European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Dr Ivan Bohaček Honoured for Excellence in Medical Service

During the opening ceremony of the European Judo Championships Veterans 2025, Dr Ivan Bohaček was presented with a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the European Judo Union Medical Commission throughout 2024. This prestigious award was bestowed upon Dr Bohaček in honour of his outstanding professionalism,…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

The Veteran European Championships is hereby Declared Open

The European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 is officially declared open! The opening ceremony featured beautiful celebrations on the tatami, including traditional dancing. Beginning the speeches was Mr Vsevolods Zelonijs, President of the Latvian Judo Federation. “Dear President of the European Judo Union, dear athletes, guests, and fellow veterans, it…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Strategic Vision for Latvian Judo Unveiled: 2025–2031 Development Meeting in Riga

A pivotal meeting dedicated to shaping the future of judo in Latvia was held on 23 May at the Latvian Olympic Committee headquarters in Riga. Bringing together key figures from both national and European judo institutions, the session marked a significant step in the strategic development of the sport across…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Eduardo Garcia: A Life Shaped by Judo

In the world of judo, few names carry the quiet strength and enduring passion of Eduardo Garcia. A Portuguese judoka whose journey spans more than half a century, Eduardo is a man whose life has been inseparable from the tatami. It all began when he was just six years old.…

23 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

From Student to Master

Dirk Vandevoort earned a well-fought bronze in the M6 -90kg category at the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025. Reflecting on his final bout, he said, “I am genuinely pleased. I didn’t expect to take bronze, and to score a yuko just three seconds before the end made it a…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Whether First or Many, Gratitude Never Fades

The opening day of the European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 saw non-stop action across the M5–M9 categories. By sunset, France had surged to the top of the medal table with an impressive haul of 10 gold, 8 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Germany followed with 6 gold, 5 silver…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

Gold, Grit and a Lifetime on the Tatami

In a dazzling display of discipline and determination, Garayalde Elorza claimed his sixth European title in the M7 -60kg category on the first day of the Veteran European Judo Championships Riga 2025. For the Spanish judoka, who first stepped onto a tatami at the age of six, judo is far more than a sport. Reflecting on…

22 May 2025

Chouchi Officially Retires From Competition

Taking to social media today, one of the greatest characters on the tatami, Sami CHOUCHI of Belgium announced his retirement. It will be a great miss for spectators and judoka alike who have watched him closely throughout his career. Starting with European junior results in 2012, he sparked interest with…

22 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

“Judo Has Followed Me My Whole Life”

From the wind-swept cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the polished tatami of the veteran Europeans (M5, -81kg), Bugvi Poulsen’s journey is anything but ordinary. Though now based in Denmark, the Faroese judoka carries his island identity with pride and a deep love for the sport that has shaped much…

22 May 2025

Safe Fall

Safe Fall-Safe School Project Presented at AIESEP 2025

The European Judo Union (EJU), in close collaboration with the University of Seville, has successfully presented the innovative Safe Fall–Safe Schools project at the AIESEP 2025 International Conference, currently taking place in Florida, USA. The International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP) is recognised as the most prestigious…

22 May 2025

World Championships Seniors (Individuals+Teams) 2025 - Budapest, Hungary

Meet The Home Team

The Hungarian Judo Association, proud host of the World Judo Championships 2025, has officially announced its national team for this prestigious event, which will take place from 13 to 20 June in Budapest. As the host nation, Hungary is aiming to showcase not only its excellence in organisational prowess but…

21 May 2025

European Judo Championships Veterans Riga 2025 - Riga, Latvia

The Unique Spirit of Judo Arrives in Riga

It has been just over six months since Europe claimed 45 gold medals at the veteran world championships in Las Vegas, and now, over the next four days (22–25 May), the continental championships will take place in Riga. Latvia is hosting such an event for the first time, but with…

21 May 2025

Benidorm EJU OTC 2025 - Benidorm, Spain

Sobierajska: No Rest For Success

After winning her first Grand Slam medal in Dushanbe this month, Katarzyna SOBIERAJSKA (POL) has been on a roll! Not only did she take another medal in the Lu Nucia European Open, but has been contributing to team wins in the Spanish League! It was a bit special, it had…

20 May 2025

Registration Open: 8th Scientific and Professional Conference "Applicable Research in Judo"

The European Judo Union welcomes all researchers to participate in the 8th Scientific and Professional Conference “Applicable Research in Judo”, taking place in Zagreb from 12–13 November 2025. The conference will be held prior to the Zagreb Judo Grand Prix 2025 tournament and all conference participants will have the opportunity…

19 May 2025

Riga Kodokan Kata Seminar and Examination 2025 - Riga, Latvia

"Even Uchi-komi Can Be Seen as a Form of Kata."

In the spirit of preserving the rich traditions and values of original judo for future generations, the Kodokan Judo Institute and the European Judo Union continue their long-standing cooperation. As part of this effort, the annual Kodokan Kata Seminar will take place, this year in Riga, prior to the European Kata Championships…

19 May 2025

Nekoda Davis Closes Competitive Chapter, Eyes Fresh Opportunities

Author: Jo Crowley / International Judo Federation Taking the decision to retire is among the biggest decisions of any athlete’s career, perhaps the biggest. Past days, double world medallist Nekoda Davis (GBR) has announced her retirement from elite competition after 12 years on the World Judo Tour. “Judo has been…

19 May 2025

La Nucia European Open 2025 - La Nucia, Spain

France Pip Spain To The Post

It was a very exciting weekend in Spain during the La Nucia European Open with top stars descending on the sunny coastline to compete for a title and some ranking points. In the end, France were top of the medal table, followed by hosts Spain and Ukraine. Opening the final…

18 May 2025

La Nucia European Open 2025 - La Nucia, Spain

Superstars Draw Crowds On Day Two

Olympic and World Champions drew in a crowd on the second day of the La Nucia European Open 2025; both Lasha BEKAURI (GEO) and Nikoloz SHERAZADISHVILI (ESP) had the support of Georgian fans who arrived in the droves. For both athletes, this was their return to competition following the Paris…

18 May 2025