A new initiative will be piloted during the Linz Grand Prix 2026
In elite sport, strength is often measured in seconds, scores and podium finishes. Yet, behind every contest lies a quieter reality, the emotional weight of expectation, pressure and relentless performance. As judo continues to evolve, so too does its understanding of what it means to truly care for its community.…
6 February 2026Rome Cadet European Cup 2026 - Rome, Italy
Author: Carola Paissoni For the first time ever, Rome is set to host the opening event of the 2026 international U18 circuit, precisely the ‘Millennium Team’ European Cadet Cup. Between 7–8 February, the Palapellicone in Ostia will become the stage for a prestigious competition, welcoming the elite of European cadet…
5 February 2026Sarajevo Junior European Cup 2026 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The opening junior event of 2026 will welcome world-class young athletes for their first test of the year. The ultimate goal? The junior European and world championships, and for some, the senior circuit is already firmly in their sights. Currently, the entry list features a total of 346 athletes from…
4 February 2026Erasmus +
A groundbreaking judo programme designed specifically for autistic children will soon be available on the European Judo Union’s educational platform, following the success of a pioneering Italian initiative that has already benefited hundreds of children across Europe. The KATAUTISM project, coordinated by the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM), aims to provide…
3 February 2026Erasmus +
Ljubljana has long served as a hub for European judo, hosting elite competitions, development camps and innovative projects that push the sport forward. This month, the Slovenian capital welcomed the official launch of JudoBraille, a two-year Erasmus+ Sport project aiming to make judo fully accessible to blind and visually impaired…
3 February 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Victory has many voices. Sometimes it speaks through euphoria and celebration. Sometimes through exhaustion and relief and sometimes, as it did for Bulgaria’s two gold medallists in Sofia, it speaks through raw honesty and dedication that transcends sport entirely. GABRIELA DIMITROVA: “Everything in competition is difficult.” The question seems simple…
1 February 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Issa Naschcho, ranked 345th in the world this morning, the Austrian judoka entered the -90kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open as an afterthought in a competitive draw. By the evening, he stood atop the podium, gold medal around his neck, having dismantled higher-ranked opponents and overcome the toughest…
1 February 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The second and final day of the European Judo Open Sofia 2026 delivered everything the locals would have dreamed of. Meanwhile, if day one showcased European depth, day two proved that rankings are merely suggestions when athletes step onto the tatami. As the final medal ceremony concluded, Bulgaria stood atop…
1 February 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Victor Skerlev entered the -73kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open amongst top eighth seed, respectively but hardly the overwhelming favourite. Ranked 79th in the world, the 20-year-old Bulgarian had potential on paper but questions in practice. Could he handle the pressure of competing at home? Would expectation weigh…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
Olha Tsimko wasn’t on anyone’s pre-tournament favourites list. Ranked 167th in the senior world rankings, the 22-year-old Ukrainian entered the -70kg category at the Sofia European Judo Open without fanfare or expectation. By the time she left Arena 8888 on Saturday evening, she would announced herself to European judo in…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The opening day of the European Judo Open Sofia 2026 delivered precisely what competitive judo should: unpredictability, drama and a medal table that told the story of depth across European competition. Ukraine finished atop the standings with two golds and one silver but the victories were spread wide, 17 nations…
31 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
The International Judo Federation informed the judo community of updated rules at the beginning of January and as Europe’s first competition of 2026 approaches this weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria, the sport’s leadership has moved swiftly to ensure seamless implementation. Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Director, joined a pre-event coaching seminar…
30 January 2026Sofia European Open 2026 - Sofia, Bulgaria
After weeks of winter training camps and meticulous preparation, European judo springs to life this weekend as Sofia hosts the season’s opening European Open on 31 January and 1 February. Arena 8888 will witness over 400 athletes from across Europe and beyond, all hungry to make their mark in a…
30 January 2026Herstal EJU OTC 2026 - Herstal, Belgium
Author: Alan Marchal Once again, nearly 300 judoka from 30 different countries will meet on the mat of the Olympic Training Camp in Herstal (Belgium) between 2-5 February 2026. “Bringing together so many athletes is always a source of pride,” says Frédéric Treuttens, President of Judo Wallonie Bruxelles, the Belgian…
30 January 2026The Macedonian Opera House in Skopje hosted hundreds of dignitaries, athletes and sporting officials on the evening of 29 January for the nation’s most prestigious sporting celebration. Amongst the assembled gathering, including multiple mayors, ambassadors, Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski, and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, one federation waited with particular…
29 January 2026The European Judo Union is conducting a survey to explore the potential establishment of a European Championships for Uniformed Forces and invites your participation. This initiative aims to recognise and celebrate the significant contribution of police officers, military personnel and other uniformed service members to the judo community across Europe.…
29 January 2026Episode 2
In the second instalment of our three-part series, Driton “Toni” Kuka recounts the moment that nearly ended his coaching career, the redemption that followed and the millimetre-perfect preparation that has delivered Olympic gold on the world’s biggest stage. The Lowest Point Every coach has a moment that defines them, a…
28 January 2026EJU Marketing Meeting - Belgrade, Serbia
When athletes step onto the tatami at major European competitions, they rarely think about what is beneath their feet. Yet the quality, safety and performance of competition mats can make the difference between confidence and hesitation, between peak performance and injury risk. For Zebra Regupol, that responsibility is both technical…
28 January 2026
Paris Grand Slam 2026