To those unfamiliar with judo, it can seem like just another combat sport.
There are throws, groundwork, judogi. It is a full-body discipline that undoubtedly builds strength, balance, and confidence.
Yet what many may not realise about this Olympic sport is that it is far more than “just” a sport. The phrase “judo, more than sport” is often repeated within the community, but what does it truly mean?
“Judo was invented as an educational tool even before becoming a sport,” Judo for Peace and International Judo Federation (IJF) Media Director Nicolas Messner told Olympics.com. “If today judo is a widely known and respected Olympic sport, it still has in its core the values that are meant to help build a better society.”
He goes on to explain how Judo is built on eight values: Courage, Courtesy, Friendship, Honesty, Honour, Modesty, Respect, and Self-control, alongside guiding principles such as Seiryoku Zenyo, maximum efficiency with minimum effort, and Jita Kyoei, mutual welfare and benefit.
The principles shape the way judo itself is performed. Rather than relying on brute strength to throw an opponent, a precisely timed foot sweep can achieve the same result more efficiently. Mutual welfare is equally central. In judo, athletes are responsible for each other’s safety, for example. When executing a throw, one must ensure that one’s opponent, or training partner lands safely.
Even the judogi itself reflects this shared responsibility; it is designed to be used by both one’s opponent, and must be maintained in proper condition and according to regulations.
Beyond the tatami, the values of judo show up in some of the following ways: Respect shown between judoka with bows at the end of a contest. No big celebrations, out of respect for the loser. Self-control if one does not agree with the result. It is evident in training camps, where rivals work together to improve, even helping those they will later face in competition. Imagine the equivalent of Ronaldo and Messi training side by side, or Alcaraz and Sinner playing friendly matches in order to improve everyone’s game.
“Because it can be practised anywhere, by people of all ages and backgrounds, judo is highly inclusive,” Messner explains. “On the mat, social differences disappear, everyone learns, progresses and succeeds together. This makes it a powerful tool for building understanding, reducing conflict and strengthening communities.
“These values can be applied in real world contexts, from schools to refugee camps, helping young people gain confidence, structure and a sense of belonging. In this way, judo changes the world not through grand gestures, but through everyday practice, by shaping better individuals, who in turn build stronger, more peaceful societies.”
On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), 6 April, Olympics.com takes a closer look at how judo can, and has transformed individuals and, in turn, the world around them.