World Championships Juniors Odivelas 2023 - Odivelas, Portugal

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAWNS ON PORTUGAL

Over the course of this week, between the 4th and 7th of October, junior world champions will be recognised in Odivelas, Portugal. There are only two defending champions, one from Europe, Giulia CARNA (ITA/-52kg) and Japan’s ARAI Mao in the +78kg category. Aside from these young women looking to continue…

2 October 2023

Sergei Aschwanden becomes an author

LEARNING FOR LIFE THROUGH DEFEATS

Parlez-vous francais? Do you speak French? If not, then you are missing out, at least at present, on the book debut of EJU Vice-President Sergei ASCHWANDEN. On 6 October, the 47-year-old French-speaking Swiss, together with philosopher Bernard WIRZ, will launch the 224-page work “Se construire par l’échec” – Building up…

2 October 2023

JITA KYOEI: TRUST

One of the two basic judo principles is Jita Kyoei, which means mutual welfare and benefits. Ancient Greek philosophy and also oriental philosophy (Japan) place the society before the individual. That is why Jigoro Kano said that the goal of judo is to help the growth of society as a whole.…

2 October 2023

Prague European Open 2023 - Prague, Czech Republic

FOLLOWING IN THE COACH'S FOOTSTEPS

On the second day of the Prague European Open 2023, the number one seeds were here to make a point, only two of the seven categories didn’t have the top ranked athlete in the final. Lachlan MOORHEAD (GBR) started the trend in the -81kg category and moved through his pool…

1 October 2023

European Week of Judo Values

PLAYING FOR PEACE

Between the 23rd and 30th of September 2023, the European Week of Judo Values (EWJV) successfully concluded a series of events. This non-profit sports initiative, supported by the European Union through Erasmus+, brought together people in a week filled with inspiration, unity, and knowledge. Several activities, workshops, and judo sessions…

1 October 2023

Prague European Open 2023 - Prague, Czech Republic

FIRST INTERNATIONAL. FIRST GOLD.

The first day of the Prague European Open 2023 has been a terrific start to the weekend, seeing some athletes fight their way from health scares, some just competing for the first time on the international stage and some coming back from an eight-year hiatus in a bid for an…

30 September 2023

Behind the scenes with the Swiss head coach

BUDOLIN AND BISCHOF ON THE MIC

Not only do we have Olympic medallists on the tatami, but we are pleased to say that on the commentary during the Prague European Open this weekend, 2008 Olympic champion and 2012 silver medallist Ole BISCHOF is leading us through the contests. It seemed that the Olympic theme continued in…

30 September 2023

European Sport Congress - 1st Edition, Gijon, Spain

INSPIRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

The European Judo Union (EJU) is excited to announce the significant participation in the inaugural EU Sport Congress held in Gijon, Spain, from 20th to 22nd September 2023. Katja Rudaš, the EJU Education Commissioner responsible for Erasmus+ projects, attended the event, which marks a significant milestone for our union. The…

30 September 2023

Sergei Aschwanden and Nuno Delgado

RESPECT: RIVALRIES AND SHARED MISSIONS

As we conclude September, the assigned month of the judo value ‘Respect’, we reference the past and present work of the EJU Vice President, leader of the Education sector, Sergei ASCHWANDEN and Judo for Children project co-lead, Nuno DELGADO.  Most will know these names, but not in the professional capacity…

30 September 2023

Prague European Open 2024 - Prague, Czech Republic

THE SEARCH FOR THE HOLY GRAIL

Following a shocking yet exciting announcement, we are all now well aware of the return of Olympic bronze medallist, Ugo LEGRAND (FRA). After an eight year hiatus, Legrand is back on the scene and we will be honoured to have the talented technician back on the European Judo stage this…

29 September 2023

Prague European Open 2023 - Prague, Czech Republic

50 YEARS IN THE MAKING

This year may mark the 15th that Czech Judo have been hosting the European Open event, formerly known as a World Cup, however, the reality is that it has been running a great deal longer. President of the Czech Judo Federation Pavel VOLEK gave us the background to this event…

27 September 2023

2nd International Training & Research Seminar, Safe fall-safe schools, Judo Ukemi at school - Seville, Spain

SAFE FALL-SAFE SCHOOLS IN SEVILLE

On behalf of the European Judo Union, we are pleased to invite you to the 2nd International Training & Research Seminar, Safe Fall-Safe Schools, Judo Ukemi at School to be held in Seville, Spain, on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. Following a successful first seminar in Eastbourne, UK, it is a pleasure to…

27 September 2023

Prague European Open 2023 - Prague, Czech Republic

PRAGUE IS PACKING PUNCHES

The Czech Judo Federation consistently host incredible events, and this weekend we continue with the European Judo Tour in the capital of Prague. Almost 500 athletes from 43 nations, will be attending the European Open on the 30th of September and 1st of October, with some major names in the…

26 September 2023

Baku Grand Slam 2023 - Baku, Azerbaijan

NUMBER ONE STATUS

The third and final day of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Grand Slam saw the remaining five weight categories; -90kg, -78kg, -100kg, +78kg and +100kg go head to head for the gold medals.  Unlike on the previous two days, Azerbaijan could not look forward to a final hurrah, however there were…

24 September 2023

Baku Grand Slam 2023 - Baku, Azerbaijan

GUARANTEED GOLDS

The Baku Grand Slam was explosive today, and once again Azerbaijan had two opportunities to take the gold medal; from Hidayat HEYDAROV (-73kg) and Zelim TCKAEV (-81kg). Regardless of their end result, it was a tremendous day for Europe, with an impressive four all-European finals. Of course the focus was…

23 September 2023

Baku Grand Slam 2023 - Baku, Azerbaijan

12-SECONDS TO TANGO

On day one of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Grand Slam 2023, Kosovo, Japan and the hosts, Azerbaijan doubled up on their chances for gold medals.  The Azeri judoka were nice surprises for the home crowd, given that their assumed chances of medals and glory saw early exits. The ultimate champion for…

22 September 2023

European Judo Championships Seniors Montpellier 2023 - Montpellier, France

RETURN TO MONTPELLIER

Last week, an EJU delegation made a preparation visit to Montpellier, France, in advance of the Senior European Championships 2023. From the 14th-16th of September, Head Sport Director, Catarina RODRIGUES, Sport Director Urška ŽOLNIR JUGOVAR, Head of Broadcasting & Venue Management, Igor VUJNOVIĆ, Assistant to President, Fanni TOTH and Assistant…

21 September 2023

Vaud Générations Champions Ambassador: Binta Ndiaye

NDIAYE LIVES THE VALUES OF JUDO

At only 18 years old, Swiss judoka, Binta NDIAYE has achieved a cadet European title, as well as a junior European bronze earlier this month, to go along with her collection of two junior world bronze medals. Not only has she been noticed by her results and repertoire of wonderful…

21 September 2023