The European Judo Championships Kata Riga 2025 was not only a celebration of tradition and technical excellence but also of human connection, quiet determination and the power of inclusion. Over the course of two days, nearly 400 judoka from 23 nations took part in at least one form of kata, highlighting the growing depth and diversity of the discipline across Europe. Italy topped the overall medal table, securing an impressive haul of five gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. The Netherlands finished second (5-5-1), with Germany (3-3-1) rounding out the top three.
The second and final day of the event brought a full schedule of action across several categories, including cadets and juniors. In the Ju-no-Kata Junior finals, it was no surprise to see Italy dominate once again, with Siria Quartieri – Anna Demola claiming gold with a score of 389.0 points. Sibling success was centre stage in the Katame-no-Kata Junior finals, where Kara Kojc – Keno Kojc delivered a strong performance, earning 382.0 points to secure the top spot on the podium. The Nage-no-Kata Junior division featured a particularly competitive field. Rising to the occasion, Davia Figlie – Ambre Ledez of France claimed victory with a score of 374.5 points, edging out the rest of the field in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The Nage-no-Kata Cadet category saw a strong turnout and delivered a tense, closely contested competition. In the end, Diego Hurtado Martin – Javier Miguel de Salas of Spain narrowly claimed victory with a score of 242.5 points. In the Katame-no-Kata Cadet division, a lower number of entries meant an automatic gold for the Dutch pair Quinty Held – Kimi Ottens.
Two kata made their debut on this year’s programme. In Itsutsu-no-Kata, Soenke Schillig – Johannes Christoph Kroeger of Germany took the top spot with 152.0 points. Germany’s strength in kata continued in Koshiki-no-Kata, where the experienced duo, Ursula Loosen – Wolfgang Dax Romswinkel, earned gold with a commanding 523.5 points.
For another year, adapted judo was not a side note but part of the official programme, fully woven into the rhythm of the event. The Adapted Nage-no-Kata Category A won by Isabelle Everest – Braydon Robus (GBR) with a total score of 236.0 points. In Category B of the same form, German duet, Use Helmich – Natascha Haeseler came out on top with 264.0 points. The Nage-no-Kata category 1A saw a full Dutch line up with Timo Hup – Robin Gerritsen (238.0) taking top spot on the podium. In category 1B, the Dutch continued their success as Stein Groenen – Sanne Laurenssen (254.0 points) claimed glory.
Beyond the competition, several judoka stepped onto the tatami to demonstrate Katame-no-Kata, Kime-no-Kata, Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu, and Ju-no-Kata, not to collect titles, but to share the essence of their judo. In many ways, these moments spoke louder than medals ever could. In Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu, the Italian student–coach pair Erik Cheli – Tommaso Rondinini delivered an exceptional performance, earning a standing ovation from everyone in the venue. Another inspiring demonstration came from Damian Schoonhoven – Ethan Bink in Katame-no-Kata Category 1A, part of the adapted judo division, showcasing technical precision and true partnership.
Lastly, Katame-no-Kata Category 1B featured four Dutch pairs, each offering their own interpretation and spirit to the tatami in a display of dedication and unity. What made these performances truly unforgettable wasn’t just technical ability, though that was there in abundance, but the dignity and pride with which each judoka moved. Competitors with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and paraplegia stood shoulder to shoulder, not defined by their conditions, but by their courage and love for judo.
There was something quietly powerful in the way the pairs demonstrated their sets: focused, composed, and completely in sync. It wasn’t just about form; it was about showing up, stepping forward, and doing what they love, on their own terms.Tradition spoke louder than words inside the venue.
Tears were shed, some from personal connection, others simply moved by the growing spirit of inclusivity and the beautiful display of kata that transcended ability. No applause could quite capture the depth of what unfolded on the mat. This wasn’t just kata. This was something deeper, a reminder that judo, at its heart, is a place where everyone belongs. It is a timeless tradition, one that no amount of modernisation can erase.
Finally, for the first time, a positive 10-point scoring system was introduced for the adapted judo section of the event, and Kristiina Pekkola, EJU Vice President, shared her thoughts on the change.
“The introduction of a positive scoring system in adapted kata is a significant step forward. It is not about sympathy or lowering standards, it is about recognising and encouraging the technical quality that’s already there. This approach supports personal development and gives athletes a clear pathway to grow within judo.
“We often remind judges to focus not just on emotion but on the judo being performed, to truly see the techniques. That’s what matters. The same mindset applies to cadets and juniors; we are working to shift perspectives and embrace positive scoring as a developmental tool.”
Reflecting on the event’s unique inclusivity, she added:
“This is currently the only European Championship that has an inclusive official programme, and I am incredibly honoured and proud to be part of that. It is the result of strong teamwork, collaboration and the growing involvement of new countries. Events like this create role models and judo needs more of them. Finally, I am deeply impressed by the Latvian Judo Federation. It is their first time hosting a kata championship, and they have done an absolutely fantastic job. It has been a joy to be here.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi