Abstract - The past and present of the International Judo Federation
The last fifty years of the International Judo Federation (IJF) have been by all accounts a period of tremendous growth, prosperity and expansion for the international sport of judo. From humble beginnings in 1951 the IJF has grown to include 186 member National Federations making it the 7th largest Olympic International Federation in the world. Meanwhile, Judo has deveoped tremendously and its popularity has increased as a competitive Olympic sport which was exhibited by the sold-out venue and capacity crowds at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. More of the same can be expected in Athens in 2004.
The objective of the IJF is to interdependently concentrate our efforts in order to make judo the most popular and dynamic combat sport throughout the world in which the body and mind are trained. As modern society evolves, it is necessary for judo to evolve in order to accommodate and appeal to the preferences of society.