Judo Beyond the Mat: International Seminar Promotes Peace and inclusion Through Sport
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A unique program combining elite judo training with cultural exchange and poignant lessons in peacebuilding has recently concluded, alongside the historic first Deaflympics held in Japan.
The Certified NPO JUDOs recently completed its annual international judo coaching seminar, running from October 7th to November 3rd. This year’s event welcomed eight judoka from seven countries, offering not onyl advanced technical instruction but also immersive experiences in Japanese history and culture. A core component of the seminar is a dedicated peace training session held in Hiroshima City, designed to convey the devastating impact of the atomic bomb and underscore the vital importance of peace.
“I had learned about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima through TV programs and books, but seeing the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome with my own eyes filled me with emotions that cannot be described in words,” shared one participant.Another attendee noted that the museum conveyed history as a “memory for peace,” fostering “a strong will to build peace through suffering, rather than revenge or hatred.”
Kosei Inoue, President of JUDOs, also led a technical session focusing on variations of the Uchimata entry, receiving valuable feedback and questions from the international participants. Inoue emphasized that JUDOs’ mission is rooted in “mutual understanding and the realization of lasting peace through judo,” a philosophy he believes was powerfully reinforced by the Hiroshima experience.
Historic First: The Deaflympics in Tokyo
Following the conclusion of the judo seminar, Japan hosted the Deaflympics Tokyo Games from November 15th to 26th – a landmark event as the first time the competition has been held in the country. The Deaflympics, a extensive international multi-sport event for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, featured competitors from 81 countries and regions.
The judo competition proved particularly compelling, with a remarkably high level of skill on display. observers noted the seamless integration of sign language communication throughout the venue, with support from local students adding to the vibrant atmosphere. A photograph captured Fumion Kishino of Japan engaging with an Irish athlete during the women’s 52kg judo class at Tokyo Budokan.
“The sight of sign language and sign language-based communication being commonplace was proof that the Games were being run with an athlete-centered mindset,” one observer commented. The event was seen as an opportunity to showcase the power of sport to foster inclusivity and understanding.
Looking Ahead: Grand Slam Tokyo and the Road to Paris
The momentum from the Deaflympics will carry into the grand slam Tokyo, an international judo tournament scheduled for December 6th and 7th. Several Japanese athletes who are slated to represent their country at the Paris Olympics – including Hifumi Abe, Takanori Nagase, Sanshiro Murao, Tatsuki Nagayama, Uta Abe, and Teru Sone – are expected to compete, promising a thrilling display of athletic prowess. Inoue expressed his anticipation for the upcoming competition, eager to witness the matches and the continued growth of the sport.
The work of JUDOs, as led by Preside
