Hong Kong Judo
Latest Judo News
Hong Kong and world judo news, competition updates, Kodokan stories and features from the judo community.
Looking for Chinese judo news? Hong Kong Judo publishes judo news in English and Traditional Chinese.
Para Judo / World Championships
IBSA Judo World Championships Open in Tbilisi: Japan Send Thirteen, Led by Hirose Junko and Seto Yujiro
Judo News / Youth Olympic Games
Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Judo: Japan Send Arai Naito in the Men’s 100 kg
Judo News / Travel Safety
Free Airport USB Ports Are Not Just Chargers: What Judo Travellers Should Know About Juice Jacking
World Judo / South America
Brazil Win 11 of 14 Individual Titles and the Mixed Team at the South American Games
Judo Classroom / World Ranking
How Does the IJF World Ranking Work? Ranking Points Explained Before the 2026 Baku World Championships
The IJF World Ranking List is points-based: results keep 100% of their value for the first 12 months, 50% after that, and expire at 24 months. Ahead of the 2026 Baku World Championships the seven women's categories each look different, and the points model explains why a ranking can move without the athlete competing.
Judo News / Youth Judo
2026 Maruchan Cup All Japan Youth Judo Tournament: Gifu Kita, Gojo Higashi and Tokai University Sagami Take the Three Team Titles
The 2026 Maruchan Cup All Japan Youth Judo Tournament was held at the Tokyo Budokan on 20 September. Gifu Kita Judo Club won the elementary title, Gojo Higashi Junior High School took the junior-high girls' crown and Tokai University Sagami Junior High School won the junior-high boys' event.
Judo News / European Cup
Skopje Senior European Cup: Russia Top the Medal Table With Four Golds, France and Georgia Follow
The 2026 Skopje Senior European Cup took place on 19–20 September with 384 athletes from 40 nations. Russia topped the medal table with four gold, four silver and ten bronze, ahead of France on 2-3-2 and Georgia on 2-1-1. Serbia's Lazar Zdrale won at under-100 kg with five wins from five.
Judo News / Judo Education
Joshiro Maruyama announces move to Switzerland — how it happened, why, and what he does now
Judo News / World Championships
Four Hong Kong, China Judoka Listed for the Baku World Championships — Three Straight from the Asian Games
Judo News / Asian Games
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Open: Hong Kong, China Send About 580 Athletes in 38 Sports
Sport Culture / Commentary
Why Kodokan Judo Has Never Put Winning First
Judo News / Asian Games
No Athletes' Village, Leaking Containers: Asian Games Housing Draws Fire Before Opening
Judo News / Gender Equality
Women in Judo Find Their Voice in Istanbul: 31 Women, 15 Countries
Judo News / Cadets & Youth
Split Judo Hopes: 468 Young Judoka, and Coaches from the Kodokan
Judo Life / Travel & Tech
Tokyo's Driverless Taxi Plan Targets 2027 — and What It Could Mean for Judo Travel
Judo News / Japan Juniors
2026 All Japan Junior Championships: All 14 Champions
Judo News / Hungary
Hungary Grand Slam 2026: Japan Take Three Golds in Budapest
Judo History / People
25 Years Later: Remembering Jeremy Glick and United Flight 93
Hong Kong Judo / Dojo News
KUMA DOJO Presents the 7th Generation KUMA Tee
Judo News / International Judo
An Ba-ul on Retirement: Body, Timing and the Mentor Who Shaped Him and a Move Into Coaching
Japan Team / Women's Judo
Tsukada Maki on How Japan's Women Are Preparing for 12 Straight Days of International Judo
Judo News / Asian Games
Huh Mimi Targets Asian Games Gold in Japan — and a Medal for Her Grandfather
Judo News / International Judo
Odette Giuffrida: Taking the Person She Is Today Back to the Top
Hong Kong Judo / Junior Worlds
Eight Hong Kong, China Judoka Currently Listed for 2026 Junior World Championships in Tashkent
Japan Team / Training Camp
Abe Siblings Complete Second Year of California Camp Ahead of Los Angeles 2028
Japan Judo / Corporate
Funakubo and Omori Shine at All Japan Business Judo Individual Championships
Hong Kong Judo / Asian Games
Hong Kong, China Confirms Six Judoka for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games (30 Sep – 2 Oct)
Japan Judo / Corporate
Tatsuru Saito Wins Comeback Event After 10 Months Away, Taking All Six Bouts by Ippon
Judo and Society / Relief
Nepal Floods Devastate Judo Communities as at Least Eight Young Judoka Are Confirmed Dead
Judo History / Obituary
Yoshimi Masaki, 1985 Open-Weight World Champion and Tenri Judo Mentor, Dies Aged 64
Judo and Society / Inclusion
Yasuhiro Yamashita Turns Life in a Wheelchair Into a New Mission for Inclusion
European Judo / Ne-Waza
Inaugural European Ne-Waza Championships Complete in Riga: 150 Judoka Test the New Format
Japan Team / Grand Slam
Fukuda and Kentoku Take Japan's Two Golds at the Inaugural Lausanne Grand Slam
Judo News / International Judo
Former Japan National Judoka Kosuke Mashiyama Switches to Mongolia to Aim for Olympic Gold
Judo Education / Children / Development
Back to School Is More Than Returning to the Classroom: Post-Pandemic Research Highlights Children's Need for Face-to-Face Interaction and Movement
Judo History / International Judo
Kazuhiro Mikami Awarded IJF 10th Dan in Lausanne After 60 Years of Transmitting Judo in Switzerland
The IJF awarded Kazuhiro Mikami the 10th dan in Lausanne, sixty years after he arrived in Switzerland to promote judo.
Judo Education / International Judo
Joshiro Maruyama: From World Champion to Passing Judo On in Switzerland
Double world champion Joshiro Maruyama now teaches judo at Ecole Mont-Olivet in Switzerland.
Adapted Judo
Lausanne Creates World Judo Tour History as Adapted Judo Debuts at a Grand Slam
56 athletes from 13 nations will compete in Lausanne on 28 August.
Hong Kong Judo / Dojo News
Kuma Dojo Belt Promotion 2026: One Day, Once a Year, Following the Kodokan Way
Kuma Dojo holds its 2026 belt promotion on 29 August: age six to start, seven kyu grades, one chance every year, following the Kodokan way.
Judo and Society
Rules Do Not Weaken Martial Arts: A Serious Jiu-Jitsu Neck Injury and the Lesson Behind Jigoro Kano's Reform
A serious neck injury at a no-gi jiu-jitsu competition raises the question Jigoro Kano confronted a century ago: do rules restrict martial arts, or protect them?
World Judo / Society
After Robots Beat the Human 100m Record, Children Need the Dojo More Than Ever
Twenty years after ASIMO learned to climb stairs, humanoid robots have broken the human 100m record. Real experience is what only the dojo can give children.
World Judo / Cadet Judo
World Cadet Championships Day Two: Kazakhstan Extends Lead, Genki Fujinaka Wins Gold and 20 Nations Reach the Medal Table
Kazakhstan leads with 9 medals across 7 categories; 20 of 59 nations have medalled.
Judo Education
Champions Return to the Tatami: Zantaraia Hosts Lombardo and Maisuradze in Ukraine
World champions became training partners for Ukraine's next generation.
Judo History
German Judo Legend Han Ho San Dies Aged 87 After 35 Years Shaping the National Team
The Korean-born coach served the German national team for around 35 years.
Judo Education
From National-Team Judoka to Sponsor: Roberto Danin Says Judo Is Part of an Education System
Former judoka sustaining Ecuadorian judo through scholarships and support.
France Judo
Misato Nakamura Looks Inside France's Judo Pro League: Could Mixed-Team Judo Offer Hong Kong a New Competition Model?
French judo great Misato Nakamura visits the Judo Pro League Final Four, where Haruka Funakubo helped AC Boulogne-Billancourt to the title.
Hong Kong Judo
Hong Kong Judo Dan Grade Examination 2026 Set for 13 September, Entries Close 31 August
The Judo Association of Hong Kong, China holds the 2026 Dan Grade Examination at 10am on 13 September at UG Kai Tak.
Hong Kong Judo / Dojo Culture
Kuma Dojo Launches New "DOJO" Page, Looking Beyond Tatami to Safety, Etiquette and Judo Culture
Kuma Dojo's new page asks what actually makes a judo dojo.
Japan Judo
One Last Chance: 57th All-Japan Junior High School Judo Championships in Okayama
The 57th All-Japan Junior High School Judo Championships run 18–21 August in Okayama. For third-year students, it's the final chance to prove their youth.
Hong Kong Judo
National Day Cup Judo Championship 2026 Set for 4 October in Tsuen Wan
The National Day Cup Judo Championship 2026 will take place on Sunday 4 October at Tsuen King Circuit Sports Centre, with categories from age 4 and entry closing 7 September.
World Judo Tour
Lima Grand Prix Closes with Brazil on Top, Cyprus Secures First World Judo Tour Gold
Brazil finished on top with five gold medals, while Cyprus secured its first World Judo Tour gold.
Training
Almaty International Training Camp Gathers Over 700 Judoka from 30 Nations
More than 700 judoka from 30 nations gathered in Almaty.
Culture
A Black Belt That Connects: Croatia's Women's Team on Coaching, Trust and Growth
EJU's Belt of Life turns its lens on Croatia's women's team.
Hong Kong Judo
hkjudo.com Launches Japanese Version
hkjudo.com has launched its Japanese-language version, expanding the website from Traditional Chinese and English to three languages.
Hong Kong Judo
58th Hong Kong Judo Invitation Championships Set for 11 October
The 58th Hong Kong Judo Invitation Championships will take place on 11 October 2026 at the South China Athletic Association.
World Judo Tour / Calendar
Lima Grand Prix Opens with 296 Judoka from 50 Countries
The 2026 Lima Grand Prix takes place in Peru from 14 to 16 August, with the latest International Judo Federation entry list showing 296 competitors from 50 countries.
European Judo Union
EJU Approves 2027 Calendar as European Judo Plans Its Next Stage
The European Judo Union Executive Committee met in Sarajevo on 11 and 12 August to approve the 2027 EJU calendar.
IJF World Judo Tour / Calendar
IJF World Judo Tour 2026: Key Events from Lima and Lausanne to Baku and Dushanbe
Key international judo dates for the second half of 2026, from Lima and Lausanne to the Baku World Championships, Tokyo Grand Slam and Dushanbe World Judo Masters, plus the Kowloon Asian Open in Hong Kong, China.
Judo Education / IJF
JUDO4LLC Helps Judo Clubs Become Lifelong Learning Communities
JUDO4LLC, a European project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme of the European Union, helps judo clubs become centres of lifelong learning and community development.
Hong Kong Judo / Exchange
Hong Kong, China Youth Judo Exchange Delegation Heads to Harbin
The 2026 Hong Kong Youth Judo Exchange Delegation runs from 10 to 15 August in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, listed by the Judo Association of Hong Kong, China for judoka aged 13 to 23.
Hong Kong / Judo Safety
Extreme Heat in Hong Kong Calls for Extra Care During Judo Training
Hong Kong is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures up to 36°C. Judo practitioners should take precautions against heat exhaustion.
Junior Judo / European Cup
Germany Wins Six Titles at the Skopje Junior European Cup
The 2026 Skopje Junior European Cup takes place 8-9 August in North Macedonia with 317 judoka from 33 countries.
Japan Judo / Student Judo
Men's Heavyweight Champions Decided at Japan's National High School Judo Championships
The 2026 Japan National High School Judo Championships continue at Wakayama Big Whale with men's heavier categories and women's team competition.
EJU / Media
EJU Opens Registration for Its 2026 Photography Certification Workshop
The EJU will hold its only online photography workshop of 2026 on 24 September. Certification is required for EJU event accreditation.
Kuma Dojo / Judo Content
Following Judo Classroom and Kata Classroom, Kuma Dojo Launches "Dojo Newsroom"
Kuma Dojo has launched its new "Dojo Newsroom," a television-style news programme covering dojo activities and training updates.
IJF Programme / Women's Judo
Sakura Judo Women's Leadership Programme Launches in Peru
The IJF Sakura Judo programme launches in Lima, Peru, bringing together 30 women participants for three days of leadership, technical and Safe Sport training.
Travel Advisory / Judo Events
Typhoon Dolphin Disrupts Flights Across Asia: Judo Travellers Advised to Check Schedules
Typhoon Dolphin is affecting East and Southeast Asia. Judo practitioners should monitor flight schedules.
Youth Judo / Sports Science
New Research Links Better Diets to Sharper Focus in Teens with Attention Disorders
A new study suggests that among teenagers with attention disorders, those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet perform significantly better on cognitive tests.
Safeguarding / Judo Education
EJU Launches Free SAFE COMBAT Safeguarding Course for Combat Sports
The European Judo Union has launched a free SAFE COMBAT online course covering safeguarding, violence prevention, weight management, concussion and injury prevention for combat sports clubs.
Judo Development / Youth Judo
Teddy Riner Brings Judo on the Beach to Egypt's North Coast for Second Year
Teddy Riner returns to Egypt's North Coast for the second Judo on the Beach programme, training 350 young judoka as part of the Yalla Sahel summer initiative.
Kodokan / Judo Culture
Kodokan Publishes August 2026 Issue of Judo Magazine
The Kodokan publishes its August 2026 judo magazine, covering spring red-and-white contest, dan-grade system, kata seminars, judo history and competition reports.
Kata / Judo Education
Kuma Dojo Judo Kata Classroom Is Now Open
Kuma Dojo has launched a judo kata classroom covering nine traditional Kodokan kata with Japanese names, romaji and official demonstration links.
World Judo
Canada and England Lead After Two Days of Glasgow 2026 Judo
Canada and England each won three gold medals across the first ten judo categories at Glasgow 2026, with India taking two and Malaysia and Mauritius winning one each.
Judo Profiles
Telma Monteiro Reflects on Mental Resilience, Adaptation and Retirement
Telma Monteiro reflects on six Olympic cycles, visualisation, psychological support, rule changes, social media pressure and accepting the end of her competitive career.
Para Judo
Heidelberg to Host the 2026 IBSA Judo European Championship
The official IBSA event window for the 2026 Judo European Championship runs from 9 to 16 August in Heidelberg, Germany, featuring J1 and J2 competition classes.
World Judo
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Judo Opens on Thursday Across Fourteen Categories
Judo at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begins on 31 July at the SEC, with 174 athletes from 41 nations competing for fourteen gold medals across three days.
World Judo
Indian Judo Team’s Luggage Lost En Route to Glasgow for Commonwealth Games
Members of the Indian judo team arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games to find their checked luggage, including competition judogis and training gear, had been lost by the airline.
World Judo
Indian Judoka Arun Kumar Withdrawn from Glasgow 2026 After Failing Dope Test
Indian judoka Arun Kumar has been withdrawn from the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games after an out-of-competition doping test returned an adverse analytical finding for an anabolic steroid.
World Judo
Judo Australia to Launch Public Sanctions Register on 5 August
Judo Australia will launch a public sanctions register on 5 August 2026, allowing members, clubs and event organisers to verify current disciplinary sanctions affecting eligibility.
Hong Kong, China Judo / Youth Judo
LIN Hau and LIN Wing Hin Listed for Guayaquil World Cadet Championships
LIN Hau will compete at under-66 kg and LIN Wing Hin at under-73 kg for Hong Kong, China at the World Cadet Championships in Guayaquil.
World Judo
Glasgow Commonwealth Games Judo Begins Friday with 174 Athletes Across Fourteen Categories
Glasgow 2026 judo begins on Friday, with 174 athletes from 41 countries and territories currently listed across fourteen categories.
Kodokan / Judo Culture
Kodokan Shochu-geiko Continues Ten Days of Early-Morning Summer Practice
Kodokan's ten-day Shochu-geiko brings daily early-morning practice to Tokyo from 27 July to 5 August.
Japan Judo / Youth Judo / Coaching Education
Misato Nakamura Leads Baku Youth Judo Seminar Alongside 289-Athlete Tournament
Misato Nakamura led a technical seminar alongside the Baku Judo Hopes Tournament, where 289 young judoka from ten countries competed.
Judo Education / Public Courtesy
Bangkok BTS Incident: Why Today’s Young People Need Judo Education
The Bangkok BTS incident involving Italian students offers a reminder that Judo education extends beyond technique to respect, self-control and mutual welfare.
Hong Kong, China Judo / Asian Youth Competition
Hong Kong, China Wins Two Bronze Medals at the Macau Asian Cadet and Junior Cups; Chan Tsz Kwan Finishes Fifth
Hong Kong, China finished the Macau Asian Cadet and Junior Cups with two bronze medals, one fifth-place result and four seventh-place finishes, including Chan Tsz Kwan’s fifth place in women’s -70 kg.
Japan Judo / High School Competition
Kinshuki High School Judo Tournament Concludes with First Titles for Taisei and Hieizan
The 98th Kinshuki High School Judo Tournament concluded on 24 July, with Taisei High School and Hieizan High School winning their first men’s and women’s titles.
Hong Kong, China Judo / Learning Resources
Kuma Dojo Launches Judo Classroom: 100 Kodokan Technique Names, Pronunciations and Official Demonstrations
Kuma Dojo’s new Judo Classroom brings together 68 throwing techniques and 32 groundwork techniques, with Japanese pronunciation, category filters and links to Kodokan official demonstrations.
Japan Judo / People
From an ACL Injury to Motherhood: Azusa Eiro Reflects on Growth Through Judo
Former JR East women’s team athlete Azusa Eiro recalls rebuilding after an ACL injury, her career and the values of judo that remain in family life.
Japan Judo / Safe Practice
All Japan Judo Federation Promotes “Seven-Tenths Judo” for Safer Randori
The Seven-Tenths Judo Club in Fukui teaches that safer randori depends on restraint, safe ukemi and awareness of training partners and the mat.
International Judo / Youth Training
International Youth Judoka Gather for Fiesch Training Camp in Switzerland
The Sergei Judo Camp runs from 19 to 25 July in Fiesch, bringing competition-level judoka aged 14 and over together for technical training, randori and event preparation.
World Judo / Broadcast Technology
Inside the Digital Technology Behind a Modern Judo Broadcast
The Sarajevo European Open offers a look at the technical work behind live judo, from replays and scoring to contest data, call-room operations and referee review.
Hong Kong, China Judo / Asian Youth
Hong Kong, China Completes Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Amman
Four young judoka represented Hong Kong, China in Amman, with MAK Ching Man finishing seventh in the junior women’s -63 kg category.
Judo Education / Moral Code
Where Did Judo’s Eight-Value Moral Code Come From?
The familiar values of politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship were formally organised in France in 1985.
Judo Health / Sleep and Safety
Watching the 2026 World Cup Overnight, Then Training Judo: How Sleep Loss Affects Reaction, Strength and Safety
Late-night World Cup viewing can leave judoka slower to react, less powerful and less controlled on the mat. Research links sleep loss with changes in attention, strength, high-intensity performance and perceived effort.
Kodokan Judo / Summer Course
Kodokan Summer Course Part Two to Begin on 20 July
The second part of the Kodokan 2026 Summer Course will run in Tokyo from 20 to 24 July, with separate classes for beginners and dan holders.
Hong Kong, China Judo / Asian Cadet and Junior Cups
Hong Kong, China Wins Three Bronze Medals at Home Asian Cadet and Junior Cups
Hong Kong, China judoka won three bronze medals across the home Asian Cadet and Junior Cups, with one fifth-place and two seventh-place finishes.
Judo Safety / Event Medical Support
Japan Holds Judo Event Medical Support Course Focusing on First Response
The AJJF Medical Science Committee held a judo event medical support course in Osaka covering bleeding control, initial trauma care and safe transport.
Japan Judo / Student Judo
Japan Enters Busy August Student Judo Season
Japan will stage national high-school and junior-high judo events in August, alongside an elementary-school judo development project.
Asian Judo / Youth Competition
Macau to Host Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Events in Late July
Macau will host Asian cadet judo on 25 July and the Asian junior event the following day, continuing a busy regional youth calendar.
Japan Judo / Junior Competition
Japan's Seven Women All Reach the Podium in Prague with Three Golds
All seven Japanese women reached the podium at the 2026 Czech Junior International Judo Tournament in Prague, winning three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Japan Judo / Sports Medicine
Japan to Hold 13th Judo Medical Science Research Conference
Japan’s 13th Judo Medical Science Research Conference will focus on first aid, medical support and safety in judo events.
Japan Judo / Coach Education
Japan Promotes Child-Development-Based Training for Judo Coaches
The All Japan Judo Federation is training coaches to design judo lessons around children’s physical development stages.
Hong Kong, China / Asian Youth Judo
Four Young Judoka from Hong Kong, China Set for Asian Cadet and Junior Championships in Jordan
Four young judoka from Hong Kong, China are set to compete at the Asian Cadet and Junior Judo Championships in Amman, Jordan.
Hong Kong, China / European Open
LAU Wan Lok to Represent Hong Kong, China at Sarajevo European Open
LAU Wan Lok will represent Hong Kong, China at the Sarajevo European Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hong Kong, China / World Cadet Judo
LIN Hau and LIN Wing Hin Listed for Guayaquil World Cadet Championships
IJF competition information lists LIN Hau and LIN Wing Hin as the two Hong Kong, China judoka for the World Cadet Judo Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Kodokan Judo / Kata
Kodokan Summer Course Opens with Eight Days of Kata Study
The first part of the Kodokan Judo Summer Course began on 11 July, with an eight-day programme covering seven kata disciplines and a final demonstration.
Hong Kong Judo / Asian Open
Ka Lee Wong Wins Women’s -48 kg Bronze at Taipei Asian Open
Ka Lee Wong won bronze in the women’s -48 kg category at the Taipei Asian Open 2026, as Hong Kong, China also recorded two fifth-place finishes and one seventh-place result.
World Judo / Para Judo
Brazil Tops São Paulo Para Judo Grand Prix with Six Golds as Kazusa Ogawa Wins for Japan
Brazil finished first at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix São Paulo with six gold medals, while Japan’s Kazusa Ogawa won the women’s J2 -70 kg title.
World Judo / Youth Judo
Türkiye Wins 22 Gold Medals in Kocaeli as Bulgaria Claims One Title
Türkiye dominated the Kocaeli Judo Hopes Tournament with 22 gold medals, while Georgia won seven, Kazakhstan five and Bulgaria secured one title.
World Judo / Para Judo
São Paulo Para Judo Grand Prix Opens the Road to LA28
The IBSA Judo Grand Prix São Paulo runs from 11 to 13 July and opens the first ranking opportunity of the LA28 Paralympic cycle.
Judo Culture / Para Judo
Trust, Hands and Movement: Para Judo Makes Jita Kyoei Visible
IJF features from São Paulo use trust, touch and movement to explain the values made visible through para judo.
Japan Judo / Athlete Support
All Japan Judo Federation Opens Support Window for Women Judoka
The All Japan Judo Federation has introduced support resources on health, menstruation, safe weight management and recovery for women judoka.
Japan Judo / Youth Development
Kinshuki Judo Clinic to Bring Top Japanese Judoka to Young Athletes in Fukuoka
The Kinshuki Judo Clinic will bring leading Japanese judoka to five free teaching sessions for young athletes in Fukuoka.
Judo Technology / Match Analysis
From Football VAR to Judo Video Replay: How Sports Technology Is Changing Officiating and Analysis
From football VAR to the mandatory IJF Video Replay System, image and data tools are changing how people understand contests, review technique and learn judo.
Hong Kong Judo / Kata
Lok Yi Lit and Cheuk Chi Chan Finish Fourth in Goshin Jutsu at Laval Kata World Series
Lit Lok Yi and Chan Cheuk Chi qualified second in the preliminary round and finished fourth in Kodokan Goshin Jutsu Seniors in Laval.
IJF Academy / Judo Education
Hong Kong, China Among Participants in IJF Academy Self-Defence Instructor Pilot in Malta
The IJF Academy Foundation completed its self-defence instructor pilot in Malta with 26 participants from 15 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, China.
World Judo / World Championships
Ticket Sales Open for the 2026 Baku World Judo Championships
The 2026 World Judo Championships will take place in Baku from 4 to 11 October, with ticket sales now open.
European Judo / Judo Education
European Judo Expands Its Focus to Safe Sport, Education and Uniformed Services
The European Judo Union has placed Safe Sport, education, uniformed services championships and IJF Academy self-defence work on its recent agenda.
Hong Kong Judo / Kuma Dojo
A Judo Journey Toward the Olympic Stage
After ten years of judo, two serious knee injuries and countless setbacks, a Hong Kong judoka reaches another milestone through the world of international judo.
Hong Kong Judo / Local Competition
Hong Kong Judo Enters a Busy July with Team Championships and Asian Youth Cups
Hong Kong’s July judo calendar features the team championships on 12 July, followed by Asian cadet and junior events on 18 and 19 July.
Asian Judo / Senior Competition
Taipei Asian Open Begins This Weekend as Asia’s Senior Judo Calendar Continues
The Taipei Asian Open 2026 will take place on 11 and 12 July, with 243 athletes from 23 countries and regions currently listed by the IJF.
Asian Judo / Youth Competition
Hong Kong and Macau Host Back-to-Back Asian Youth Judo Events in July
Hong Kong and Macau will host back-to-back Asian youth judo events in July, creating a compact regional competition route.
Kodokan Judo / Education
Kodokan Summer Courses Show Judo as Education for Youth, Women and Instructors
Kodokan’s 2026 summer courses include youth, women’s and instructor courses, showing judo as a structured system of education beyond competition results.
Kodokan Judo / Publishing
Kodokan Publishes Contents of the July 2026 Judo Magazine
The contents cover the high-dan tournament, kata seminars, youth judo and history.
Japan Judo / Inclusive Judo
Entries Open for 7th All Japan ID Judo Championships
The event will be held in Hachioji, Tokyo, on 29 and 30 August.
British Judo / Refereeing
Judo Referee Lisa Rivers Appears at UK Parliament Hearing
A World Judo Tour referee shared evidence about women's routes into professional sport.
Children's Judo / Digital Life
Why Hong Kong Children Need Judo in an Age of AI-Generated Video Overload
Judo offers real interaction, movement and structured learning beyond automated video feeds.
Hong Kong Judo / Local Competition
Hong Kong Judo Team Championships Set for 12 July as Entry Period Closes
The non-ranked team event will be held at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre.
Hong Kong Judo / School Judo
Hong Kong Student Judo Championships Listed for November
The event is listed for 8 November at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre for athletes aged 12 to 18.
World Judo / Youth Judo
Bulgaria Breaks Through at European Cadet Championships with Two Golds
Bulgaria finished third with two gold and two bronze medals.
Japan Judo / Junior Judo
Japan Sends Seven Women to Prague Junior International Tournament
The AJJF has announced a seven-athlete women's squad for Prague on 4 and 5 July.
IJF World Judo Tour
Qingdao Grand Prix Concludes: Japan Tops Medal Table with Five Golds
Japan finished first with five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, while host China won one gold and three bronzes.
Hong Kong Judo
Hong Kong, China at Qingdao: Wong Ka Ki Defeats World No.12 Luukas Saha
Wong Ka Ki defeated world No.12 Luukas Saha in the men's -66kg opening round, while Lee Kwok Wing completed his -81kg campaign.
Hong Kong Judo
Hong Kong July Home Event: Asian Cup Cadets & Juniors Comes to Ma On Shan
Hong Kong’s next local international judo focus is Asian Cup Cadets & Junior Hong Kong 2026, scheduled for 18-19 July at Ma On Shan Sports Centre.
Australia
Australian Judoka Aoife COUGHLAN Reaches No.1 in IJF Senior Women -70kg World Ranking
Australian judoka Aoife COUGHLAN has reached No.1 in the IJF Senior Women -70kg World Ranking, marking an important milestone for Australian judo on the international stage.
Spectator Guide
From Ulaanbaatar to Qingdao: IJF World Judo Tour Spectator Guide from Hong Kong
The Qingdao Grand Prix opens on 26 June. Hong Kong judo fans planning to attend should check flights, the venue location and official ticketing channels before travelling.
China / Hong Kong
Qingdao Grand Prix Opens June 26 with Japan, Hong Kong and China Names to Watch
The IJF World Tour moves to Qingdao from 26 to 28 June, with 521 athletes from 58 countries and regions listed for the Grand Prix.
Hong Kong Judo
Starting Judo at 41: Hong Kong Judoka Reaches First-Dan Black Belt After Seven Years
A Kuma Dojo adult judoka began judo at 41, trained every week for seven years, and reached first-dan black belt with the support of family, coach and dojo teammates.
Japan
Japan: Uta Abe Reaches Rare Record with 12 Grand Slam Titles from 14 Starts
Uta Abe claimed her 12th Grand Slam title in 14 appearances in Ulaanbaatar, a rare record in women’s judo highlighted by the IJF.
Korea
Korea: Kim Minjong Claims First Grand Slam Gold in +100kg
Korea’s Kim Minjong defeated leading heavyweight opponents in Ulaanbaatar to claim his first Grand Slam gold in the men’s +100kg category.
China / Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China: Qingdao Grand Prix Opens June 26 with Two Judoka Entered
The IJF entry list shows the 2026 Qingdao Grand Prix will run from 26 to 28 June, with Hong Kong, China entering Wong Ka Ki and Lee Kwok Wing.
IJF
Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam Final Day: Murao Wins -90kg Gold for Japan
The 2026 IJF Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam reached its final day on 21 June, with men's -90kg, -100kg and +100kg, plus women's -78kg and +78kg in action. IJF reporting highlighted Sanshiro Murao's controlled performance in the -90kg category as he claimed the men's -90kg gold medal.
Japan
2026 Japan Veterans International Judo Tournament: Masters Judo and the Three-Referee Tradition
The 2026 Japan Masters Judo Tournament brought together judoka of different age groups for continued training, exchange and lifelong judo practice.
World Judo
Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam Opens an Early LA 2028 Window with 240 Athletes
As an early marker in the Los Angeles 2028 qualification cycle, the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam brought together around 240 athletes from 28 countries and regions. For Hong Kong readers, the event offers a useful window into Japan's team rotation, Asian depth and the new Olympic cycle.
IJF
Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam Day 2 — Men's -73kg / -81kg and Women's -63kg / -70kg
The 2026 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam is now into its second day in Mongolia, with the race for LA 2028 Olympic qualification already underway. After a dramatic opening day led by four Japanese gold medals and Balabay Aghayev's -60kg victory, today's -73kg, -81kg, -63kg and -70kg contests are set to raise the intensity even further.
Japan
Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026 opens June 19 with 23-member Japan team
The All Japan Judo Federation released the official page for the 2026 IJF Grand Slam Ulaanbaatar on 18 June; the tournament runs 19–21 June in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Japan is sending a 23-member delegation (9 staff + 14 athletes), with Keiji Suzuki and Maki Tsukada serving as the men's and women's team managers respectively. The event counts toward 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualification.
IJF
Qingdao Grand Prix 2026 set for 26–28 June with 18-member Japan team
The All Japan Judo Federation released the official details for the 2026 IJF Grand Prix Qingdao on 18 June; the tournament runs 26–28 June in Qingdao, China. Japan is sending an 18-member delegation (7 staff + 11 athletes), with stars including Hifumi Abe (66 kg) and Sone Akira (+78 kg).
IJF
Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam 2026 launches LA 2028 Olympic qualification window
The IJF has confirmed that the 2026 Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam (19–21 June) opens the qualification window for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Japan
All Japan Judo Federation launches official Baku World Championships 2026 page
The All Japan Judo Federation has launched the official event page for the 2026 World Judo Championships in Baku, scheduled for 4 October (Sunday) to 11 October (Sunday) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event is the highest-level competition within the LA 2028 Olympic qualification cycle and is expected to draw more than 80 countries and regions.
IJF
Georgia Confirmed as Host of the 2029 World Judo Championships
The International Judo Federation has confirmed that Georgia will host the 2029 World Judo Championships. With Georgia's deep judo culture, strong national team and passionate audience, the announcement is an important signal for the sport's global map.
Japan
All Japan Student Judo Championships by Weight Category set for September in Tokyo
The All Japan Judo Federation has released the schedule for the 2026 All Japan Student Judo Championships by Weight Category, set for 26–27 September at the Nippon Budokan. The event follows the IJF weight category system and is the highest-level student competition of the year.
Japan
Park 24 reclaim women's division 2 title at All Japan Corporate Judo Championships
The All Japan Corporate Judo Federation announced the women's division 2 result of the 76th All Japan Corporate Judo Team Championships: Park 24 reclaimed the title for the first time since 2024. The competition was held over 13–14 June at Nobeoka Arena in Miyazaki Prefecture, with three men's divisions and two women's divisions contested in parallel using a three-person team relay format.
Hong Kong Judo
Two Kuma Dojo Hong Kong Judoka Post Consecutive Wins at the Kodokan's Spring Kohaku Shiai
Two Hong Kong judoka from Kuma Dojo achieved consecutive victories at the Kodokan Spring Kohaku Shiai in Tokyo, marking a meaningful step for Hong Kong judo on the Kodokan stage.
Japan
80th National Sports Festival judo events to be held in Aomori in October
The All Japan Judo Federation has published details of the judo events at the 80th National Sports Festival (Kokutai). The competition is scheduled for 17–19 October in Aomori Prefecture. This edition is the first after the renaming of the national sports festival, and uses the IJF weight category system combined with team events.
Japan
AJJF appoints 2026 High Performance Directorate coaching staff
The All Japan Judo Federation on 15 June announced the 2026 High Performance Directorate coaching line-up, with former World Champion Ryuji Sonoda appointed head coach of the men's team and former Olympic gold medalist Hideto Yoshida appointed head coach of the women's team. The new coaching staff will serve from April 2026 to March 2028, coordinating Japan's preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Japan
All Japan High Dan Holders Tournament held in Osaka in May
The 2026 Spring All Japan High Dan Holders Judo Tournament was held on 9 May (Saturday) and 10 May (Sunday) in Osaka, hosted by the Kodokan with participants all at fifth dan or above. The list of technically outstanding players was published by the Kodokan on 11 May.
Japan
Asahi Kasei claim historic fifth consecutive men's division 1 title at All Japan Corporate Judo Championships
The 76th All Japan Corporate Judo Team Championships concluded on 14 June at Athlete Town Nobeoka Arena in Miyazaki Prefecture, with Asahi Kasei completing the first-ever five-peat in men's division 1. Asahi Kasei also won men's division 2, making the corporate team the dominant force of the tournament, which is split into three men's divisions by team strength.
Hong Kong Judo
Hong Kong Judo Team Championships 2026 to be held in Shek Kip Mei in July
The Judo Association of Hong Kong, China has published details of the 2026 Hong Kong Judo Team Championships, scheduled for 12 July (Sunday) at the Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre. Registration details, competition format, categories and venue information are subject to the official notice from the Judo Association of Hong Kong, China.
Japan
20th Asian Games 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Judo set for 30 September – 3 October
The All Japan Judo Federation has published full details for the judo competition at the 20th Asian Games 2026, set for 30 September to 3 October in Aichi-Nagoya.
IJF
Poreč JudoFest Draws More Than 1,100 to the Croatian Coast
Croatia's JudoFest opened in Poreč on 8 June with 600+ senior and 200+ cadet judoka training in Zelena Laguna. Olympians and world champions including Lukáš Krpálek and Jorge Fonseca joined the week, which also features a Kodokan-led kata seminar.
Japan
Tokai University Sagami retain Kanto High School Judo title in first 34-year rematch with Hakuoh Ashikaga
At the 74th Kanto High School Judo Championships, Tokai University附属相模高校 completed a consecutive men's team title defence, defeating Hakuoh University Ashikaga High School 3-2 in the first final rematch between the two schools in 34 years. In the women's event, Kasukabe Girls' High School from Saitama Prefecture took the title.
IJF
Judo and Mosaic Art Meet for Inclusion in Spilimbergo
On 7 June, the historic Friuli Mosaic School hosted "The Mosaic of Movement," welcoming 6- to 17-year-olds for judo and other activities. Organisers used the metaphor of each tile's place in a finished mosaic to push a message of inclusion.
Japan
All Japan Judo Federation Publishes Judo Referee Licence Guide 2026
The All Japan Judo Federation's referee committee has compiled the Judo Referee Licence Guide 2026 — covering the IJF rules in force from 1 April, junior rules, and certified-referee regulations — and released the PDF on 10 June.
Kodokan
Kodokan Sets 10-Day Summer Intensive (Shochu Keiko) for 2026
The Kodokan has announced this year's Shochu Keiko summer camp: a 10-day intensive running 6:30 AM daily from 27 July to 5 August, open to dan-grade judoka nationwide.
IJF
2026 World Judo Masters to be held in Dushanbe in December
The International Judo Federation has officially announced that the 2026 World Judo Masters will take place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from 18 to 20 December. The invitation-only event brings together the top 36 ranked athletes in each weight category, with the gold medallist awarded 1,800 World Ranking points that also count towards qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
IJF
IJF Signs MoU with Kazakhstan to Bring Judo into Universities
The IJF, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and the Jenys International Sports Foundation have signed an MoU to introduce judo programmes — coaching, classes, and competitions — into Kazakhstani universities.
Japan
All Japan Judo Federation Issues Summer Safety Notice on Head, Neck and Heat-stroke Risks
The federation has refreshed its safety-notice archive on head/neck injuries and heat-stroke prevention, republishing the 3 June 2026 directive for prefectural bodies and safety officers to circulate.
Japan
Federation Magazine "Mind" Issue 48 Goes Live Online
The AJJF public-relations magazine Mind has published issue 48 in a free web edition, alongside a back-catalogue of issues 27 through 47 readable on any device.
Kodokan
Word of the Month: Chiba Midori on the Appeal of Kodokan Judo
Kodokan 9-dan and council member Chiba Midori, born in Iwate, contributes a reflective piece looking back on 85 years of life and a lifetime devoted to judo, urging the next generation to keep exploring the deeper values of Kodokan judo.
Kodokan
Kodokan 2026 Summer Judo Camp for Juniors Now Open for Registration
The Kodokan has published full details of its 2026 Summer Camp for Juniors, covering tachi-waza and ne-waza instruction plus randori, aimed at primary and secondary school students and held in early August.
Japan
All Japan Judo Championships held at Nippon Budokan in April
The All Japan Judo Championships, the highest level open-weight individual judo competition in Japan, was held on 26 April at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. Hosted by the Kodokan and the All Japan Judo Federation, with support from Asahi Shimbun and others.
Japan
AJJF approves FY2026 budget assuming ¥183 million deficit
The All Japan Judo Federation held an online board meeting on 16 March and approved the FY2026 budget assuming a ¥183 million deficit.
IJF
IJF announces inaugural World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace, hosted by DR Congo
The IJF has announced the inaugural World Judo Continental Team Championships for Peace, to be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2026.