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The European Judo Union is set to make history once again with the EJU Kata Tour 2025, an eagerly anticipated series of competitions that will showcase the best kata athletes across Europe as well as overseas. The tour will officially kick off from 22 March in Pordenone, Italy, marking the first European Kata Tournament of the season. Throughout the year, the tour will travel to five prestigious locations, culminating in an exciting finale in Portugal:
- Pordenone, Italy – 22 March
- Radom, Poland – 26 April
- European Championship, Riga, Latvia – 31 May – 1 June
- Madrid, Spain – 6 September
- Maintal, Germany – 4 October
- Fatima, Portugal – 2 November
This year, the EJU Kata Commission has introduced several groundbreaking innovations to elevate the competition and broaden participation across different age categories. Therefore, the 2025 EJU Kata Tour will feature notable enhancements to the competition structure:
- The junior category will continue competing in three kata: Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata. However, from this year, competitors must perform the full set in their chosen kata.
- The cadet category will also see an expansion, as competitors will perform both Nage-no-Kata (first three sets) and Katame-no-Kata (first two sets).
- At the European Championships 2025, there will be five distinct age categories: cadets, juniors, seniors and veterans and adapted judo.
Introduction of the Veterans Category
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the inclusion of a veterans category, designed to ensure more homogeneous age groups and encourage lifelong participation in Kata. Dr. Slaviša Bradić, EJU Head Kata Commissioner explains in further details about the changes;
Until now, all adults competed in the same group and in some categories it was almost impossible for young competitors to win a medal. In general, this is a step towards making kata more like a sport discipline and for that we need to create very clear and logical categories such as cadets, juniors, seniors but also to give veterans the opportunity to practice all their lives.
Recognising that kata is a discipline where experience and technical mastery are decisive, the veterans category will include pairs formed by athletes aged 55 and over. This addition acknowledges the invaluable expertise of seasoned kata judoka while also helps to foster mentorship and continuity within the sport.
Ms. Monica Piredda, EJU Head Kata Commissioner also shares long term goals;
These amendments also support our long term visions which is the popularisation and development of all segments of kata, including kata for children and maybe introduction of that as a competition segment too.
The EJU Kata Commission is not only working robustly to offer kata for all ages but also to ensure inclusivity, together with Ms Marina Draskovic, EJU Adapted Judo Commissioner. Building on the success of the adapted judo kata event as part of the European Championships in 2024, the 2025 EJU Kata Tour will feature adapted judo kata demonstrations too.
Education and Judge Qualification Updates
In addition to top-tier competition, the commission will continue its commitment to kata judges’ education and qualification. Throughout the tour, there will be:
- Seminars and exams dedicated to updating and training continental kata judges.
- A lowered age requirement is planned for candidates seeking their first level of European judge qualification for Nage-no-Kata and Katame-no-Kata.
Kodokan Kata Seminar
The Kodokan Kata Seminar will continue to be organised and will take place during the European Championships, this year in Riga. This year’s seminar will be dedicated to the study and refinement of Koshiki-no-Kata, offering a rare and valuable learning opportunity for kata enthusiasts and experts alike.
With its expanded categories, increased inclusivity and commitment to technical excellence, this year’s tour will set new benchmarks for European Kata competitions. Mark your calendars and get ready for a spectacular display of discipline, precision and passion.
Author: Szandra Szogedi