The European Judo Union (EJU) has officially laid out its 2026 competition roadmap, confirming a year that will span nine continental championships across seven countries, touching every layer of the sport — from cadets to veterans, individuals to teams, and elite performance to inclusion.
With Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification beginning this year, the stakes across Europe’s tatami are higher than ever. For athletes, federations, and fans alike, 2026 is not just another season — it’s the opening chapter of a new Olympic cycle.
April: Senior European Titles in Tbilisi
European Judo Championships – Seniors
April 16–19 | Tbilisi, Georgia
The senior season ignites in Georgia, one of judo’s most storied nations. Over four days, Europe’s top judokas will contest 14 weight categories, with continental titles, world ranking points, and prestige on the line. Tbilisi’s deep judo culture promises an intense, technically rich championship where reputations can be redefined.
May: Tradition Takes Centre Stage in Sarajevo
European Judo Championships – Kata
May 16–17 | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From high-impact throws to absolute precision, the focus shifts to kata — the technical foundation of judo. Sarajevo will host Europe’s top kata specialists as they demonstrate classical forms with discipline, balance, and control. This event highlights the philosophical core of judo, where mastery is measured in millimetres, not medals alone.
June: Veterans Prove Judo Has No Age Limit
European Judo Championships – Veterans
June 18–21 | Bordeaux, France
Experience meets determination in Bordeaux, where veteran judokas from across Europe step back onto the tatami. Spanning multiple age divisions, the championships celebrate lifelong commitment to judo, proving that passion for the sport only deepens with time.
Summer: Cadets Take the Spotlight
European Judo Championships – Cadets
June 29 – July 2 | Gran Canaria, Spain
Europe’s next generation arrives in Gran Canaria. The cadet championships offer an early look at future stars, as young athletes test themselves on a continental stage. For many, this will be the first major milestone in what could become elite international careers.
September: Juniors Declare Their Intent
European Judo Championships – Juniors
September 3–6 | Podgorica, Montenegro
Juniors stand at the gateway between youth and senior competition. In Podgorica, athletes will compete not only for medals, but for recognition as future senior contenders. Montenegro, fresh off hosting major events in recent years, continues to establish itself as a key European judo destination.
October–November: Transition, Teamwork, and Intensity
European Judo Championships – U23
October 30 – November 1 | Naples, Italy
The U23 division represents one of the most competitive phases in judo. Naples will host athletes navigating the demanding transition toward senior elite status, where Olympic ambitions begin to crystallise.
European Mixed Team Championships
November 7 | Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade welcomes Europe’s best mixed teams, where men and women compete together for collective success. Tactical decisions, depth, and unity will define this high-pressure format, making it one of the most unpredictable events of the year.
November Finale: Europe’s Best Clubs Converge
European Clubs Championships – Champions League
November 21 | Paris, France
The season concludes in Paris with the pinnacle of club competition. Europe’s strongest clubs come together, representing grassroots dojos and elite training centres alike. It’s a showcase of judo’s community spirit, depth, and unity at the highest level.
Still to Come: Adapted Judo Championships
European Adapted Judo Championships
Date TBC | Belgrade, Serbia
Later in the year, Belgrade will also host the European Adapted Judo Championships. This event underlines judo’s core principle of inclusivity, featuring elite competition and inspiring performances that reinforce the idea that judo is truly for everyone.
A Defining Year for European Judo
With Olympic qualification underway, rising generations stepping forward, and Europe’s judo community spanning every age and ability, 2026 shapes up as a defining year. Across cities, styles, and stories, the season reflects why judo remains one of the most values-driven and globally respected sports.
Fans can follow the full calendar and official updates via the European Judo Union, with live coverage available on JudoTV throughout the season.
