The agreement was signed on behalf of the IJF by Mr Naser Al Tamimi, General Treasurer of the International Judo Federation, and by General Gonzalo Londoño, Secretary General of USIP.
USIP is the international organisation bringing together police sports bodies from across the world. Through sport, it promotes co-operation between police institutions, physical preparation, mutual understanding and the values that unite police officers beyond national borders.
The Memorandum of Understanding renews and strengthens years of close co-operation between the two organisations, with a particular focus on developing judo within police communities worldwide.
“This Memorandum of Understanding updates years of positive co-operation with the IJF,” said General Gonzalo Londoño. “We are working together to spread judo throughout our police community, the sport itself and its values. We believe that developing judo among police forces is important. It allows us to train officers physically, but also through the values and philosophy that judo carries.
At the end of the month, we will hold the USIP Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. We are happy that judo will be part of the seven sport programme; it will be the only martial art represented.”
The IJF has maintained a dedicated Police Commission for many years, recognising the important contribution judo can make to the education and preparation of police officers. Beyond physical conditioning and technical skills, judo provides a framework based on self control, respect, discipline, responsibility and the appropriate use of strength.
Through this renewed agreement, the IJF reaffirms its commitment to working hand in hand with USIP, supporting the education of police forces through judo and ensuring that the sport’s philosophy continues to reach communities around the world.