International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer has awarded NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang an honorary black belt during a visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, where preparations are under way for the next edition of the World Judo Championships.
Following the World Championships in Baku, Vizer travelled to Astana to assess preparations for the event. He met Huang alongside Timur Kemell, the IJF Director of Promotion and Development and a member of the federation’s Executive Committee.
According to the IJF, the honorary black belt recognises the values Huang shares with judo and his contribution to technology and innovation. Kemell also presented him with the Code of Judo, which sets out eight principles central to the sport, including courtesy, courage, honesty, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship.
From Right: Marius Vizer, Jensen Huang, Timur Kemell
Judo, leadership and innovation
Speaking at the ceremony, Vizer emphasised judo’s role beyond competition, describing it as a way of life that brings people together across cultures and generations. He also highlighted the connections between the sport’s principles and the qualities of leadership, perseverance and continuous improvement.
The recognition brings the IJF’s traditional values into the context of the technology industry. Huang’s work at NVIDIA, a leading company in computing and artificial intelligence, gives the encounter significance beyond the sporting arena.
The visit also coincides with preparations for Astana’s upcoming World Judo Championships, placing the city at the centre of the IJF’s current activities. The federation has not announced any specific partnership with NVIDIA in connection with the meeting.
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