Dear Judoka, dear Judo Family,
On this World Judo Day, I would like to reaffirm our shared belief that judo can be a true bridge, a space for connection, empathy, dialogue and unity in diversity, bringing peace when it is most needed.
With deep sadness, we see our world confronted with wars, conflicts, social unrest and environmental crises that bring hardship and instability. Yet amidst these challenges, we hear the call for PEACE.
For many years, Judo for Peace has been active in war zones and post-conflict regions, showing that respect and friendship can overcome fear and hatred.
Judo teaches us to fall and rise again, to face challenges with courage and to respect our opponents. By embracing its values, we all become ambassadors of peace and harmony, within society and with nature itself.
This day is also an invitation for reflection and action: to open our minds and hearts, to share our dojos, to support your communities and to show that PEACE is possible through our sport.
Together, through judo, we can help to build a more peaceful world.