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
Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
As the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Comes to an End, Everyone Celebrates its Success

10. May. 2026 / The last day of competition at the Qazaqstan Barysy ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
+100 kg: Tasoev’s Unequivocal Domination of the Heavyweights

10. May. 2026 / The heavyweight men’s category was set to close the ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
+78 kg: Startseva Wins in an Unpredictable Category

10. May. 2026 / The women’s heavyweight category at the Qazaqstan ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-100 kg: Baikamurov Raises the Host Nation Flag on the Last Day in Kazakhstan

10. May. 2026 / Vadim Ghimbovschi (MDA) had an uphill climb on his ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-78 kg: Olek and Boehm Continue the German Race

10. May. 2026 / The -78 kg category has long included German representatives ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-90 kg: Rutovic Delivers Open and Powerful Judo in Astana

10. May. 2026 / Serbian teen sensation Boris Rutovic exceeded all expectations ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
The Preliminaries in Astana - Day Three

10. May. 2026 / The third and final day of competition in Kazakhstan’s ...

Coach Stories
Mark Van Der Ham: Learning as a Team

10. May. 2026 / The Netherlands’ head coach is Mark Van Der Ham, ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
Kazakhstan Delivers Atmosphere, Culture and Friendship

09. May. 2026 / Day two has delivered in so many ways, from outstanding, ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-81 kg: Kazakhstan has a New Hero!

09. May. 2026 / It has long been understood that the men’s -81 kg ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-70 kg: Clemence Eme is the Champion in Kazakhstan

09. May. 2026 / Miriam Butkereit arrived in Kazakhstan in pole position ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-73 kg: Lavrentev and Basile Deliver in Kazakhstan

09. May. 2026 / The news that drew gasps in the -73 kg category was ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-63 kg: Lkhagvatogoo Refuses to Let the Gold Go

09. May. 2026 / In a category that included no less than 5 world medallists, ...

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 ...