A Month That Showed the Scale of European Judo

May 2026 gave the European Judo Union a huge stage, and European judo answered with volume, variety and real competitive depth. Across 10 events in 41 days, the calendar stretched from senior level to junior, cadet, U16 and U14, mixing high-level tournaments, kata, and major training camps across the continent.

The numbers alone were striking. A total of 4,681 judoka competed in those tournaments, and that figure does not even include the training camps. With more than 1,000 participants attending the Benidorm Olympic Training Camp, the wider picture became even bigger, showing how active and connected the European circuit has become.

More than 4,600 judoka competed across 10 EJU events in just 41 days.

May also delivered milestone moments. Graz hosted the largest Junior Cup ever staged worldwide, while Bielsko-Biała stood out as the biggest cadet gathering of the month. Those two events underlined something important: demand for international judo opportunities keeps rising, especially among younger athletes trying to build their path.

The month opened with strong action in Istanbul and Tbilisi. Istanbul’s Junior European Cup and training camp brought together 502 judoka from 27 countries, with Russia finishing top of the medal standings on seven gold medals. Japan and Germany also made an impact there. In Tbilisi, 361 athletes from 17 nations took part in the Millennium Team Cadet European Cup and training camp, where Russia again led the way with 13 gold medals.

Georgia then had its own standout moment in Gori. The host nation finished first at the Senior European Cup with four gold medals and 18 podium places in total. Switzerland was especially efficient with three gold medals from three finalists, while Azerbaijan added another nine medals to continue its steady form.

Mid-May shifted attention to Sarajevo, where the European Judo Championships Kata were held alongside the Kodokan Kata Seminar. More than 400 participants from 27 nations came together for one of the most technical and traditional highlights of the month. Italy dominated the championships with eight gold medals, reinforcing its status as a major force in kata.

Spain also took a central role as La Nucía hosted the European Open before the Benidorm Olympic Training Camp. The tournament featured athletes from 39 nations, and Germany led the medal table. After that, Benidorm once again proved its pulling power, attracting an unprecedented number of participants as athletes looked ahead to the road toward Los Angeles 2028.

In Bielsko-Biała, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine finished on top of the cadet standings at one of May’s biggest youth events. Faro then marked a first for Portugal by hosting the Millennium Team Cadet European Cup, where 582 judoka from 31 countries competed and Italy collected six gold medals.

The closing stretch stayed intense. Sarajevo returned with the Senior European Cup, where Türkiye narrowly finished ahead of Croatia and Russia. In Graz, a record 617 competitors from 34 nations entered the Junior European Cup, with Brazil leading the medal table ahead of France and Azerbaijan.

Graz and Bielsko-Biała turned May into a landmark month for youth judo.

The final stop came in Győr at the second Judo Hopes Tournament. Hungary made home advantage count with nine gold medals and 34 podium finishes, while Ukraine and Croatia followed behind. More than results, though, Győr was a reminder that the future of judo is already stepping onto the tatami.

By the end of the month, 44 nations had won medals, 36 European countries had reached the podium, and 31 countries had celebrated at least one gold medal. May 2026 was not just busy for European judo. It was a powerful snapshot of a sport growing through competition, education and constant movement.

Source: EJU.net

Image source: EJU / European Judo Union