Belgium Opens Rolling Dojo’s 2027 Recreational Judo Camps

The European Judo Union’s Rolling Dojo initiative is set to begin its 2027 recreational camp programme in Lommel, Belgium. Running from 12 to 14 March in collaboration with the Ilse Heylen Judo Academy, the 4th International IHJA Soeverein Training Camp will bring judoka together for three days on the tatami.

The EJU Education Sector is supporting the wider series, which is designed around participation, physical activity and connection through judo. Rather than concentrating solely on competitive preparation, Rolling Dojo puts the focus on developing skills, staying active and meeting fellow judoka in a welcoming setting.

Training sessions, learning opportunities and social interaction are all part of the planned Lommel experience. Workshops are also included in the programme, creating further space for exchange between participants from different backgrounds and age groups.

The camp will take place at Sportpark De Soeverein in Lommel, where at least 1,000 square metres of tatami space will be available. Participants in the U15 category must be born in 2013 or 2014, while motivated judoka born in 2015 may also take part. The U18, U21, U23 and senior groups are open to judoka born in 2012 or earlier.

Lommel has already shown that there is strong interest in this community-minded camp format. More than 250 judoka attended the 2026 edition, representing Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

The Lommel camp is planned as the first stop in a wider 2027 Rolling Dojo programme.

Four children’s camps are anticipated across Europe during the 2027 season, with Belgium starting the collaboration. The remaining locations, official schedules and the full structure of the camp series have yet to be announced.

For young judoka and experienced seniors alike, the initiative highlights another side of the sport: judo as a place to learn, move and build friendships beyond the pressure of competition.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union