Georgia has long been celebrated for many things but within the global judo community, one reputation has always stood above the rest, that is their extraordinary ability to produce elite judoka. Olympic champions, world medallists and European title-holders have emerged from this small but fiercely proud nation for decades.
Their success is so deeply woven into the fabric of the sport that the phrase “Georgian style” has become synonymous with explosive, unmistakable technique. In 2025, Georgia reaffirmed its dominance by winning the Senior Mixed Team World Judo Championships, a triumph that once again cemented their place among judo’s giants.
Yet today, something even more powerful is happening. Georgia is no longer known ‘only’ for its champions on the world stage. It is becoming a nation that opens its tatami to everyone.
Just days ago, the Georgian Judo Federation revealed an entirely new face of its identity as it attended its first Get Together adapted judo tournament with a delegation of five judoka. For a country with such a rich competitive legacy, this marked a profoundly symbolic step, one that was greeted with pride.
Speaking with Ludmila Feradze, a member of the organising team behind Georgia’s adapted judo programme, it was impossible not to feel the emotion in her voice.
“It is our first time here for Georgia and everyone is very happy. First times are for testing and we only started six months ago with the adapted judo project, thanks to the Georgian Judo Federation and the EJU,” she said, glowing with pride. “We tested this event with only five judoka but for the next one we are coming with a large delegation.”
For a pilot group, the results were great, three gold medals, one silver and one bronze but for Ludmila, the podium was not the real measure of success.
“This competition is a big motivation. Why should this population of people, people with disabilities, be sitting at home? They don’t need to because now there is a place for them to go and this placed called our dojo,” she continued. “I looked at every face, everybody is happy. Not only the Georgian athletes, everyone. Thank you to Marina Drašković and the EJU once again for supporting the development of this programme. It is big and meaningful.”
Georgia’s journey into inclusive judo is still young but its symbolism is immense. A nation renowned for its warriors on the tatami is now becoming a beacon for accessibility, proving that strength is not only measured in power or technique but in compassion and courage.
The timing could not be more fitting. As Tbilisi prepares to host the Senior European Judo Championships from 16–19 April 2026, the world will not only look to Georgia for its elite competitors but for the example it is setting.
Today, Georgia is no longer producing ‘just‘ world-class judoka. It is building a judo environment where everyone, absolutely everyone has a place.
Author: Szandra Szogedi