Ensuring high quality events are available to members of all ages and abilities to enable long term player development.
‘Koka Kids’ Series
This is a new initiative to co-ordinate and build on the success of independently run level 2 tournaments. Event organisers can apply to be part of the recognised ‘Koka Kids’ series, creating a national league for the next generation of Judoka.
This Is Judo – Newaza Challenge
This challenge will promote and seek to improve groundwork skills across the Judo community via a Level 3 event.
This Is Judo – Winner Stays On (golden score)
Focused on developing fighting spirit, this tournament will group competitors of similar weight and ability. The format is simple, winner stays on with the player with the most individual wins after a set period crowned champion. The level 3 event will be open to all ages of green belt and above in grade.
Regional Schools Championships
This event is open to all school children holding a WJA, British Judo Association or membership to another UK registered Judo body. As a development event, any player who has won a medal at the British Minors Championships, British Pre-Cadet Championships, British Cadet Championships or British Junior Championships in the last two years is not eligible to compete.
Gemau Cymru
A multi-sport, bilingual event for young people in the Wales, enhancing the performance pathway of Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic sports. It provides an opportunity for talented young athletes to compete in a high profile multi-sport environment. For the Judo event the target age group is cadet.
Welsh Championships
The national championships will be held in a different location each year with medalists forming the Welsh squad. This event is level 3, split comprising cadets, juniors and seniors for players of green belt and above. To be eligible to compete, players must reside in Wales or be eligible to represent Wales at international events.
Welsh Open
The Welsh Open for pre-cadet (aged 11-14) and cadet (aged 15-17) is one of the biggest level 4 events in the UK and forms part of the GB selection process for the cadet European championships. The Welsh Open for juniors (under 21) and seniors is part of the qualification process for the British Championships. This is also a level 4 tournament with minimum grade and age requirements.
Hosting GB Events
As well as hosting domestic events, effort will be made to bid and deliver British events such as the national team championships, British minors and masters championships and the British Kata Championships. Where possible WJA will also work with British Judo to bid for international events such as continental championships.
