Dismiss Putin from all positions in the IJF and revoke all of his Judo ranks!
The Issue
On February 24th, 2022, the world changed. For the first time since the second World War a European country fell victim to an invasion by another country. This act contrary to international law was ordered by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Nothing comparable has happened since the attack on Poland 1939.
In addition to this violation of international law he threatened “never experienced” consequences to Europe, if any country intervened in support of Ukraine. A threat, coming from the leader of a nuclear superpower, towards a continent that suffered from two World Wars, cannot be interpreted as anything else than the threat of a nuclear holocaust and war on humankind. This man is risking a third World War for his personal political gain.
With shame and disgust, we had to notice that Putin does not only hold a high rank in judo but is still the Honorary President of the IJF. As Judoka we cannot feel represented by an organization that courts a man of such character. In light of recent events, this feeling has become unbearable.
Judo as we understand it is not just a set of techniques but a set of values. According to http://kodokanjudoinstitute.org/en/courtesy/
"Kano Shihan pioneered Judo as a way in which to nurture people of excellence. Judo practitioners do not merely carry out exercises for the simple acquisition of technical skills. In the course of their study, they also learn Judo as a pathway through life with the aim of developing a fine character."
We do not see how Putin can be a Judoka and an ambassador for this sport we love so much.
What does one founding principle of Judo 自他共栄 (jita kyōei - mutual welfare and benefit) mean to Judoka today? How do the current events in Ukraine reflect this founding principle of Judo? How can a war monger like Putin be a representative for Judo? How can we tell children to look up and idolize those, who have achieved a high rank as well as the greatest honour the IJF can give?
As the former Honorary President of the Kodokan Kano Yukimitsu wrote in his foreword to “Kodokan Judo”:
"Professor Kano aimed at human perfection through judo and the betterment of mankind in the spirit of prosperity."
If the Judo values the IJF aims to uphold, values such as respect, sincerity and honor have any meaning, please act! We respectfully request Putin’s immediate dismissal from his position as Honorary President of the IJF and the revocation of all his IJF recognized ranks.
The Issue
On February 24th, 2022, the world changed. For the first time since the second World War a European country fell victim to an invasion by another country. This act contrary to international law was ordered by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Nothing comparable has happened since the attack on Poland 1939.
In addition to this violation of international law he threatened “never experienced” consequences to Europe, if any country intervened in support of Ukraine. A threat, coming from the leader of a nuclear superpower, towards a continent that suffered from two World Wars, cannot be interpreted as anything else than the threat of a nuclear holocaust and war on humankind. This man is risking a third World War for his personal political gain.
With shame and disgust, we had to notice that Putin does not only hold a high rank in judo but is still the Honorary President of the IJF. As Judoka we cannot feel represented by an organization that courts a man of such character. In light of recent events, this feeling has become unbearable.
Judo as we understand it is not just a set of techniques but a set of values. According to http://kodokanjudoinstitute.org/en/courtesy/
"Kano Shihan pioneered Judo as a way in which to nurture people of excellence. Judo practitioners do not merely carry out exercises for the simple acquisition of technical skills. In the course of their study, they also learn Judo as a pathway through life with the aim of developing a fine character."
We do not see how Putin can be a Judoka and an ambassador for this sport we love so much.
What does one founding principle of Judo 自他共栄 (jita kyōei - mutual welfare and benefit) mean to Judoka today? How do the current events in Ukraine reflect this founding principle of Judo? How can a war monger like Putin be a representative for Judo? How can we tell children to look up and idolize those, who have achieved a high rank as well as the greatest honour the IJF can give?
As the former Honorary President of the Kodokan Kano Yukimitsu wrote in his foreword to “Kodokan Judo”:
"Professor Kano aimed at human perfection through judo and the betterment of mankind in the spirit of prosperity."
If the Judo values the IJF aims to uphold, values such as respect, sincerity and honor have any meaning, please act! We respectfully request Putin’s immediate dismissal from his position as Honorary President of the IJF and the revocation of all his IJF recognized ranks.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on February 25, 2022