A New School Path for Judo Takes Shape as IJF and ISF Sign Global Agreement

Judo in schools received a major push on Monday 4th May, when the International Judo Federation and the International School Sport Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding at IJF headquarters.

The agreement was formalised by IJF President Marius Vizer and ISF President Željko Tanasković, opening a strategic partnership focused on growing judo across school sport around the world. It is a move aimed not only at competition, but at education, access and long-term development.

The ISF, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee, runs major international school events including the Gymnasiades. With the IJF now directly supporting the technical organisation of judo inside those competitions, the goal is clear: provide young athletes with events that are safe, fair and technically solid, backed by qualified officials.

This agreement brings judo closer to students everywhere.

That technical support could become one of the most important parts of the partnership. Strong standards in school competitions can shape how young judoka experience the sport from the very beginning. For athletes, coaches and schools, that means a more reliable structure and a better environment in which to learn and compete.

But the project goes further than event delivery. The two organisations also want to expand educational programmes and strengthen the core values linked to judo: respect, discipline and integrity. Those ideas have always mattered on the tatami, and this agreement places them at the centre of judo’s role in school life.

Another key point is recognition. The IJF and ISF will work to help judo become an established sport within national school sport federations, giving it a stronger grassroots base. That could open more doors for young people to discover judo through their schools rather than only through clubs.

Inclusion is another central part of the plan. The partnership highlights participation for all students, with a strong focus on increasing girls’ involvement in judo. Making the sport more accessible is presented not simply as a numbers goal, but as a way to build confidence and support personal development.

More access can mean more confidence for the next generation.

The agreement also looks ahead to the people who help competitions run well. Dedicated education and assessment programmes for technical officials are part of the co-operation, with the aim of supporting professionalism and long-term growth. School events may also become a testing ground for innovation, where new formats and fresh ideas can be explored.

There is also a wider message behind the partnership. Sustainability, fair play and integrity are named as essential pillars, alongside efforts to fight discrimination and racism in sport. In that sense, this is not only about adding more judo competitions to school calendars. It is about using judo as a tool for education and social development.

For young judoka, the significance is easy to feel. A global agreement like this does not instantly change every school, but it sets a direction. And that direction points toward a future where more students can step onto the tatami and find not just a sport, but a set of values that stays with them beyond it.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation