Across Europe, kata is gaining more recognition as an essential part of judo’s identity. While the competitive, Olympic side of the sport often takes centre stage, kata remains its very foundation, a discipline that preserves the philosophy, respect, and precision upon which judo was built. Ukraine, a nation with a proud history of producing world-class judoka, has already hosted several kata gatherings and has now taken a significant step forward by organising its first certified seminar for all participants.
From 20–24 August 2025, the city of Uzhhorod hosted the All-Ukrainian Kata Certification Seminar. The event welcomed around 40 athletes and coaches, ranging in age from 17 to 80, all united by a desire to deepen their understanding of judo’s roots. Among them were two remarkable figures: Mr Vasyl Novyk, 70-year-old General Secretary of the Dan Commission, and Dr Anatoliy Alekseev, the 80-year-old Chairman of the Dan Commission, both of whom embody a lifetime of dedication to the sport.
Guided by European Judo Union experts Mr Igor Albreht, EJU Kata Commissioner, and Ms Monica Piredda, Head Kata Education Commissioner, the participants engaged in intensive theoretical and practical sessions. The seminar placed strong emphasis on the technical aspects of Nage-no-Kata and Katame-no-Kata, as well as on competition evaluation criteria and effective methods for teaching kata to young people and beginners.
By the conclusion of the seminar, 17 candidates proudly earned instructor licences, while 9 participants were certified as national judges, the very first in Ukrainian judo history. The event was organised by the Ukrainian Judo Federation and the Regional Judo Federation of Zakarpattia, within the framework of the EJU’s ongoing initiative, “Kata for All!”
Reflecting on the experience, Ms Piredda spoke with warmth and admiration:
“I came to Ukraine to support the formation and growth of the kata movement, and I return home with renewed passion for this sport. I found in both the organisers and the participants an incredible desire to learn, to improve, and an extraordinary commitment. To have been part of this important moment in the history of Ukrainian judo was very exciting, and I hope we will soon see Ukrainian athletes competing in European Kata Tournaments and Championships. The spirit shown on the tatami was truly exceptional.”
Special thanks were extended to Dr Mykhailo Koshliak, President of the Ukrainian Judo Federation, along with Vice-President Mr Sergey Kolesnichenko, Mr Alexander Nagibin, EJU Head Marketing Director, and all those whose efforts made the seminar possible.
This event marks not just a milestone for Ukrainian judo, but also a statement: kata is alive, relevant, and essential.
Images: Iryna Zavizion and Gennagy Yaremenko
Author: Szandra Szogedi