Final Reminder: Win a Trip for Two!

The countdown is entering its final stage. There is now just one week left to enter the European Judo Union and Zebra Athletics ‘Win a Trip for Two’ campaign… and you could be heading to Tbilisi. Be there. Feel it. Live it. 🎁 What’s included for TWO people?• Return flights•…

9 March 2026

Portimao/Algarve Junior European Cup 2026 - Portimao/Algarve, Portugal

“It is complicated..."

Author: António da Costa The 2026 edition of the Portimão Junior European Cup has come to an end, concluding two days of excitement, adrenaline and high-level judo on Portuguese soil. On this second and final day of competition, seven weight categories were contested: three for women and four for men.…

8 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

Linz Ends with Authority

Europe finished the Upper Austria Grand Prix 2026 in Linz on a strong note, collecting 14 medals on the final day and bringing the continental total to an impressive 38 of the 56 medals on offer. While Japan maintained its position at the top of the overall medal table, the…

8 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

Laurin's Last Appearance

Author: Wolfgang Eichler “I would have liked to have had two or three more fights in Linz but I could hardly have imagined a more unpleasant opponent to start with than Piotr Kuczera from Poland. Of course, it is a shame that I didn’t get past 3:06 minutes of net…

8 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

The Good and The Bad

Author: Wolfgang Eichler The 4th edition of the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix was once again a great organisational success: packed spectator stands, a fantastic atmosphere, a likeable and approachable winner in gold medallist Michaela Polleres, not to mention positive feedback from the International Judo Federation and the 59 participating…

8 March 2026

Happy International Women's Day from the EJU

This International Women’s Day (March 8), the European Judo Union proudly celebrates the women whose strength, intelligence, and dedication shape and grow our sport every single day. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” reflects a principle deeply rooted in the values of judo itself.  Progress in sport has always been…

8 March 2026

Portimao/Algarve Junior European Cup 2026 - Portimao/Algarve, Portugal

Golden Comeback for Cvjetko Headlines Day One in Portimão

Author: António da Costa The first day of the Portimão Junior European Cup 2026 has come to an end. As expected, the day delivered excellent contests, plenty of excitement and a very high level of judo. This year’s edition has attracted 362 judoka from 23 countries, creating a strong and…

7 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

"The victory was only a matter of time.”

Author: Wolfgang Eichler Michaela Polleres (AUT/-70kg) secured gold on home soil at the Linz Grand Prix. The 28-year-old defeated junior world champion April Lynn Fohouo (SUI) in the final by ippon. The victory marks Polleres’ third Grand Prix title, following her wins in Tashkent and Cancun in 2018, and her…

7 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

Breakthrough Victories Light Up Day Two in Upper Austria

Another 12 medals were added to Europe’s tally on the second day of the Upper Austria Grand Prix, including two golden moments, each with its own compelling story. Despite Europe’s strong showing, Japan remains at the top of the overall medal table with three gold, one silver and one bronze…

7 March 2026

Podgorica Senior European Cup 2026 - Podgorica, Montenegro

Russia Leads as Day One Ignites the Senior European Cup

Author: Montenegrin Judo Federation The opening day of the Podgorica Senior European Cup 2026 delivered a vibrant showcase of international judo as athletes from 26 nations stepped onto the tatami at the Podgorica Verde Complex on Saturday, 7 March. Seven weight categories were decided in a highly competitive field, with…

7 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

World Premiere

Author: Wolfgang Eichler For the first time on the IJF World Tour, a dedicated ‘Mind Dojo – Dojo for the Soul’ is being offered to athletes and coaches at the TipsArena in Linz. The pilot project was initiated by Austrian board member and IJF Mental Health Officer Veronika Jakl and…

6 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

Strong Continental Opening in Linz

Twelve medals were secured by European judoka on the opening day of the Upper Austria Grand Prix 2026, including two golden moments. A special mention goes to the Spanish team, who claimed half of Europe’s medal haul. Currently, Japan leads the overall medal table with three gold, one silver and…

6 March 2026

Linz Grand Prix 2026 - Linz, Austria

Austria in Action, On and Off the Mat

Author: Wolfgang Eichler It came as no surprise that host nation Austria would not be represented in the final block on the first day of competition at the Upper Austria Judo Grand Prix in the Tips Arena. Nevertheless, Judo Austria head coach Yvonne Snir-Bönisch was not dissatisfied with the interim…

6 March 2026

Podgorica Senior European Cup 2026 - Podgorica, Montenegro

The Movement Continues in Podgorica

It has been 313 days since the curtain fell on the 2025 Senior European Judo Championships in Podgorica. At the time, many questioned whether the Montenegrin capital could host an event of such scale and prestige. Those doubts were quickly silenced. Podgorica delivered a memorable championship and, in recognition of…

6 March 2026

Tbilisi Veteran European Cup 2026 - Tbilisi, Georgia

"It is very important for veteran judoka to remain active in sport."

Author: Georgian Judo Federation Tbilisi is set to welcome the next stop of the Veterans European Cup tour on 7 March, bringing together experienced judoka from across Europe and beyond. A total of 112 athletes representing six nations will compete in the Georgian capital, continuing the strong tradition of veteran…

6 March 2026

EJU and ESSF Strengthen Cooperation Through Memorandum of Understanding

Judo has long carried a message that goes beyond competition. “Judo is more than sport; it is education.” These words are often repeated within the judo family and in Zagreb on 5 March 2026, that philosophy took a tangible step forward as the European Judo Union (EJU) and the European…

5 March 2026

Antalya "Millennium Team" Cadet European Cup 2026 - Antalya, Turkiye

“The cadet age category represents a critical stage in the transition of athletes..."

Author: Demir S. Durak Antalya is preparing to host Europe’s cadet judo elite once again this year, for the 31st occasion. The ‘Millennium Team’ Cadet European Cup, which will be held on 7–8 March 2026 at the Antalya Sports Hall, will bring together around 585 athletes from 24 countries competing…

5 March 2026

Kids Camp Belgium 2026

Ilse Heylen’s Growing Legacy

Olympic bronze medallist Ilse Heylen has long exchanged the pressure of the Olympic stage for the energy of the tatami filled with children. Ahead of her annual training camp in Lommel, now entering a new chapter in collaboration with the European Judo Union, we conversed with the founder of the…

3 March 2026