By silvernews
The Imo State Judo Association has joined judokas across the globe to celebrate this year’s World Judo Day, an annual event held in honour of Jigoro Kano, the Japanese founder of the sport. The celebration, which took place during the week in Owerri, featured a colourful display of judo artistry and community engagement.
As part of the activities marking the occasion, the association organized a road walk and public demonstration of various judo techniques, drawing attention to the discipline, respect, and physical fitness that define the sport. The event also served as a platform to promote unity among practitioners and inspire young people to embrace martial arts as a tool for personal development.
Highlights of the celebration included the recognition of outstanding members of the association who have contributed immensely to the growth of judo in Nigeria. Among those honoured were Nigeria’s number one judoka, Professor Obede Ogulodo (8th Dan); Coach Ebuka Ekeh; American Champion Supol Rafael Ubah; member of the National Judo Federation, Mr. Chijioka; and the association’s secretary, Mr. Kennedy.
In their remarks, judokas in the state called on the government, sports agencies, and Nigerians to support and embrace judo not only as a competitive sport but also as a valuable form of self-defense and discipline. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Kano’s ideals of mutual welfare, respect, and continuous self-improvement through the practice of judo.
