The opening stop of the Triglav Insurance Get Together Tour is fully underway, with a packed first day combining training sessions and the official divisioning. Kortrijk sets the stage for the first surge of momentum in the adapted judo movement in 2026. For some, it marks a first step into the programme; for others, it serves as the ideal preparation for what lies ahead. Participants shared their thoughts and feelings ahead of tomorrow’s event.
Luc, judoka from Belgium: I am training for the Special Olympics. I feel about fifty-fifty for tomorrow. I finished third in the last tournament and now I would like to take first place. As you get older, you realise it becomes a bit more difficult… but despite everything, every placing is a good one.
Ronny, judoka from Belgium: The tournament falls on my birthday, so I hope I can give myself a nice birthday present!
Jonny & Annie, coaches from Belgium: The training was very educational, both for myself and in terms of delivering sessions. At Level 4, some exercises are already quite challenging. The structure is very good but it requires time, it cannot be learned in just one session. Regarding the tournament concept, two days can be a lot to ask for everyone to travel and attend. At first, it was difficult but we understood the need for it. The gap between activities and training is quite long, which sometimes leads to sessions being skipped. However, it is good to see that different levels are being taken into account.
Lieve, coach from Belgium: The training was extremely interesting. I picked up many new ideas, with small details that make everything accessible for everyone. I really appreciated the step-by-step approach. Even as a non-judoka, I actually practise jiu-jitsu, I felt very welcome. I learned a great deal and truly enjoyed training with everyone. It made me happy, genuinely happy, a warm feeling inside. I found it incredibly enjoyable. I drove one and a half hours to be here and will stay until tomorrow to watch the competition. I hope to inspire my judoka to come next year and perhaps even take part. The venue is beautiful and the organisation has been excellent.
Paul, coach from the United Kingdom: We came with a small group, though usually we have 15–20 judoka of all levels. At the moment, we are building towards the Grand Slam in Switzerland. It is great to compete against different opponents rather than always staying within the UK and the location is truly stunning.
Judoka from the United Kingdom: The training was really enjoyable. I think it will be exciting to watch others compete tomorrow as well. It is also interesting to see how different coaches run their sessions you can learn a lot just by observing them. Is there more pressure competing abroad? Not really but it is nice to see people from different countries coming together. We are used to competing only against other British athletes. We are not aiming for a specific medal, we will take whatever we can achieve.
Judoka from Belgium: This weekend, we are taking part in a small tournament with athletes from other countries. We are not here to win but mainly to enjoy ourselves.
Stef, judoka from Belgium: I am really looking forward to tomorrow. It is a very nice concept, absolutely. There are a lot of people and the waiting can be difficult but he is enjoying it enormously.
While everyone arrived in Belgium with different aims, each has their own mission to fulfil. Check out the full gallery of the first day of the event: Triglav Insurance Kortrijk Get Together Tournament 2026 – European Judo Union
Author: EJU Media