Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

COMING FULL CIRCLE

During the final block on day two of the Rome European Open, it was announced that referee, Thom Hallum would be retiring from his duties as a Continental Referee. Of course it was an emotional day for me, I feel like I shouldn’t stop but I am at the age…

12 November 2024

"Kata and Shiai are Like The Wings of an Airplane."

A JOURNEY BETWEEN SHIAI TO KATA

Renowned for her illustrious career in competitive judo, Olympic, World and European champion, Tina TRSTENJAK has been embracing a new challenge in recent years: mastering Kodokan kata through her role in the IJF Academy. Despite her outstanding elite career, there were no bypass or corners cut, she embraced the journey…

11 November 2024

Las Vegas World Championships Kata 2024

EUROPE GOES HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH JAPAN FOR GOLD

The Las Vegas World Judo Championships Kata 2024 have concluded, celebrating new world champions across eight categories. Raul CAMACHO, the IJF Kata Sport Director, reflects on the event and highlights a key aspect of kata competitions: the judges’ role. A seasoned competitor himself, Camacho is a triple world medalist in…

11 November 2024

Györ Cadet European Cup 2024 - Györ, Hungary

"WE HAVE A TOP PRODUCT!"

“The numbers prove us right,” says EJU President László TOTH. 563 judoka from 27 nations took part in the Cadet European Cup in Györ (HUN). ‘We organised a youth tournament for the first time in 2017. This year was the sixth time the tournament has been held, and each time…

10 November 2024

Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

PIRELLI STUNS AS HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

It was a tough start to the final block on day two of the Rome European Open 2024, with an all-Georgian final in the -81kg category between Vladimir AKHALKATSI and Irakli BEROSHVILI. It started as a cagey contest, both aware of the others abilities, but it was Beroshvili that truly…

10 November 2024

Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

RULE CHANGES

There has been much speculation regarding rule changes, and unfortunately that’s all we can continue to do until next month when the official new rules are released by the International Judo Federation. After already a great deal of deliberation, national federations, coaching commissions and unions were invited to give their…

10 November 2024

Györ Cadet European Cup 2024 - Györ, Hungary

THE HOST SURPASSES ALL

The first day of the Gyor Cadet European Cup 2024 saw the host nation, Hungary, surpass all others, claiming the top spot in the overall standings with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Ukraine (2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) and Poland (1 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze)…

9 November 2024

Réka PUPP helps as volunteer in Györ

"I HAVE TO LOOK AT MYSELF MORE"

Around 50 volunteers are on duty at the Cadet European Cup in Györ. Among them is Réka PUPP, third at the European Championships, fifth at the Olympics in Paris and fifth at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi, currently the best judoka in the host country. During a lunch break,…

9 November 2024

Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

PEDROTTI AND VALERIANI BRING IT HOME

The initial final on day one of the Rome European Open 2024 was between top seed of the -63kg category, Natalia KROPSKA (POL) and Laura VAZQUEZ FERNANDEZ (ESP). In the first exchange, Kropska shocked her opponent, scoring a waza ari. Following this, the pair spent a great deal of time…

9 November 2024

Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

A WARRIOR MENTALITY

Catching up with the 2016 Olympic Champion, Fabio BASILE of Italy, is always a special occasion, and this time it is in Rome during the 2024 European Open. It has been some time since we saw Basile on the competition tatami, but all for good reason. Many may have seen…

9 November 2024

Györ Cadet European Cup 2024 - Györ, Hungary

GYŐR'S FINAL SHOW OF THE YEAR 

Győr proudly received the European Judo City 2024 award earlier this year, a prestigious honor that recognises not only the city’s commitment to hosting high-level judo tournaments but also its role in promoting the sport across Europe. This accolade reflects Győr’s dedication to providing a platform for judoka of all…

8 November 2024

World Championships Kata - Las Vegas, United States

LAS VEGAS GEARS UP TO DISPLAY THE ART OF JUDO

Following the Veteran World Championships, Las Vegas is ready to welcome kata practitioners from across the globe for the eagerly awaited World Kata Judo Championships 2024, set to take place from 9-10 November. With over 280 judoka from 32 countries, including 20 European nations, this championship promises a vibrant showcase…

8 November 2024

REALITY ON THE GROUND IN VALENCIA

'TRAVELLING ON FOOT WITH BROOMS'

The world has looked upon the sheer devastation that Spain is currently suffering. Areas have been described in the media as ‘apocalyptic’, though the unprecedented floods and storms have stretched north, the initial hit was absorbed by a popular international training spot, Valencia. Across social media we have already seen…

8 November 2024

NORBERT LITTKOPF MEMORIAL DATE

Following the announcement of the passing of former German National Coach, Norbert Littkopf, it is of course with our pleasure that we share with the judo community, that an open memorial will be held for Norbert next month. On the 14th of December, his memorial will be held at 15:00…

8 November 2024

World Championships Veterans - Las Vegas, United States

LEAVING LASTING IMPRESSIONS

The 2024 Las Vegas World Judo Championships for Veterans concluded with Brazil emerging at the top of the overall standings. France closely followed, amassing an impressive 14 gold, 18 silver, and 20 bronze medals. Among European nations, 19 countries claimed at least one gold medal, with notable victories from Finland,…

8 November 2024

Rome European Open 2024 - Rome, Italy

BIG COMEBACKS IN THE GLADIATOR CITY

The home of the ancient gladiators, Rome, will be hosting this weekends European Open on the 9th and 10th of November, 2024. With 248 athletes from 32 nations travelling to Italy, it is already looking to be a busy time, but there are some big names in the line up,…

7 November 2024

77 Delegates present - another four-year-term

PRESIDENT SOLOVEYCHIK RE-ELECTED

Sergey SOLOVEYCHIK was unanimously re-elected as President of the Russian Judo Federation for a four-year term. The general assembly in Sirius was attended by 77 delegates and various guests of honour, including Olympic champions Vladimir NEVZOROV (1976/-70), Mansur ISAEV (2012/73) and Tagir KHAIBULAEV (2012/-100).In his speech, Sergey Soloveychik, who took…

6 November 2024

IJF KATA JUDGE DENNIS PENFOLD PASSES AGE 93

After a fulfilling life, Dennis Penfold, 8th Dan, EJU and IJF Kata Judge has unfortunately passed away. Aged 93, Dennis had taken part in his beloved judo for 76 years, starting in 1948. Hailing from Fort Purbrook Judo Club, Portsmouth, he continued coaching up until very recently, his love for…

5 November 2024