A group of Italian students recently drew widespread criticism following an incident aboard Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain. After a passenger asked them to lower their voices, some members of the group responded with offensive language and gestures. The students and their supervisor later apologised, and several students were fined by Thai police.
Judo has never been limited to throws, groundwork or winning contests. The Kodokan teaches that Rei begins with respect for the dignity of others, while Jita-Kyoei, or mutual welfare and benefit, reminds us to consider how our behaviour affects the people around us.
True Judo education does not end with a bow at the edge of the tatami. Respecting others, controlling one’s emotions and accepting responsibility outside the dojo are equally important parts of practising Judo.
Public reports
The following public reports were published on X by a Thai news organisation. As the incident involves young students, hkjudo.com has chosen not to reproduce or enlarge identifiable images of those involved.
- Thai news organisation report 1 on X
- Thai news organisation report 2 on X
- Thai news organisation report 3 on X