IJF unveils 2015 World Judo Day theme: UNITY

The International Judo Federation will host the fifth and most anticipated edition of the annual #WorldJudoDay on 28 October with UNITY selected as this year’s theme. Previous themes were HONOUR (2014), PERSEVERANCE (2013), JUDO FOR ALL (2012) and RESPECT (2011) for the day which is dedicated to coaches, fans, judoka and everyone with a passion for one of the world’s most widely practised sports.

The #WorldJudoDay takes place on the same date every year as 28 October is the birthday of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo.

Today, more than 20 million people practice judo around the world on a daily basis. The IJF counts 200 national federations and five continental unions as members.

The #WorldJudoDay is our showcase of the sport’s values and our spirit as judo is more than a sport. Judo is an educational tool that can help people to live together and to respect one another. The objective is to increase the number of judo players around the world and to help change people’s lives with the power of judo.

Mr. Marius Vizer, IJF President, said: “Dear judoka and judo lovers, with the occasion of the World Judo Day, I ask all judoka and judo communities in the world to follow, defend and promote the Olympic spirit and values which are also the values of our sport. I ask for unity and solidarity and through the energy and spirit of the judo to increase our community and build a better world.”

IJF Hall of Famer and double Olympic silver medallist Neil Adams said: “Unity is about bringing people together. Judo and sport in general is an unconscious, unselfish happening of this very thing. Uniting people, who in other situations or environments, may never have met or interacted, or had the chance to become friends, grow from each other's experiences and life stories. Unity is possible. Judo and its story is one great example of that."

Watch the best photos with the team UNITY