As the European Judo Championships Kata 2025 played out in Riga, it wasn’t only the high-level performances that captured attention. Behind the scenes, something deeper was taking shape, a quiet momentum built on purpose, community, and a clear vision for the future. At the heart of this movement are two key figures: Dr Slaviša Bradić, EJU Head Kata Commissioner and Ms Monica Piredda, EJU Head Kata Education Commissioner. Both shared their thoughts on the event’s growing significance and what it means for the future of kata and judo across Europe.
Dr Bradić opened with a clear sense of pride: “Yes, I am very satisfied, this year we have a record number of competitors but even more important is the number of new countries taking part. Latvia, for instance, now fields a young team. A year ago, we had just one seminar here. Today, they are competing.”
This example, he explained, is proof that consistent outreach and education are paying off. Across Europe, he and his team have been planting the seeds of kata development through seminars and children’s festivals.
“The real issue is that in some countries, there are world-class kata competitors but no one behind them. That’s not sustainable. We need to build from the bottom, starting with young judoka and, crucially, their coaches. When coaches understand the educational value of kata, they can integrate it into everyday training and children respond very well to that.”
The educational value of kata is a recurring theme for both Bradić and Piredda. For them, kata is not just performance, it’s pedagogy. “For me,” said Ms Piredda, “kata allows you to truly understand judo, its principles, its values. You must practise with another person, trust and respect them. You experience training and competition as a shared moment. Especially for young people, this is hugely valuable.”
She continued: “Years ago, kata was something only teachers practised. Now we are seeing more and more young athletes join us. Will we ever reach the numbers of shiai competition? Maybe not. But we are growing, and that is deeply rewarding.”
Riga 2025 marked a special milestone, it’s currently the only kata tournament that includes cadets, juniors, seniors, and adapted judo competitors all under one roof. “This is a win for us,” said Piredda. “To organise an event where everyone, regardless of age, experience, or ability, competes side by side, supporting one another without barriers; that’s the atmosphere we have built here, and it’s something the athletes and coaches really appreciate.”
This year’s programme also marked the introduction of Kōshiki-no-Kata and Itsutsu-no-Kata as competitive categories kata often regarded more as philosophical studies than competitive forms.
“These kata aren’t usually performed in competition,” explained Bradić. “They are traditionally seen as lifelong practices, rich with judo’s principles and philosophy but we believe in making all of judo visible, not selecting only parts. Kata is for everyone, and by including them, we are sending that message.”
With expert guidance from the Kodokan, this year’s Kodokan Kata Seminar, taking place prior to the championships, offered a rare opportunity for European coaches and athletes to learn from original sources. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” said Bradić. “Participants are not just learning techniques, they are learning the way of judo, passed down properly. This cooperation with the Kodokan is essential to preserve judo’s authenticity for future generations.”
Both Bradić and Piredda are clear on what must come next. “We must continue investing in youth,” Bradić affirmed. “The dream is to develop tori–uke competitions for younger judoka and to spread the message that kata is not separate from judo, but a vital part of it. The educational value can be applied in randori, shiai, self-defence everywhere.”
Piredda echoed the sentiment: “I hope more countries embrace kata, not just for medals, but for education. Maybe next year, instead of 23 nations, we will see 30. The dream is bigger than sport, it’s about shaping people.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi