English Judo Blogs

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Keagan Young had a perfect day on Sunday at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, where he captured the under-90 kg title at the Montréal Pan-American Cup. With complete command of his craft, the Ontarian set the pace throughout the day, winning all four of his bouts by waza-ari, including the championship final against Aleks Krivec of Slovenia. “My final bout was almost identical to all my other fights, in that I got my opponent onto the ground, where I was able to finish the job. Overal... Read more

We worked on Kata-Gatame Roll, how to escape Kata-Gatame, and Osoto-Kosoto Combination. Read more

Nearly a year ago to the day, Julien Frascadore won the Panamerican Cup in Montréal for the second time in his career. The victory was all the more sweet, because it was in front of family and friends. The Québec-based judoka repeated his win today, Saturday, taking top honors in the Under-66 kg division at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau. “It’s always special to compete in front of friends and family. Every time that happens, there may be a bit of pressure, but it’s important to be abl... Read more

Barely twenty-four hours after being defeated in the junior finals of the Pan-American Cup in Montréal, Gabrieli Makhatadze (-60 kg) and Nicole Daria Manaila (-57 kg) bounced back in style on Friday, claiming top honours in their cadet weight classes at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau. “I was feeling a bit discouraged after my loss in the junior finals yesterday, but I think it ended up just getting me even more revved up for today,” said Makhatadze, as he stepped off the tatami. Aft... Read more

This past year, Mélody Grenier decided to switch weight categories, moving from the under-52 kg class to the under-57 kg class. Her victory on Thursday in the junior division at the Pan-American Cup in Montréal confirmed that her decision was the right one, and that she is progressing in the right direction. In the highly competitive weight division, Grenier defeated her compatriot Nicole Daria Manaila in overtime in the final match. With two shidos against her, she suddenly saw an op... Read more

The clock hits zero. The children are still stood on the mat. Then the referee Read more The post Golden Score in Judo: Why the Match Carried On appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

The biggest names in Canadian judo will now be featured on their own trading cards. Inspired by the popularity of collectible hockey cards, Judo Canada’s latest project will kick off with its very first trading card, featuring Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard . The first card in Judo Canada’s collection was unveiled on Thursday, at the Pan-American Cup in Montréal. A total of 900 cards will be issued, in two distinct versions: 750 classic cards in red and black, and 150 special HP Club car... Read more

Over the past decade, Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard has been one of the most prominent figures in judo, in both Quebec and Canada. Now, after a highly successful sports career, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist has decided to hang up her judogi. “Throughout my life, judo has given me so much: travel opportunities, structure, the desire to push myself ever further, and the joy of the process. In life, you’re always striving for something—your next medal, the next level—but you also have... Read more

The Irish Judo Association Women in Sport programme was delighted to nominate IJA staff member Kristina Verenac for enrolment to the Women In Sport – Leadership Programme 2026. Following the conclusion of the programme at the end of October 2026, Kristina was presented with her Certificate of Completion by Sport Ireland. Well done Kristina on completing the programme. Our thanks to Ellie Dennis IJA Women in Sport Chair and Sport Ireland Women in Sport for supporting National Governing Bodie... Read more

Re: Change of Date – All Ireland’s 2026 The Irish Judo Association would like to inform all clubs, participants and members of the public that, due to an unforeseen circumstance, the All Ireland’s 2026 is rescheduled. The event will now take place one week later than previously announced, on Saturday, 12th December 2026 , with weigh-in scheduled for the preceding evening, Friday, 11th December 2026 . We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understand... Read more

As the only Canadian competing at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on Sunday, Anes Mati did his country proud by finishing second in the under-66 kg division. The Québécois started the day strong, winning his first two bouts. He began by taking down Argentina’s Thiago Carvallo with a yuko, before defeating France’s Nathan Gbingbehi by ippon. Mati thus advanced to the gold medal final for his weight class, where he faced Khazar Heydarov of Kazakhstan. The two judokas put o... Read more

Irish Veteran’s Open 2026 Lydia Ritchie Veteran’s Commission secretary has compiled a report and some photos from the event held at the October Bank Holiday weekend 2026. Check out the report and the photos below – well done to everyone who assisted and to all the competitors and travelling support! Irish Masters Report 2026 The post Irish Veteran’s Open 2026 – Report & Photos first appeared on Irish Judo Association . Read more

Congratulations to Bearach Gleeson on securing a bronze medal at the Florida Pan-Amercian Open 2026 at the weekend in the U90kg senior male category. Skye Sands finished in 5th place in the U48kg senior female category. The post Bronze for Bearach in Florida first appeared on Irish Judo Association . Read more

IJA President Sylvia O’Flynn has expressed her sympathies and those of the Association to the family of Ciara Mageean following her passing yesterday morning aged 34. Ciara was an exceptional athlete whose sporting achievements left a lasting impact, she was an inspiration to countless people and a hugely respected presence in Athletics, GAA and Irish sport in general. Her passing leaves a profound void throughout the wider sporting community. She will be remembered not only for her outstandi... Read more

Félix Mercier-Ross made a tremendous early impression at the Panamerican Senior Judo Open held in Florida, wrapping up the first day of competition with a second-place finish after a hotly contested final in the under-73 kg division. After winning his first three bouts of the tournament, the Quebecer battled Venezuelan Andres Pariche in the championship match. The two rivals engaged in a back-and-forth affair that ultimately went in favor of the South American, who prevailed with a de... Read more

On Sunday, we worked on 3 types of Tani-Otoshi, and a Sankaku defence against Yoko-Shiho-Gatame. At the end, we did a bit of newaza and tachi-waza Randori. A really good session. Read more

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Just like the cadets yesterday, Canada’s junior judokas picked up a slew of medals on Thursday at the Pan-American Cup in Orlando, Florida. The Canadian team won a total of 15 medals, including nine in the women’s divisions. In fact, three of the women’s finals featured two Canadian competitors. Rima Bourihane defeated Emma Tritton in the under-52 kg division, Valeria Kostrovets bested Mélody Grenier in the under-57 kg category, and Charlie Thibault prevailed over Missy Jen Dorval Mbele i... Read more

Canada’s cadet judokas shone brightly at the Pan-American Cup in Florida on Wednesday, capturing a total of 11 medals—four gold, four silver, and three bronze—and securing podium finishes in almost every category in which they competed. The under-66 kg event was capped off by an all-Canadian final. Roman Semyrozum took on Samuel Morrison for the gold medal, coming out on top to claim the highest step on the podium. “Roman dominated the weight division, which was one of the day’s mo... Read more

Welsh Judo welcomes the launch of a new free online education course from British Judo, supporting coaches, athletes and parents to develop healthier approaches to weight management in judo. The launch represents another important milestone in a collaborative project that began with concerns identified within Welsh Judo about the impact of weight-making practices on young athletes. Working initially with the Sport Wales Institute, Welsh Judo sought to better understand the challenges young j... Read more

The International Judo Federation are pleased to introduce the theme for World Judo Day 2026, which will be celebrated on 28th October: BELONGING. This year’s theme reflects a simple but essential idea: judo is not only a sport in which everyone should be welcomed, but a community in which everyone should feel recognised, respected and able to find their place. Belonging can take many forms: welcoming new judoka, recognising volunteers and training partners, creating opportunities for women a... Read more

The 2026 European Veterans Championships were rescheduled to the same week as the Irish Masters Open. The Irish squad was reduced to three players – 2025 European champion, Johnny Dennis; Danny Roche and James Ward. Danny fought his way to a bronze medal for Ireland and Johnny produced some lovely judo to finish in the 5th place. Lydia Ritchie Honorary Secretary Irish Veterans Commission The post European Veterans Championships 22-24 October 2026 PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL first appeared on Irish Jud... Read more

A kids’ judo match is short, usually two to three minutes depending on the age Read more The post How Long Is a Judo Match? Kids’ Match Times Explained appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

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17 October 2026 | Waterford Judo Club, Ireland Fifteen coaches and athletes representing seven judo clubs across Ireland gathered at Waterford Judo Club for an Adaptive Judo Development Workshop organised by the Irish Judo Association (IJA), in collaboration with Vision Sports Ireland and British Judo. The workshop focused on strengthening coaching confidence, improving communication and creating greater opportunities for people of all abilities to participate and progress in judo.   Respondi... Read more

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We worked on gripping sequence into nagekomi. We also did the shoulder tap drill for newaza. This approach give a sense of realism to the practice compared to static nagekomi and static newaza drills. Read more

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– Come and join us for the biggest judo event of the year – ✨🥋ALL IRELAND JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 🥋✨ (This competition is only for valid members of the Irish Judo Association & Northern Ireland Judo Federation. Categories are subject to amalgamation dependent on entry – This is a WINS & POINTS Scoring Event for 1st KYU & DAN Grades) 🗓️Date: Saturday, 5 th December 2026 📍Location: National Indoor Arena, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin D15 EPN4 ⌚Times: Competition Start Time 09.30a... Read more

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The Irish Judo Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of Judo in Ireland. Our mission aims to develop, foster, promote, and organise judo activities and offer guidance and leadership whilst preserving the integrity and principles of the sport of judo on the island of Ireland. The Irish Judo Association is committed to providing an environment that will result in an increase in the level of participation and performance in Irish Judo. The Association is seeking a suitable can... Read more

Order Books for Your Club at Coach Prices Don’t miss out, coaches. Orders for the Read more The post Koka Kids Club Books — Register Now for Coach Prices appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

(Japanese below 日本語下) The Kodokan 1894 “Golden Scroll”1894年弘道館の黄金の掛け軸With the cooperation of: Kodokan Judo Institute Today I’m trying something new. I recently gave a presentation at Tsukuba University for the Jigoro Kano Education Conference, part of the Tsukuba Science Week 2026, on the 1894 Kodokan Golden Scroll, written by Kanō shihan to explain how the ultimate … Continue reading The 1894 Kodokan Golden Scroll: What Kanō Shihan Really Intended for Judo → Read more

Some children lose a judo match without ever being thrown or held down. They lose Read more The post Shido and Hansoku-make: Judo Penalties Explained for Parents appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

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Today we get to have an insight into the mind of Eugene, a judoka whose story embodies resilience, determination, and the true spirit of martial arts. Eugene shortly after coming out of hospital with his family His journey hasn’t been straightforward — it’s been shaped by years of training, a deep love for grappling arts, a life‑changing health scare, and an inspiring comeback that led him all the way to earning his black belt. Eugene trains with Causeway Judo at North Coast Grapplin... Read more

We’re a good few weeks into the autumn term now. The habits are starting to Read more The post Technique First – Five Technical Drills appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

Every Monday, I send printable technique cards to everyone via the Koka Kids Newsletter. The Read more The post Judo Techniques for Beginners with Printable Technique Cards appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

The Welsh Judo Association is saddened to learn of the passing of Allan McGuinness, who died suddenly on 19 September 2026 at the age of 79. Allan was a familiar and highly involved figure within Welsh judo for many years, contributing to the sport from the late 1970s through to the mid-2000s. During his time in judo, Allan held a number of important roles, including Senior Club Coach, Senior Examiner and BJA Referee, and achieved the grade of 4th Dan. He also served Welsh Judo for a number ... Read more

We worked on Ippon-Seoi-Nage and Leg Extraction. Azyana and Aleeya joined our club! Read more

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Not every throw is perfect. Sometimes a child throws their opponent, but the landing isn’t Read more The post What Is a Waza-ari in Judo? The Half Score Explained appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

Welsh Judo was proud to host the 2026 British National Kata Championships in Cardiff on Sunday 6 September, welcoming kata competitors, judges and officials from across British Judo for a hugely successful day at Wales’ National Dojo.With 40 entries competing across senior and youth kata categories, the Championships showcased the continued growth and development of kata across Britain, with increasingly close scores and a high standard of performances throughout the day.The Welsh Judo A... Read more

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You look away for one second, and when you look back the referee has an Read more The post What Is an Ippon in Judo? The Score That Ends the Match appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

You’ve driven across town to a sports hall. Your child disappears into a sea of Read more The post Watching Your Child’s First Judo Competition: A Parent’s Guide appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

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The Northern Ireland Judo Federation is proud to congratulate Spartan Judo Club on the opening of their new full‑time dojo — a landmark achievement that arrives as the club approaches its 10‑year anniversary in 2027. This moment marks a decade of determination, community spirit, and continuous development within the Portadown, Craigavon and beyond areas. Founded in 2017 by Head Coach Jozsef Balogh, Spartan Judo Club began with a single weekly class and just five children. Reflecting... Read more

In this post, I’d like to spotlight, Charlotte Potter, 5th Dan, GB International and Head Read more The post Interview: Charlotte Potter on Growing Ippon Judo London while Keeping Admin Simple appeared first on Judo Books by Koka Kids . Read more

This is how we develop a Family of Techniques for newaza. Read more

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The Welsh Judo Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Istvan Babos , a hugely respected figure within Newport Judo Club and the wider Welsh judo community. Steve passed away in hospital on 7 August 2026, just three weeks short of his 90th birthday, following a fall at home. Born in Hungary in 1936, Steve came to the United Kingdom as a refugee at the age of 20. He moved to Newport in 1958, where he joined Newport Judo Club and began an association with the club that ... Read more

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Join us for the 3rd Jita Kyoei Open Practice hosted at Shojin Judo on August 22nd from 12:30 to 3:30 pm Read more

Join us for the second part of this clinic on Kumi Kata and Attack Patterns. Read more

How did you get the opportunity? Having volunteered at the previous two Commonwealth Games held in the UK — Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022 — I was eagerly waiting for applications to open in September 2025. A detailed selection process followed, involving a number of different tasks and assessments. Thousands of people applied, and in March 2026 I was delighted to be offered a role at the Games. What does your volunteering role involve? At these Games, I will be working as the Internat... Read more

Reminder – All paperwork is due July 23, 2026 Date: Sunday August 23, 2026 Time: Registration: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, Clinic: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Location: IPPON Martial Arts, 16735 Ridge Road, Northville, MI 48168 Registration Fee: $20 All candidates must submit all their paperwork by July 23, 2026. Submit paperwork to Frances Glaze, … … Continue reading → Read more