokan Institute, and even influencing the development of modern Olympic Judo has made Judo one of the most widely practiced martial arts globally.
World Judo Day Theme 2024: Uniting Communities through Respect
This year’s theme focuses on Respect, a core value deeply embedded in Judo culture. From bowing to one’s opponent to honoring dojo rules, respect in Judo extends beyond the mat, fostering connections between practitioners worldwide. Many dojos and Judo clubs use this day to hold events, workshops, and exhibitions, celebrating both the technical mastery and ethical grounding Judo offers.
Global Events and Activities on World Judo Day
Across continents, Judo federations organize events such as free workshops, seminars on Kano’s philosophy, and competitions that emphasize skill over aggression. Social media campaigns using #WorldJudoDay enable participants to share their Judo stories, techniques, and the values they’ve embraced through the sport.
Judo’s Growing Influence in MMA and Modern Martial Arts
Judo's impact is profound in mixed martial arts (MMA), where techniques like throws and submissions are pivotal. Fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison have showcased the effectiveness of Judo in MMA, inspiring a new generation to learn this ancient art.
