The European Judo Union is ready to make historical past as soon as once more with the EJU Kata Tour 2025, an eagerly anticipated sequence of competitions that can showcase the very best kata athletes throughout Europe in addition to abroad. The tour will formally kick off from 22 March in Pordenone, Italy, marking the primary European Kata Match of the season. All year long, the tour will journey to 5 prestigious areas, culminating in an thrilling finale in Portugal:
- Pordenone, Italy – 22 March
- Radom, Poland – 26 April
- European Championship, Riga, Latvia – 31 Could – 1 June
- Madrid, Spain – 6 September
- Maintal, Germany – 4 October
- Fatima, Portugal – 2 November
This yr, the EJU Kata Fee has launched a number of groundbreaking improvements to raise the competitors and broaden participation throughout totally different age classes. Due to this fact, the 2025 EJU Kata Tour will function notable enhancements to the competitors construction:
- The junior class will proceed competing in three kata: Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata. Nonetheless, from this yr, opponents should carry out the complete set of their chosen kata.
- The cadet class may even see an growth, as opponents will carry out each Nage-no-Kata (first three units) and Katame-no-Kata (first two units).
- On the European Championships 2025, there can be 5 distinct age classes: cadets, juniors, seniors and veterans and tailored judo.
Introduction of the Veterans Class
One of the vital vital adjustments in 2025 is the inclusion of a veterans class, designed to make sure extra homogeneous age teams and encourage lifelong participation in Kata. Dr. Slaviša Bradić, EJU Head Kata Commissioner explains in additional particulars in regards to the adjustments;
Till now, all adults competed in the identical group and in some classes it was virtually unattainable for younger opponents to win a medal. Normally, this can be a step in direction of making kata extra like a sport self-discipline and for that we have to create very clear and logical classes comparable to cadets, juniors, seniors but in addition to present veterans the chance to observe all their lives.
Recognising that kata is a self-discipline the place expertise and technical mastery are decisive, the veterans class will embody pairs shaped by athletes aged 55 and over. This addition acknowledges the invaluable experience of seasoned kata judoka whereas additionally helps to foster mentorship and continuity inside the sport.
Ms. Monica Piredda, EJU Head Kata Commissioner additionally shares long run targets;
These amendments additionally assist our long run visions which is the popularisation and growth of all segments of kata, together with kata for kids and possibly introduction of that as a contest section too.
The EJU Kata Fee isn’t solely working robustly to supply kata for all ages but in addition to make sure inclusivity, along with Ms Marina Draskovic, EJU Tailored Judo Commissioner. Constructing on the success of the tailored judo kata occasion as a part of the European Championships in 2024, the 2025 EJU Kata Tour will function tailored judo kata demonstrations too.
Training and Choose Qualification Updates
Along with top-tier competitors, the fee will proceed its dedication to kata judges’ schooling and qualification. All through the tour, there can be:
- Seminars and exams devoted to updating and coaching continental kata judges.
- A lowered age requirement is deliberate for candidates searching for their first degree of European choose qualification for Nage-no-Kata and Katame-no-Kata.
Kodokan Kata Seminar
The Kodokan Kata Seminar will proceed to be organised and can happen through the European Championships, this yr in Riga. This yr’s seminar can be devoted to the examine and refinement of Koshiki-no-Kata, providing a uncommon and worthwhile studying alternative for kata fanatics and specialists alike.
With its expanded classes, elevated inclusivity and dedication to technical excellence, this yr’s tour will set new benchmarks for European Kata competitions. Mark your calendars and prepare for a spectacular show of self-discipline, precision and keenness.
Writer: Szandra Szogedi
Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail
