The conflict between Tradition and Modernization in a Sport Organization: A Sociological Study of Issues Surrounding the Organizational Reformation of the all Japan Judo Federation

Abstract

This study examines the conflict between tradition and the movement towards modernization in sport organizations. Specifically the paper focuses on the issues surrounding the structural reformations of the All Japan Judo Federation(AJJF). In con junction with the widespread development of international competition modern-day sports organizations are under increasing social pressures to produce higher standards of performance. As a result, the need for modernization arises and conflicts with the traditional values of the organization. This study attempts to cast some light on the internal dissention of the AJJF during the period 1983-89. The paper demonstrates that the crisis was in essence a conflict between some members of the AJJF trying to maintain the traditions of the iemoto system with members of The All Japan Student Judo Federation sought to modernize the organization.