The International Judo Federation was founded in July 1951. The IJF was originally composed of judo federations from Europe plus Argentina. Countries from four continents were affiliated over the next ten years.

The IJF establishes the rules for international judo competition.

Presidents of the IJF

• Aldo Torti, of Italy, 1951
• Risei Kano, son of Professor Kano, of Japan ; 1952-1965
• Charles Palmer of Great Britain, 1965-1979
• Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae, Japan, 1979-1987
• Mr. Sarkis Kaloghlian of Argentina, 1987-1989
• Mr. Lawrie Hargrave of New Zealand, 1989-1991
• Mr. Luis Baguena of Spain, 1991-1995
• Mr. Yong Sung Park, Korea, 1995-2007
• Marius Vizer, Austria, 2007-present

Reaction

Reaction in Japan

There is significant discontent (ranging to outrage) in Japan that there is no Japanese member in the IJF as the sport is originally Japanese and because some of the rules are either counter to Japanese tradition (like weight classes) or make it more difficult for the smaller Japanese competitors (such as some of the rules regarding Judogi.

References

• Official website