Author: Sara Spillare
An intense day of competition of the 42nd edition of the Trofeo Villanova took place on 14 February, a historic event dedicated to judo kata and hosted at the PalaFlora in Pordenone. Organised by Polisportiva Villanova, under the patronage of the Municipality of Pordenone and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the event once again confirmed its international prestige, attracting athletes, coaches and officials from across Europe and overseas.
The day was dedicated to the EJU Kata Tournament, the opening stage of the EJU Kata Tour, a European circuit comprising eight events. A total of 74 pairs and around 30 judges from 17 nations competed on the tatami, delivering a technical level of outstanding international quality. The official opening ceremony was enriched by a performance from the children’s choir of Rosmini Primary School, who sang the Italian national anthem, the European anthem and Heal the World.
“The Trofeo Villanova,” explained Edoardo Muzzin, Technical Director of Polisportiva Villanova and founder of the event, “continues to represent a moment of sport, exchange and technical growth, bringing together tradition, passion and high-level competition and, once again, placing Pordenone at the centre of international judo kata.
“Kata represents the deepest essence of judo. It is not merely form but the study of movement, precision, harmony and respect for the fundamental principles of the discipline. Through kata, the culture, technique and original values of judo are transmitted, in a continuous dialogue between past and present. Events such as this allow athletes to compete at the highest level, to grow both technically and personally, and to share a universal sporting language that unites countries and generations. Seeing pairs from so many nations on the tatami, each with different preparation and sensitivity yet united by the same values, is concrete proof of the educational and cultural strength of judo and of the important role the Trofeo Villanova continues to play on the international stage.”
Greetings were delivered to the athletes by Pordenone City Councillor Elena Ceolin and the Provincial Delegate Dorino De Crignis, who underlined the sporting and social importance of the event for Western Friuli. During the day, special recognition was also presented to the most senior referees, Cristina Vetturini and Flavio Poccobelli, for their long-standing commitment to judo.
Founded over 40 years ago, the Trofeo Villanova has become one of the benchmark events in both the national and international judo kata landscape, with steadily increasing participation and an ever-rising technical standard.
For the adapted judo section, the event ambassador was Italian Paralympic table tennis champion Pamela Pezzutto, who shared a powerful message on inclusion and the vital role of sport in the personal development of athletes with disabilities. For the first time, the competition was streamed live online, significantly expanding the event’s international visibility and allowing enthusiasts and professionals to follow the action from abroad.
“We are very happy with the result achieved here in Pordenone,” commented Giada Casetta, leading judoka of Polisportiva Villanova, who secured second place in the cadet Katame-no-Kata category alongside Francesco Piva. “Standing on the podium in a competition of this level is a great emotion and the result of the work, consistency and passion we dedicate to sport every day. Judo kata, like all sport, teaches respect, discipline and confidence in one’s abilities, fundamental values both on and off the tatami. Taking part in such a prestigious event, rich with high-level athletes and a strong international spirit, fills us with pride and motivates us to continue improving, promoting the message of an inclusive sport capable of uniting and developing people.”
Francesco Piva echoed the sentiment: “We had the opportunity to measure ourselves against foreign pairs, assessing our level within the European context. This allows us to prepare as well as possible for upcoming competitions, where we hope to meet the same opponents again and perhaps surpass those who finished ahead of us. Our objective remains to maintain a constructive approach that supports the growth and development of athletes.”
“The 2026 edition of the EJU Kata Tournament in Pordenone (ITA), the international Kata competition that our country has hosted for many years,” explained Cesare Amorosi, President of the National Kata and Masters Commission of FIJLKAM, “concluded with Italy topping the medal table, much to the satisfaction of the National Kata Commission. The competition ran smoothly and at an excellent level. More than forty Italian pairs competed, offering a balanced mix of experienced athletes ranked at the top of international standings and newcomers gaining their first experience in competitions of this kind. The strong presence of foreign referees gave our athletes the opportunity to assess their preparation ahead of the upcoming World Series Kata events and the 2026 European Championships. The organisation, now well-established thanks to years of experience, managed the demands of such an important event flawlessly, including the Trofeo Italia Kata ‘Villanova’ 2026, the second stage of the National Kata Circuit 2026, with more than 200 registered athletes. A double commitment handled without any issues. I sincerely thank Polisportiva Villanova and in particular Maestro Edoardo Muzzin for once again making this important international event possible.”
“The EJU Kata Tournament in Pordenone,” concluded Monica Piredda, Head of the European Kata Commission, “successfully opened the European Kata competition circuit and once again confirmed itself as one of the best international tournaments, both for the quality of its organisation and for its high technical standard. As a member of the European Kata Commission, I can only feel satisfied and proud of the excellent demonstration of professionalism and efficiency by Polisportiva Villanova, to whom great praise and heartfelt thanks are due, also extending to the municipal administration which, year after year, supports the organisation of this major event. The effort and resources invested are testimony to the immense passion and attention devoted to sport, renewed each year to bring the highest level of Kata judo to Pordenone.”
The next stop of the EJU Kata Tour will take place in Radom, Poland on the 28th March.
Results – Pordenone Kata Tournament 2026
Author: EJU Media