Author: Andrzej Mucha
The Radom European Kata Tournament 2026 will bring together 152 athletes from 14 countries, offering a full day of competition across cadet, junior and senior categories. As the final European Kata Tournament before the European Judo Championships Kata Sarajevo 2026, the event carries additional importance for athletes preparing for one of the key highlights of the season.
This year’s edition stands out with its multi-level structure, providing opportunities for athletes at different stages of development. The senior competition will feature the full spectrum of Kodokan kata, including Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata, Ju-no-Kata, Kime-no-Kata, Kodokan-Goshin-Jutsu, Koshiki-no-Kata and Itsutsu-no-Kata.
In the junior category, athletes will compete in Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata, with the possibility to also participate in a second kata in the senior division, further enhancing the competitive experience.
Cadet competitors will perform Nage-no-Kata (three sets: Te Waza, Koshi Waza and Ashi Waza), as well as Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata, highlighting the development pathway within kata judo.
Additionally, the event will feature the inclusion of adapted judo (1B category) in Nage-no-Kata, underlining the tournament’s commitment to inclusivity and the development of judo for all. According to the organisers, this year’s edition reflects both growth and diversity in kata participation.
“We are very proud to host this tournament for the third time and grateful for the trust placed in us by the European Judo Union and its Kata Commission, as well as the support from the Polish Judo Association and the patronage of the Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.
“The growing participation each year, with 152 athletes from 14 countries, reflects the dynamic development of kata judo in Europe. We are also pleased to contribute to this growth through educational activities, including a kata seminar and referee examinations, which have attracted strong interest this year.
“With the continued support of the city of Radom, we are motivated to further develop this event and aim to organise an even larger tournament in the future.” – said Andrzej Falkiewicz, President of Start Radom Judo Club.
Among the competitors, Maciej Pudłowski, a decorated member of the Polish National Kata Team, will be aiming for top honours in Nage-no-Kata together with Anita Pudłowska.
“We are approaching this tournament in a fighting spirit. Together with Anita, we are currently in an intensive cycle of starts on the European and world tatami. This year, we are aiming for gold. After silver two years ago and bronze last year, it is time for gold on home soil in Poland. We are really looking forward to the competition while staying focused and carefully observing our rivals.” – said Maciej Pudłowski
Nage-no-Kata remains one of the fundamental kata forms in judo, requiring precision, timing and strong cooperation between pairs, and is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
The event will be streamed live online via https://ejulive.net.
Author: EJU Media