The first European kata tournament of the year is about to get underway this weekend in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. Whilst there is excitement from all teams to kickstart their season, due to the passing of late Head Kata Commissioner, Michel KOZLOWSKI, there is also sadness. There will be over 200 competitors from 18 countries across three different continents trialling their knowledge.
Three years since this tournament was last showcased. Today, the President of the Francophone Belgium judo federation, Mr Frédéric TREUTTENS, once again welcomes all to the event.
Dear Judo friends, On behalf of the Fédération Francophone Belge de Judo I would like to congratulate all participants for their contribution on this Kata Tournament. The importance of Katas is not to be demonstrated anymore, they remain emblems of tradition and perfection in the practice of judo. This tournament is particularly important for our Federation with time and high Level competitors participations it became one of most interesting in Europe with Italy and France after European Championship. I wish all competitors, the judges and all the officials an enjoyable stay in Belgium and of course a successful contest.
On Saturday the juniors will have the opportunity to contest across four categories:
- Nage-no-Kata – Cat 1 (3 first sets – Te Waza, Koshi Waza, Ashi Waza)
- Nage-no-Kata – Cat 2 (5 sets – All Kata)
- Katame-no-Kata (3 sets – All Kata)
- Ju-no-Kata (2 first sets)
Sunday will see the seniors showcasing their expertise across five categories:
- Nage-no-Kata
- Katame-no-Kata
- Ju-no-Kata
- Kime-no-Kata
- Kodokan Goshin-jutsu
Prior to all above, on Friday, a Kata seminar will be held at the same location. EJU Deputy Head Kata Commissioner, Mr. Slaviša BRADIĆ explained the main development goals for the year of 2023.
The main goal is to develop the quality of Kata competitions and increase the popularity of Judo kata.
We intend to increase the quality of the competition through several segments:
- Development of the quality of judging at competitions through continuous education of judges
- Implementation of IT in Kata competitions
- Introduction of the Care system
- Improvement of the scoring system
- Payment of expenses to judges
Increasing popularity of Judo Kata:
- Training with coaches on the values of Kata
- Popularization among younger age groups
- Organization of the Kata seminar
Good luck to all participants in Belgium this weekend.
Author: Szandra Szogedi