The Netherlands dominated the latest Kata Tournament in Maintal, claiming six gold, one silver, and four bronze medals. The host nation followed closely with four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, finishing second on the overall medal table. Italy secured third place with three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
This was the final official EJU tournament for all kata practitioners ahead of the 2025 Kata World Championships, which will take place in Paris from 8–9 November.
EJU Head Kata Education Commissioner Monica Piredda shared her views on the event and more:
“The EJU Kata Tournament in Maintal was a huge success, standing out both for the high number of participants and the excellent level of organisation. A total of 170 athletes from 14 European countries competed in the final stage of the EJU Kata Tour 2025, a real test ahead of the World Championships, the most eagerly awaited event of the year, scheduled to take place in Paris on 8 and 9 November.
“A particularly significant moment was the Adapted Judo competition, reserved for athletes with disabilities. Included in all European kata tournaments since this year, this initiative is attracting increasing interest, confirming its role as a fundamental element of inclusion in sport. The German organisation once again demonstrated its efficiency and precision: the Sporthall Budo Arena guaranteed high European standards, offering all participants a sporting experience of the highest level.
“As usual, the competition was preceded by a seminar for judges and examination sessions to obtain the European Kata Judge licence. Of particular note was the historic participation of candidates from Türkiye, two of whom passed the exam, becoming the first continental kata judges in the history of the Turkish Judo Federation.
“The EJU Kata Commission is determined to continue its programme of promoting and spreading kata, with the aim of involving more and more countries, particularly those where this discipline is still underdeveloped. Numerous activities have already enriched the 2025 calendar, and others are planned before the end of the year. At the same time, the Commission is already planning initiatives for 2026, focusing on even more effective strategies to promote kata, with particular emphasis on the development of young judoka.”
The full results of the Maintal Kata Tournament can be found here.
Author: EJU Media