The theme for #WorldJudoDay 2018 will be picked by judo fans with a social media vote to decide the value from judo’s moral code for 28 October, the birthday of judo founder Jigoro Kano.

#WorldJudoDay was launched in 2011 and is an annual celebration for all members of the judo family to share their mutual love for the sport with special activities.

The event, which is now in its eighth year, has become a global celebration, as 28 October has become a key date on the international judo calendar.

Previous themes for #WorldJudoDay have been Respect (2011), Judo For All (2012), Perseverance (2013), Honour (2014), Unity (2015), Judo For The World (2016) and Courage (2017).

To decide the theme for 2018, the two most voted for themes from a shortlist of four have advanced to an Instagram poll on Wednesday. Friendship received 39% of votes of Twitter while Self control earned 30% and now these are both open to vote on in the latest IJF Instagram story!

Click here vote on Instagram from your mobile device!

See also
News
Olympic Capital Lausanne to Host New Grand Slam

01. Dec. 2025 / The International Judo Federation (IJF) is proud to ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
High-Level Judo, Dramatic Swings and Champions Confirmed

30. Nov. 2025 / The final day of competition delivered everything expected ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
+100 kg: Batkhuyag Outmanoeuvres to Take Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / Where many categories took time to settle, the +100 ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
+78 kg: Mukunoki Secures First Grand Slam Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / The +78 kg category reached the final block after a ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
–100 kg: Adamian Recovers to Claim Gold

30. Nov. 2025 / Few divisions shifted as dramatically from expectation ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-78 kg: Olek Takes Gold After a Tactical Rematch with Bellandi

30. Nov. 2025 / The afternoon session for the –78 kg category began ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-90 kg: Commanding Performance from Bekauri

30. Nov. 2025 / After a demanding preliminary phase full of momentum ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
A Morning of Battles That Reshaped the Day

30. Nov. 2025 / The preliminary rounds set a lively tone for the day, ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
A Day of Spectacular Judo and Decisive Performances

29. Nov. 2025 / Day 2 delivered a superb showcase of judo across four ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
Abu Dhabi Set for a Thrilling Final Act

29. Nov. 2025 / Day 3 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam promises explosive ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-81 kg: Gauthier Drapeau Claims Gold with Style and Control

29. Nov. 2025 / The –81 kg category reached its decisive stage with ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-70 kg: Szofi Ozbas Secures Gold with Authority

29. Nov. 2025 / The closing stages of the –70 kg category brought ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2025
-73 kg: Nils Stump Captures Gold After a Spectacular Final

29. Nov. 2025 / The final of the –73 kg category brought together ...

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 ...