Panay Judo Club

World Judo Day

Dear judoka,

The situation unfolding in Ukraine as we write these words is terrible and we cannot say enough about our disgust at a conflict that is by definition useless and in principle is against everything we have all learned by doing judo. In these difficult times, it is up to us to make choices that are difficult. Above all, what seems most important to us is to offer our support to the Ukrainian people who are living today under the bombs and in fear of losing their lives.

During days spent in a paroxysmal emotional context, important decisions were made. Like any decision, it will be commented on and criticised with regard to the culture and experience of each. The athlete community is no exception to this rule and as a matter of principle it seems important to us to respect everyone's opinion. As we said in the introduction, the common core of our approach is the support that we can provide to people who suffer in their spirit and in their flesh because that is where we can implement the values ​​of friendship and mutual respect that judo taught us.

As high level athletes, we have to go on our mission: to compete in non-political international sporting events, where we do our best while respecting the rules of our sport and respecting its spirit.

We are aware that everything that can contribute to the de-escalation of this deadly and inhuman conflict must be undertaken. We are convinced that we must do everything to reach the end of this terrible war. We are also aware that it is already necessary to prepare the ground for a return to a more constructive dialogue, that we need to get ready for a new start and a good exchange of ideas. In this context, banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions is considered by some as a necessity, while others prefer offering a helping hand, working towards a more enlightened future by continuing to welcome all athletes. We hear both approaches and respect them.

The International Judo Federation has chosen to follow the recommendations of the international sports movement, while offering the possibility for all our athletes who, beyond all conflicts, live and evolve in harmony throughout the year, to continue to meet in competitions on the World Judo Tour. We believe that this is in line with our values ​​and in line with the contribution that judo can make to the world.

Yes, it is difficult to make the right decision as we said and we work on this all year round. Today we wish to continue to welcome all athletes, as human beings, without discrimination, especially not vis-à-vis decisions for which they are not responsible. We want to continue to talk to each other, to exchange, to enrich ourselves with our differences and our respective cultures, because they are our strength. We wish to remain united in order to support all the athletes from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus or anywhere, who need us more than ever. We therefore support the idea of allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under the IJF flag with the IJF logo and anthem and we hope that this will help to encourage a better future for everyone.

Yours in judo
The Athletes

Judo Shime Waza