Kortrijk’s first day sets the tone as the Get Together Tour gets rolling

Kortrijk is already buzzing as the opening stop of the Triglav Insurance Get Together Tour moves from arrival mode into real action. Day one blended training sessions with the official divisioning, giving everyone a shared starting point before competition day. For adapted judo in 2026, it feels like the first real push of momentum—busy, loud, and genuinely full of anticipation.

Day one wasn’t about medals, it was about getting ready together.

Belgian judoka Luc arrives with a clear target in mind: he’s training for the Special Olympics. He describes his confidence as “fifty-fifty” ahead of tomorrow, but his ambition is sharper than his nerves. After finishing third at the last tournament, he wants to climb higher this time, while admitting that as you get older, nothing comes easier—and still, every placing matters.

For Ronny, also from Belgium, the timing adds an extra spark. The tournament lands on his birthday, and he’s hoping to turn that into a personal highlight. It’s the kind of detail that makes a sports weekend feel bigger than just matches on a mat.

Belgian coaches Jonny and Annie focus on the process. They found the training educational, especially when it comes to delivering sessions themselves. At Level 4, they note, some drills are already tough, and the structure works—but only if people have time to grow into it. They also point out that travelling for a two-day concept can be demanding, even if the reasoning becomes clear once you’re there.

Coach Lieve captures the heart of the day: she left with new ideas and small technical details that help make judo accessible. Even as someone who practises jiu-jitsu rather than being a judoka, she felt welcomed and genuinely happy to be part of the group. She made the trip, stayed to watch the next day, and hopes to bring her own athletes back.

A team from the United Kingdom arrived with a smaller squad than usual, according to coach Paul, as they build towards the Grand Slam in Switzerland. For them, Kortrijk is about variety—new opponents, new methods, and learning by simply observing other coaches. One British judoka adds that competing abroad doesn’t add pressure, but it does add meaning.

Across Belgium and the UK, the message is consistent: different goals, same drive. Tomorrow decides results, but today built the platform.

In Kortrijk, the real win is showing up ready to learn.

Source: EJU_News