In the serene heart of the Dojo de Paris, the 2025 World Kata Championships unfolded with an atmosphere of reverence and focus that stood in stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the Veteran World Championships held just days earlier. Silence reigned supreme, so profound that one could hear a pin drop.
It was a setting befitting the art of kata, where every movement is a dialogue of discipline, tradition, and mutual respect. Kristiina Pekkola, EJU Vice President in charge of Education, was present and noted:
“This year marked a historic milestone for the event, with a record-breaking 609 participants forming 233 pairs, a remarkable leap from last year’s 133 pairs in Las Vegas. In total, 37 nations took part, and the event was overseen by 43 distinguished judges, reflecting the growing global appreciation for kata and its role in preserving the essence of judo. For the first time, Itsutsu-no-kata appeared on the programme of the Kata World Championships.
“Organisational excellence was evident in every detail, from the seamless scheduling to the respectful ambience that honoured the spirit of kata. A heartfelt thank you goes to the French Judo Federation, whose dedication and precision made this event a resounding success, in close collaboration with the IJF Kata Commission. Their joint efforts elevated the championships to new heights, setting a benchmark for future editions.”
Full Results
Images: IJF
Author: Szandra Szogedi