Celebrated on 28th October annually, the birthday of Jigoro Kano Shihan, World Judo Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that connect judoka across countries and generations. This year, ‘Belonging’ places particular emphasis on the relationships that help people feel recognised, supported and part of a community.
In Guinea for instance, those relationships were at the heart of a report from the judo club of Fria. Young judoka expressed their appreciation for the teachers who guide their development, paying tribute to their commitment and the effort they make on behalf of their students. Their recognition highlighted the importance of familiar figures who provide encouragement, transmit values and accompany young people as they grow. The judoka also encouraged parents to place their trust in the club and give their children the opportunity to discover the sport. The dojo emerged as a place of education, friendship and shared ambition.
Recognition also featured prominently in Madagascar, where the Ligue d’Analamanga and the Malagasy Judo Federation brought members of the community together for a celebration attended by the Japanese ambassador and regional representatives. Alongside the official appointment of league experts, certificates acknowledged young volunteers working in audiovisual and paramedical roles. Their contribution offered a valuable illustration of belonging; a judo community grows through the dedication of people whose work supports every session, gathering and competition. Giving those people recognition strengthens their place within the wider family.
Across the African continent and the Atlantic Ocean, in Canada, an invitation to join that family became the focus of a national campaign. Judo Canada linked World Judo Day to ‘Bring a Friend Judo Day,’ encouraging members to introduce someone new to their sport. The campaign invited clubs to organise discovery sessions and demonstrations, using existing friendships to create new connections on the tatami. A first visit to a dojo can feel more welcoming when someone is there to make the introduction, explain the first bow and share the experience.
Further south, in Brazil, the Federação Gaúcha de Judô reflected on the bonds developed through regular practice, describing training partners as family and teachers as reference points. Its message connected athletes, coaches and referees across Rio Grande do Sul through a shared sense of belonging, embracing different ages, backgrounds and circumstances.
That community spirit was also reflected in a solidarity dinner held by Sogipa in Porto Alegre on 30th October. Bringing athletes, relatives and club members together, the event aimed to raise funds to help the club’s youth teams participate in a competition in Santa Catarina. The initiative gave families and supporters a practical role in helping young judoka access further opportunities.
The celebrations are continuing on the other side of the globe in Australia too. Kazoku Judokan in Reynella East marked World Judo Day and its tenth anniversary with a programme combining a beginner kata session, a J-Girls gathering and a competition for developing judoka. By offering different ways to participate, the club creates opportunities for members to learn, meet and progress together.
These initiatives echo the message shared by Judo Australia: every judoka can help another person feel welcome, safe and at home in the dojo. That responsibility belongs to everyone, from the person greeting a newcomer to the training partner encouraging them to return.
Across these few examples, belonging becomes visible through personal connections and practical support. It grows when a teacher’s dedication is acknowledged, when a volunteer feels valued, when a friend accepts an invitation or when a community helps its young athletes take their next steps. World Judo Day provides a shared moment to celebrate those connections and to carry them into the daily life of every dojo.