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2026 Katsuta Kup Judo Championship

2026 Katsuta Kup Judo Championship

DATE & TIME:  Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM

LOCATION:  Raymond High School

WEIGH INS:  Friday, May 1, 2026 6pm to 730pm, Raymond High School for U14 & U16

Remote weigh- ins – Friday, May 1, 2026 (6-7pm)

  • Hiro’s Judo Club (#115 1919 – 27th Ave NE, Calgary AB)
  • Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club (2775 28th Ave S, Lethbridge, AB)
  • Barracuda Judo Club (1373B Hunter Street, Pincher Creek, AB) 

U10, U12 online registration weights must be verified by club Sensei and any changes must be submitted by April 24, 2026 to dawniwaasa@gmail.com and judoclub@raymond.ca. 

U10 / U12 judoka must be checked in by 9:00 AM Saturday, prior to the tournament. Judo souvenir will be given to all contestants.

REGISTRATION:

QUESTIONS:  Contact Dawn Iwaasa at judoclub@raymond.ca or 403-315-0839

ELIGIBILITY:  Minimum belt rank is Yellow (Gokyu).

HEAD REFEREE: Ralph VanWerkhoven

Referee Registration: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/katsuta-kup-referees/1004431/

TOURNAMENT FORMAT for U14 and U16: 

  • 2 competitors – best 2 out of 3
  • 3 competitors – round robin
  • 4 & more competitors – True double knockout.

TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES & RULES:

IJF contest rules will be applied, with Judo Canada modifications per their current SANCTIONING POLICY & TOURNAMENT STANDARDS with Judo Alberta approved modifications.  The Judo Canada document is available at: https://static.judocanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sanctioning-policy-2025-2026_September2025_EN_compressed.pdf

FORMAT FOR U10 & U12:

In keeping with the directions of Sports Canada and Judo Canada, Judo Alberta is following the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. This model states that athletes in the U10 and U12 divisions should be at the stage of skill development, with introduction to the natural consequences of competition.

U10

In the U10 category the tournament will consist of randori sessions of two minutes duration. The clock will continue for the full two minutes unless the referee calls for a pause for explanations or fixing judogis. If one competitor completely dominates, the match may be stopped early, at the discretion of the referee. The contest will not necessarily end when one competitor scores 2 Ippons. At the discretion of the referee, the contest may continue beyond 2 ippons until time expires or a mismatch develops. Contest winners are not indicated at the end of the contest. All participants will receive awards

U12

In the U12 category the tournament will consist of contest sessions of two minutes duration. Time will be stopped when there is a break (matte). When an ippon is scored, the match will be stopped. Winners of match are determined and indicated in U12. All participants will receive awards.

**Note: In both the U10 and U12 division, there will be no specified weight divisions, and children are paired with closest weight with a maximum of 15% weight difference. Mixed gender matches are allowed and may occur if there are inadequate numbers for single gender competition. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

-The tournament director reserves the right to make changes where necessary. This may include combining novice and advanced divisions.

-Weight divisions may be combined as per waiver. 

-Belt groups may be combined as per waiver.

-For divisions where there is only one competitor the Tournament Chairman or Director may permit exhibition matches provided the separation of the contestants is no more than one weight division higher or lower.

-Blue judogi optional for U10, U12, and U14 divisions. White judogi is mandatory for first name called for a match. Judoka must have a white judogi available.                                            

-Females must wear a plain white tee shirt under judogi.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

KATSUTA KUP JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP

OFFICIAL WEIGHT CATEGORIES

Girls Boys

U10 (Born 2017-2018) U10 (Born 2017-2018)

U12 (Born 2015-2016) U12 (Born 2015-2016)

Divisions to be determined after registration closes.

Please send in exact weights for U10 and U12

 

U14 (Born 2013-2014)                                                          U14 (Born 2013-2014)

Novice (Yellow to Orange/Green) Novice (Yellow to Orange/Green)

Advanced (Green and Up)                                               Advanced (Green and Up)

-30, -33, -36, -40, -44 -32, -35, -38, -42, -46, -50,

-48, -52, -57. -63, +63 -55, -60, -66, +66

 

U16 (Born 2011-2012) U16 (Born 2011-2012)

Novice (Yellow to Orange/Green) Novice (Yellow to Orange/Green)

Advanced (Green and Up)                                               Advanced (Green and Up)

-36, -40, -44, -48, -52, -38, -42, -46, -50, -55, -60,

-57, -63, -70, +70 -66, -73, +73

Call for Intent: 2026 Canadian Open Kata Championships

Kata teams wishing to compete in the 2026 Canadian Open Kata Championships must email Gord Okamura, Chair of the Provincial Kata Committee (PKC), indicating their intention no later than March 1, 2026. Kata team selections for competing at the May 14 Championships in Calgary will be based on their performance at both the March 6 Edmonton International Kata Championships and the April 11 Alberta Provincial Championships. Selection will be confirmed after the Provincial Championships. Requests for exemptions must be sent to the Chair of the PKC in advance. The PKC may consider other tournaments at their discretion as qualifying events. The PKC reserves the right not to select teams for any kata if there is a lack of competitive readiness and performance.

2026 Alberta Kata Announcement

Upcoming Support to Kata in Alberta (subject to available funds)

  1. Open drop-in practice at Tolide Judo Club conducted by Keith Bibbey in Fort Saskatchewan on Sundays at 3 to 4:30pm to help kata teams refine their kata. 
  2. Open training practice on Friday April 10 (6-9pm) at Ishiyama Club conducted by Gord Okamura to help kata teams refine their kata before the Provincials
  3. Conduct in-person sessions at Tokugawa 6-7:30pm, and on-line sessions with Gord Okamura (for novice teams by appointment only)
  4. Fund kata participants attending March 6 Edmonton International Kata Championships (Note 1)
    1. Reimburse registration fee for one kata $40 per person
    2. Provide Travel allowance up to $200 per club outside Edmonton and surrounding area based on registered team (receipts required)
  5. Fund participants attending April 11 Provincial Championships in Airdrie (Note 1)
    1. Reimburse registration fee for one kata $60 per team
  6. Fund participants attending May 14 National Kata Championships in Calgary (Note 1)
    1. Reimburse registration fee for one kata $120 per team
  7. Fund judges attending March 5-6 Judges’ Certification Clinic in Edmonton (Note 1) conducted by Gerald Poirier and James Kendricks
    1. Reimburse $80 registration fee 
  8. Hold kata session at Barracuda Club in Pincher Creek on February 24 &25, 2026 by Wes Enns

Note 1 – National Grading Syllabus identifies participation points and competition points available for yudansha gradings.

Edmonton International Nage no kata Certification Clinic

Edmonton International Nage no kata Certification Clinic

You have a great opportunity to become a certified National B kata judge in nage no kata by attending the March 5-6 clinic being led by Gerald Poirier (Chair of the National Kata Committee) and James Kendrick (Chair of the National Grading Committee). Further details of dates and times and registration for the certification clinic can be found using the following link: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/national-b-nage-no-kata-certification-ab/1004282/

2026 Judo Alberta Inter-Provincial Camp – April 17-19, 2026

2026 Judo Alberta Inter-Provincial Camp – April 17-19, 2026

Judo Alberta Inter- Provincial Training Camp: BC / AB / SK / MB / YU / NWT / NU

Division: U14, U16, U18, U21, seniors, Masters

Address for camp: Tolide Judo Kwai Dow Centennial Centre, 84 St. & 87 Ave. Fort Sask

Cost for the camp: $85.00 Regular Deadline March 20, 2026 / $95.00 Late Deadline April 8, 2026

ATHLETES: Trackie Sign Up: (IMPORTANT) Maximum Number of athletes 180 (90 athletes per group)

https://registration.judocanada.org/event/2026-judo-alberta-inter-provincial-camp/1004360/

Coach Sign-up: (NO COST):

https://registration.judocanada.org/event/coach-registration-2026-judo-alberta-inter-provincial-camp/1004361/

Friday April 17, 2026
Group 1 5:30PM to 7:10PM
Group 2 7:20PM to 9:00PM

Saturday April 18, 2026
Group 1 9:00AM to 10:40AM
Group 2 10:50AM to 12:30PM
Group 1 2:30PM to 4:30PM
4:30PM Everyone Camp Photo
Group 2 4:45PM to 6:45PM
8:00PM Coaches Dinner: Mikes Steak House

Sunday: April 19, 2026
Group 1 8:00AM to 9:40AM
Group 2 9:50AM to 11:30AM

Email: ewan@judoalberta.com Phone: 403-892-6099

Judo AB Eligibility: Provincial Team member / U14 Green Belt with approval of Judo AB HP Coach

Judo Alberta Training Camp – Fort Saskatchewan, February 21-22, 2026

Judo Alberta Training Camp – Fort Saskatchewan, February 21-22, 2026

Judo Alberta Provincial Training Camp, February 21-22, 2026
Division: U14, U16, U18, U21, seniors, veterans

Address for training camp: Tolide Judo Kwai
Dow Centennial Centre, 84 St. & 87 Ave. Fort Saskatchewan

Saturday February 21, 2026
1:00PM to 3:00PM Ne-waza, Transition, Technical & Randori
5:00PM to 7:00PM Tachi-waza, Kumi-kata & Randori

Sunday February 22, 2026
8:30AM to 9:30AM, Judo Fitness, Uchi-komi & Throwing
10:00AM to 11:45AM, Situational Randori, Randori

Trackie Site: Deadline February 18, 2026
https://registration.judocanada.org/event/2026-judo-alberta-provincial-training-camp-fort-saskatchewan/1004323/

Eligibility:
– Judo Alberta / Judo Canada Member
– U14 Orange – Club Coach Needs to Attend
– U14 / U16 / U18 / U21 / Senior / Veterans – Green & Above

IMPORTANT: Healthy Dojo
– Do not attend judo training if you have any flu-like symptoms.
– Clean hands – wash many times during the day and sanitize entering/leaving the dojo.
– Wash your judogi and workout clothes following judo practice, shower after practice.
– Use your own water bottle.

* Schedule subject to change based on the number of participants

Ewan Beaton HP Judo Alberta Coach
Phone: 403-892-6099 E-mail:

2026 Judo Alberta Provincial Championships Registration is Live

2026 Judo Alberta Provincial Championships Registration is Live

Calling all Volunteers! Your assistance is needed to making great memories for our Alberta Athletes. No experience is necessary and Training is available. Please review the available slots here and click on the button to sign up. You will receive a confirmation email from SignUp Genius. Thank you!


Please find the links to the 2026 Provincial Championships in Airdrie on April 11 & 12, 2026 at Genesis Place – 800 East Lake Blvd. NE, Airdrie, AB

Technical Package: https://judoalberta.com/index.php/provincial-championships/2026-provincials-airdrie/

Athlete Trackie Site: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/JudoABChamps2026

Coach Trackie Site: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/2026JAProvCoachRegistration

Referee Trackie Site: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/2026JAProvRefereeRegistration

Team Competition Trackie Site: https://registration.judocanada.org/event/2026-judo-alberta-provincials-team-competition/1004338/

Please share with your memberships and build excitement within your competitive group! All athletes competing can and will make the difference in the Over All Club Championships! Who will get to hang the Provincial Banners in their dojos in 2026?

Kata Tuesdays Katame no Kata

Kata Tuesdays Katame no Kata

Kata Tuesdays Katame no Kata

The Provincial Kata Committee will be offering instructions in Itsutsu no Kata to anyone interested in this kata. This in-person session will also be broadcast and recorded on Google Meet (please mute): https://meet.google.com/jar-eeyx-hoe

When: Tuesdays on January 6, 13, 20 starting at 6:00pm MST sharp and ending at 7:25pm. Each session will build on the previous one.

Where: Tokugawa Dojo, 9647-62 Avenue, Edmonton

Contents: Introductory level.

Presented by: Gord Okamura, Provincial Grading and Kata Committee member

Contact: Gord Okamura email address: gyokamura@gmail.com

Get Ready for the 2026 Edmonton International Judo Championship!

Get Ready for the 2026 Edmonton International Judo Championship!

The 2026 Edmonton International Judo Championship is returning for another thrilling weekend of world-class judo! Organized by the Edmonton Yudanshakai Judo Society, this celebrated tournament runs March 6–8, 2026 at the West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace — an unforgettable venue in the heart of Edmonton.

📅 Tournament Overview

Judoka from across Canada — and around the world — will compete in this National “A” level tournament, sanctioned by Judo Canada and offering ranking points for athletes of all levels. From NeWaza to senior divisions, there’s excitement across every age and skill level. Learn more and register at Edmonton Yudanshakai Judo Society

Competition Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday: NeWaza + Youth (U10 & U12)

  • Saturday: U14, U18, U21 & Veterans

  • Sunday: U16 & Senior Divisions (novice to advanced)

Whether you’re chasing podium success or gaining international experience, this event has something for every competitor.


🏆 Training Camp — Elevate Your Game!

Immediately following the championship, there’s a training camp on March 9–10, 2026 geared toward participants who want to keep pushing themselves. Available for judoka 13 years and older with a minimum rank of Green Belt (3K) or higher.

Registration Details:

  • 🎓 Eligibility: Age 13+ and Green Belt (3K) or higher

  • 💪 Training Dates: March 9 & 10, 2026

  • Register here!

This camp is perfect for athletes who want to refine their judo skills, learn from elite practitioners, and prepare for the next competitions on the calendar. It’s also a great way to recover from the intensity of tournament day with specialized coaching and structured practice.

Updated Kata Clinic Requirements for Competitive Stream Gradings

Updated Kata Clinic Requirements for Competitive Stream Gradings

Future competitive stream grading candidates, for nidan or higher, will need to meet their kata clinic requirements (described in the National Grading Syllabus) by attending one of the designated scheduled kata clinics prior to the actual date of the grading. See the table below. Candidates will still be required to attend the waza clinic portion of the grading and to receive the Provincial Grading Board’s final decision on their promotion.

Future competitive stream candidates are to inform Gord Okamura at gyokamura@gmail.com if they are planning to register and attend a grading in the upcoming year in advance, in order to ensure a clinic is scheduled. The credit for attendance will be valid for one year from the date of the kata clinic (if before June, then good for June and November gradings). If candidates are unable to attend a clinic, then they will postpone their grading so that all requirements will be met. Attendance at a recognized clinic out of province may be considered (must be approved in advance).

The Provincial Kata Committee is responsible for the overall teaching of kata to the judo membership and the Provincial Grading Committee will continue to evaluate the kata at the formal yudansha grading for Technical Stream candidates and Competitive Stream shodan candidates. Club senseis and students are offered kata clinics so that they have a basic understanding of the current kata and can practice at their dojo before grading. It is also recommended that candidates have a competent kata partner to ensure a successful demonstration.

The kata clinics conducted by the Provincial Kata Committee are part of a number of kata events which are intended to elevate the level of kata, especially for technical candidates and their senseis. It will be important that the level of kata at any grading is high in order to recognize the importance of the black belt. If the kata demonstrated at a Yudansha Grading is lacking, the candidate will need to repeat before being promoted.

Gord Okamura,                                                                     Allan Sattin,

Provincial Kata Committee                                                Provincial Grading Committee

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