Judo is one of the most prominent modern Japanese martial arts. It was founded in the late 19th century by Dr. Jigoro Kano, inspired by traditional jujutsu techniques and developed in a way that promotes both educational and athletic values.
The term “Judo” (柔道) translates to “The Gentle Way,” reflecting the philosophy on which the sport is based—relying on balance and technique rather than direct force.
Judo is an internationally recognized Olympic sport practiced by people of all ages around the world. It helps build essential personal traits such as self-discipline, self-confidence, respect for others, and a commitment to fair play, in addition to offering physical and health benefits.
The Saudi Judo Federation is the official authority responsible for organizing and developing the sport of judo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It operates under the supervision of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
The Federation strives to build a comprehensive sports ecosystem that supports the growth of judo at the national level, expands its community base, and enhances competitiveness at both regional and international levels — in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for the sports sector.
Message from the President of the Board
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Judo Federation is committed to advancing this distinguished sport — one that combines strength with discipline and instills in its practitioners the values of respect, courage, and commitment.
Our goal is to build an inspiring sports environment that offers all individuals — citizens and residents alike — the opportunity to practice judo, contribute to improving quality of life, discover talents, and achieve excellence at both the national and international levels.
We remain dedicated to setting professional standards based on sustainability and continuous development, in order to elevate the status of Saudi judo on the global stage and empower future generations to carry forward a legacy of success and achievement.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Bassam
President of the Saudi Judo Federation
The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee is the highest governing body overseeing all sports federations in the Kingdom. It plays a central role in formulating public policies and providing strategic direction for the sports sector, while also supporting and advancing the institutional performance of the federations.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) was established in 1951 and serves as the official global governing body for the sport of judo.
It comprises over 200 national federations and is responsible for the development of the sport, standardization of its rules, and organization of official competitions worldwide.
The Saudi Judo Federation maintains ongoing coordination with the IJF to ensure compliance with international standards, develop national talent, and strengthen the Kingdom’s presence on the global stage.
