The European Judo Union joins the Royal Spanish Judo Federation and the international judo family in mourning the passing of José Manuel Cortés Garijo, a highly respected international referee, dedicated official and a cherished member of the judo community. José Manuel Cortés Garijo, affectionately known as “Manel”, devoted his life…
15 June 2026University of Tsukuba, Japan — October 1–3, 2026
The International Symposium “Kano’s Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century: Judo, Youth and Education in a Changing World” invites researchers, academics and practitioners to contribute to a unique scientific exchange taking place at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, from 1–3 October 2026. Supported by the International Judo Federation,…
14 June 2026EJU Free Virtual Conference 3 July 2026
On 3 July, a panel of experts from across the judo world will come together for a virtual conference hosted by the European Judo Union to explore the future of safe, strong and inclusive judo. Among the speakers on the topic of Safe Combat is Juliane Robra, a partner at…
12 June 2026The qualification period for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028 kicks off next week, with the first points on the line already at the 2026 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam (19-21 June). The qualification process for a total of 372 spots will run from 15 June 2026 until 12 June…
11 June 2026Skopje Senior European Cup 2026 - Skopje, North Macedonia
Some hosts make history. Others create a legacy. Skopje did both. The summer of 2025 marked a remarkable chapter for judo in North Macedonia as the capital successfully welcomed some of the biggest events in the European calendar for the very first time, including the Cadet European Championships and the…
11 June 2026Porec EJU OTC 2026 - Porec, Croatia
The biggest names in world judo have once again returned to Poreč this June for JudoFest, formerly known as the Judo Festival. Among the six activities taking place during this unique celebration of judo, the European Judo Union’s Olympic Training Camp (OTC) and Cadet Training Camp, held in the Intersport…
10 June 2026European Judo Championships Cadets Gran Canaria 2026 - Gran Canaria, Spain
Every Olympic champion has a beginning but only a select few can trace their journey all the way back to Cadet European Championship gold. Long before they stood atop Olympic podiums, these judoka were already making their mark on the continental stage. From Moscow to Paris, their stories reveal a…
8 June 2026Tallinn European Open 2026 - Tallinn, Estonia
The second and final day of the Tallinn European Open 2026 followed the first day’s expectations as the home crowd had much reason to be excited. The day began perfectly for Estonia as the home athletes secured a string of victories, with competitors in every men’s weight category reaching at…
7 June 2026Tallinn European Open 2026 - Tallinn, Estonia
The Estonian judo family has taken over the capital for the Tallinn European Open 2026. This event brings together the country’s elite competitors and pairs them with the passionate energy of the entire local community. To make a tournament of this scale possible, young judoka and devoted family members have…
7 June 2026Tallinn European Open 2026 - Tallinn, Estonia
The opening day of the Tallinn European Open 2026 delivered exactly what was expected by the home crowd, the day featured world-class judo and fierce duels as athletes made their final statements before the official reset of the Olympic cycle. The home crowd had a joyful end to the day…
6 June 2026The Olympic gold medallist opens up about retirement and the challenge of shaping the next generation of judoka.
For much of her life, Nora Gjakova knew exactly who she was. She was a world-class judoka, an Olympic champion at -57kgs, a European champion, and a fierce competitor through and through. Then, in January, the Kosovar history maker retired. “I loved the version of me when I was an…
4 June 2026For young people looking to combine their passion for judo with an unforgettable international experience, an exciting opportunity awaits in Germany. The Leipziger Sportlöwen Judo Club, one of the largest judo clubs in the country, is offering a fully funded placement through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). The programme gives…
4 June 2026Tallinn European Open 2026 - Tallinn, Estonia
European judo friends turn their focus to Estonia over the weekend, 6-7 June, as the Tallinn European Open kicks off with 263 judoka representing 35 nations competing in the capital, highlighting the tournament’s significance as athletes chase crucial world ranking points in the last EJU competition before the Los Angeles…
4 June 2026“Patience and confidence.” Those are the two words 28-year-old Amber Gersjes credits for transforming years of perseverance into breakthrough success on the World Judo Tour. The Dutch judoka, competing in the -48kg category, made her Grand Slam debut in Düsseldorf in 2018. Armed with an enviable collection of accomplishments, including…
3 June 2026If there is one thing that May 2026 demonstrated beyond any doubt, it is the extraordinary reach of European judo. Across four corners of the continent, from the shores of Portugal’s Algarve to the historic streets of Sarajevo, from the bustling arenas of Istanbul to the vibrant tatami of Győr,…
2 June 2026After more than 4,500 days, nearly 150 months and almost 13 years of service to Judo Austria, Sports Director Markus Moser is preparing for the next chapter of his career. From 1 September, the 36-year-old Viennese sports scientist will take up the role of Head of Sport at the Austrian…
2 June 2026From Belgrade to Venray: One Week. Four Events. Endless Opportunities.
What if one journey could offer competition, education, international training and lifelong friendships? That is precisely the vision behind the EJU Week of Adapted Judo, a unique initiative that brings together four major international adapted judo events within a single week, creating one of the most comprehensive opportunities available anywhere…
1 June 2026Graz Junior European Cup 2026 - Graz, Austria
The European Junior Cup in Graz could hardly have ended in better fashion for the host nation, with Austria celebrating a second gold medal on the final day of competition. Marlene Schinwald claimed the -52 kg title in commanding style, producing a flawless performance from start to finish. “She was…
31 May 2026
European Judo Championships Cadets Gran Canaria 2026