On this 8th September, 2021, the International Judo Federation is happy to celebrate International Literacy Day, launched for the first time in 1967 by UNESCO. Organised annually around the world, this day is meant to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, with the gaol of reaching a more sustainably literate and society.

Despite all the efforts and progress made over the years, challenges persist as at least 773 million young people and adults are lacking basic literacy skills.

Judo was invented as an educational tool with an objective to develop a more just society through the development of physical and mental capacities. Jigoro Kano Shihan based his invention on a strong study of the different martial arts in Japan and reinforced his knowledge through a methodical study of ancient texts to produce his own literature about judo.

A lot has been written about our sport and is still being written. It concerns either the technical dimension of judo or its powerful values. The International Judo Federation contributes to the spread of Jigoro Kano Shihan's philosophy and through concrete projects on the field focuses on the education of the youth.

On the IJF website, many references are available and can be used by teachers, coaches and judoka around the world, to foster their knowledge and skills, to be able to educate our little judoka better and contribute to reducing illiteracy.

IJF book section: CLICK HERE

History and culture: CLICK HERE

Judo values: CLICK HERE

The art and science of judo: CLICK HERE

American philosopher John Dewey said, "Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life but is life itself." Through judo we contribute to building a better life for millions of children. Happy International Literacy Day!

More information about the ILD: CLICK HERE

See also
Kata Paris 2025
A Day of Precision

08. Nov. 2025 / After five days of rare intensity during the Paris ...

Islamic Games 2025
Judo Energises at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games

08. Nov. 2025 / The 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games are in full swing ...

Kata Paris 2025
Where Movement Becomes Memory

08. Nov. 2025 / Where Movement Becomes Memory

IBSA Judo
IBSA Judo Asian Championships, Day 2

08. Nov. 2025 / Day 2 in Astana was as explosive as expected, the heavyweights ...

Kata Paris 2025
A Three-Tier Vision for a Broader Judo Experience

08. Nov. 2025 / Ahead of the 2025 World Kata Championships in Paris, ...

Kata
Koshiki-no-kata: The Echo of Armour

08. Nov. 2025 / It is an historic first for the Koshiki-no-kata; for ...

History
The Man Who Opened the Way

08. Nov. 2025 / On 23rd October 1975, in Vienna, a young French judoka ...

Athlete Stories
Arthur Melo (BRA): Character Wins Over Adversity

08. Nov. 2025 / Natural disasters affect millions of us the world over ...

Veterans Paris 2025
A Glorious Finale for Women in Paris

07. Nov. 2025 / The final day of the Paris World Judo Championships ...

IBSA Judo
IBSA Judo Asian Championships Results, Day One

07. Nov. 2025 / Ippon judo was the name of the game on day one in Astana, ...

Veterans Paris 2025
Paris Shines as a Global Benchmark

07. Nov. 2025 / As the final medals were awarded and the last ippons ...

Islamic Games 2025
Judo at Riyadh 2025 Starts to Take Shape

07. Nov. 2025 / In the heart of Riyadh, the judo community witnessed ...

IBSA Judo
Judo Conversations Guide the Ethos in Astana

07. Nov. 2025 / Ahead of the IBSA Judo Asian Championships, 7th to ...

INTERVIEW EXPRESS
Shishime Ai (JPN)

08. Jun. 2018 / The next reigning world champion to be invited to answer ...

News
5 Key Takeaways from judo’s first Tokyo 2020 qualifier

06. Jun. 2018 / Highlights from Hohhot Grand Prix 2018

VIDEO
Judo for the World in Iran

07. Jun. 2018 / In April 2018, the International Judo Federation and ...

Meeting
JUDO: A Beneficial Cause

07. Jun. 2018 / 'Society should believe in sport as a beneficial cause ...