The International Judo Federation has released the third episode of a series of films aimed at showing why the sport is so important in Japan on the road to both the 2019 World Championships and 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo ©IJF

The International Judo Federation (IJF) has released the third episode of a series of films aimed at showing why the sport is so important in Japan on the road to both this year's World Championships and 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 

The episode, entitled The Art of Judo - Winter’s Dawn, was filmed in January 2019 and is the latest instalment in the wider Judo for the World movie series.

It focuses on mental strength and the traditional celebration of new year in Japan.

Viewers can discover the little judo community of Toma in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, where the Ueno family, despite the harsh weather conditions, has produced amazing judoka who have gone onto become Olympic and world champions.

Beyond the results, more can be learnt about the educational dimension of judo and how it can develop in big cities as well as small communities.

Viewers can also discover the Kangeiko tradition, where judoka from all over the world gather together at the Kodokan and for more than 10 days train hard, early in the morning, with the best experts.

Additionally, the wise words of two of the Kodokan 10th Dans, Abe Ichiro and Daigo Toshiro, can be heard.

"This episode will make you dive into ancient and modern Japan," an IJF statement reads.

"From the north and beautiful snowy countryside to Tokyo, the city that never sleeps, you will understand why judo is much more than a sport."

The Art of Judo series, which also seeks to demonstrate how the sport has become a universal activity and an educational tool worldwide, is to be divided into four episodes.

The IJF intends to produce the last film in 2020, just before the Olympic Games scheduled to take place from July 24 to August 9.

The first episode, which can be accessed here, was filmed in Autumn and featured the founder of judo, Master Kanō Jigorō.

The second episode, available here, was filmed in Summer and highlighted the passion of youth for judo.

The 2019 World Judo Championships are due to be held at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan venue from August 25 to September 1.