Azerbaijan, renowned for producing Olympic, world, and European champions, has reached a historic milestone past weekend with its first-ever National Kata Championship and inaugural kata judges’ seminar. The transformation began with the IJF Academy programme, which includes Nage-no-kata alongside the 100 Kodokan techniques. When several students expressed genuine interest in continuing their kata education, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation responded decisively, organising additional seminars, founding a national kata team and supporting international competition.
The validation came at the EJU Kata Tour in Radom, where Azerbaijan claimed its first historic EJU kata medal.
The seminar, led by Dr. Slaviša Bradić, EJU Head Kata Commissioner, with assistance from Mr. Mehmet Yilmaz, resulted in the licensing of Azerbaijan’s first national kata judges. Immediately following, the newly appointed judges put their skills into practice at the National Kata Championship, which featured Nage-no-kata competitions across cadet, junior and senior categories.
The organisation was characteristic of the Azerbaijan Federation, featuring the CARE judging system, television broadcast and valuable awards for medallists. Secretary General, Rashad Rasul ensured kata received the same professional treatment as the country’s competitive judo programme.
Dr. Bradić offered an enthusiastic assessment of Azerbaijan’s progress:
“I am truly happy and proud to have participated in the creation and development of kata culture and competitions in this exceptional judo nation. After a series of seminars and the training of coaches, a team that, in addition to their daily coaching work, has specialised in kata, I can say that this group is a true example of quality, energy and vision.”
He praised the standard of performance across all age groups: “I witnessed an excellent level of performance in the cadet and junior age groups, who show great promise for the senior category. Furthermore, the senior medal winners demonstrated an enviable standard.”
Earlier in 2025, Azerbaijan hosted the ‘Kata for All’ festival for children, demonstrating the federation’s commitment to embedding kata culture at grassroots level. Azerbaijan has demonstrated that kata culture can flourish even in nations synonymous with competitive excellence. The development of cadet and junior categories ensures future generations will grow up with kata as an integrated part of their judo education.
As Dr. Bradić concluded: “I look forward to continuing my support for the development of kata in Azerbaijan in all segments, from education to competition.” Foundations now firmly established and Azerbaijan’s kata story is only just beginning.
Images: Azerbaijan Judo Federation
Author: Szandra Szogedi