The 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 2026Györ Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 - Györ, Hungary
Another memorable chapter in the EJU Judo Hopes series was written in Győr, where 556 young judoka from 24 countries came together to compete, learn and grow. Additionally, there were more than 100 coaches present, all gaining valuable experience and countless memorable moments throughout an action-packed weekend. The mission of…
31 May 2026Sarajevo Senior European Cup 2026 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Another successful judo event concluded over the weekend of 30–31 May in Sarajevo. The Bosnian capital is no stranger to hosting major events, even when they come less than two weeks apart and require entirely different set-ups. Just ten days ago, Sarajevo welcomed the Kodokan Kata Seminar, which followed directly…
31 May 2026Györ Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 - Györ, Hungary
The action continues in Győr as the European Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 moves into its final day. After an exciting opening day, the next generation of judoka are back on the tatami, ready to test their skills, chase medals and gain valuable international experience. Follow every contest live and support…
31 May 2026Graz Junior European Cup 2026 - Graz, Austria
The standings at the halfway stage of the European Junior Cup Graz 2026 have been turned on their head. No fewer than nine European nations feature in the top 10 of the medal table, sharing five of the seven gold medals awarded on the opening day. Yet the nation sitting…
30 May 2026European Judo Championships Cadets Gran Canaria 2026 - Gran Canaria, Spain
Sara Alvarez has worn many hats in the world of judo. From Olympic athlete to coach at both cadet and senior levels, member of the EJU Coaching Commission, Sport Director for the Spanish Judo Federation, and Sport Director for IBSA Judo, it’s fair to say she has experienced almost every…
30 May 2026Györ Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 - Györ, Hungary
While much of Hungary turned its attention to Budapest this weekend, where French and English football supporters flooded the capital ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final, another major international sporting event was gathering momentum 120 kilometres to the west. The impact of the football showpiece was already noticeable on…
30 May 2026Graz Junior European Cup 2026 - Graz, Austria
It became official at 8:30am on Saturday, 30 May: the 2026 Junior European Cup in Graz has made judo history. Never before has a junior tournament, either in Europe or worldwide, attracted a larger field of competitors than this weekend’s event at the Raiffeisensportpark Graz. A total of 617 young…
30 May 2026Graz Junior European Cup 2026 - Graz, Austria
Your complexion might be a little paler than usual and your heart rate a touch higher. Sleep, too, may occasionally dip into the red zone. With the Junior European Cup in Graz (30–31 May) fast approaching, the pressure is coming from two directions. It is not only the weight of…
29 May 2026Bardonecchia EJU OTC 2026 - Bardonecchia, Italy
There are training camps… and then there are experiences that stay with you long after the final randori ends. The latter has become a constant hallmark of the EJU OTC series, as these events are not only about elite preparation but also about the atmosphere and surroundings that make them…
28 May 2026Györ Judo Hopes Tournament 2026 - Györ, Hungary
The three-day youth festival, European Judo Hopes, will get underway in Győr this Friday, 29 May, bringing together Europe’s rising talents in the U14 and U16 age categories. The event will take place at the Olympic Sports Park and will feature technical sessions led by world-class judoka, including Japan’s Misato…
28 May 2026
Tallinn European Open 2026