The European Judo Championships Kata Riga 2025 is in full swing, with the first day presenting senior competitors across five fierce yet disciplined categories. Amid the action and expectations, the presence of EJU Kata Commissioner, Trudie Michielsen brings a sense of calm, clarity and deep-rooted experience to the event.
Trudie, a dedicated judoka from the Netherlands, graciously made time to share her journey, one that spans over six decades of devotion to judo. “I started judo when I was six. That means it’s been over 60 years now, and I still enjoy it. There are different phases, of course. You begin by learning, then you enter competition, and later you find yourself teaching, coaching, and guiding others.”
As for many, for Trudie too, judo is a way of life. “I always compare it to an orange,” she explains. “An orange has many segments and judo is the same. There is the personal practice, competition, coaching, teaching children and adults, and of course, Kata.”
Kata, the formal demonstration of judo techniques, has become a central part of Trudie’s journey. Though not something she started as a child, it became an essential step when she prepared for her first dan, learning Nage-no-Kata. “I didn’t understand much of it at the time but I could follow the movements. As I prepared for my second dan, I started to really study Kata, and I have never stopped learning since.”
When asked what drew her so deeply into Kata, her answer is both practical and heartfelt. “Kata is the foundation of judo and it’s something you can do your whole life. Competition [shiai] is often for the younger generation. Some are lucky to compete in the veterans’ division, but there’s a limit. With Kata, there is no end. Even if your body can’t perform every move anymore, you can pass on your knowledge.”
This humble attitude, always a student, always curious, is something she carries into her work with the EJU. “Even this week, during the seminar, we taught the younger generation and the competitors, but we also had the chance to observe the Koshiki-no-Kata from the Japanese experts. You always see something new. You never stop learning.”
Her role as a Commissioner allows her to see the steady evolution of Kata within the EJU. One of the most promising developments, she notes, is the improved education of both participants and judges. “People sometimes say judges are more strict these days because scores are lower but it’s not about being harsh, it’s about being educated. The more you learn to recognise, the more you understand what’s missing. We are not asking judges to find mistakes; we ask them to see what should be there.”
Trudie sees no need to choose a single favourite Kata. “I like them all,” she says. “Perhaps Nage-no-Kata holds something special for me, because it’s where I started but each Kata offers something new, and the ones you learn most recently always feel like they still have secrets to reveal.”
Trudie’s vision for Kata is built on unity and togetherness. “I want to see more work together, not against each other. In competitions [shiai], you face opponents that’s natural but in Kata, you are partners, and even between nations, we should have that mindset. Just recently, we held a joint training with the German selection in the Netherlands. They are rivals, yes, but on the mat, they shared tips, insights. That’s the spirit I want to see more of.”
She’s particularly enthusiastic about the role of seminars. “They are vital,” she says. “Everyone benefits. We get great feedback and if people feel comfortable sharing what could improve, we can grow. It’s all about creating a climate where people feel heard.” Though physical limitations mean Trudie doesn’t always demonstrate techniques herself anymore, her mind remains deeply engaged. “You can still practise mentally, walk through the steps, visualise. Knowledge doesn’t diminish just because your body can’t do everything it once could. I am always learning.”
When the topic of inclusive and adapted Kata comes up, her eyes light up. “It’s beautiful,” she says simply. “In Sarajevo, we watched an adaptive performance the entire hall was silent, and then erupted in applause. It was breathtaking. Judo is for everyone.” Outside the dojo, Trudie dedicated 45 years of her life to another form of guidance and trust, working as a mortgage adviser. “I retired six years ago,” she shares. “It was a good life, and I enjoyed helping people find their way, but now, judo gets all of me.”
As the interview draws to a close, one thing is unmistakably clear: for Trudie, judo is everything. “It is my life. When I am here, I feel like a fish in water. This is my family.” With a lifetime devoted to judo, or “in orange,” as she affectionately describes it, and a heart full of purpose, Trudie continues to inspire everyone around her, from competitors to judges. She reminds us that judo’s true strength lies not in medals or throws, but in the mutual respect, patience, and quiet lessons passed from one judoka to another.
Author: Szandra Szogedi