Radom’s kata showdown sets the tone for Sarajevo 2026

Radom is ready to feel like the heartbeat of European kata in 2026. The Radom European Kata Tournament will welcome 152 athletes from 14 countries for a full day of competition across cadet, junior and senior divisions. With the European Judo Championships Kata Sarajevo 2026 next on the calendar, this tournament carries extra weight: it’s the final European kata stop where routines can be sharpened under real pressure.

One last serious rehearsal before the Sarajevo spotlight.

What makes this edition stand out is how many doors it opens at once. Seniors will perform the full range of Kodokan kata, bringing Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata, Ju-no-Kata, Kime-no-Kata, Kodokan-Goshin-Jutsu, Koshiki-no-Kata and Itsutsu-no-Kata onto the same stage. For spectators, it’s a rare chance to see the breadth of kata judo in one arena; for athletes, it’s a test of precision, rhythm and partnership.

Juniors compete in Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata, with the option to step up and enter a second kata in the senior division. That mix of ambition and opportunity is exactly what helps young pairs grow faster. Cadets, meanwhile, follow a clear development pathway, performing Nage-no-Kata in three groups (Te Waza, Koshi Waza and Ashi Waza) alongside Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata.

Inclusivity is also part of the story. The tournament includes adapted judo (1B category) in Nage-no-Kata, reinforcing the message that kata judo in Europe is expanding in more than one direction.

Home fans will have a strong reason to lean in: Poland’s Maciej Pudłowski, a decorated member of the Polish National Kata Team, is aiming high in Nage-no-Kata with Anita Pudłowska. After taking silver two years ago and bronze last year, their stated target is gold on Polish tatami—an intense goal that adds real edge to a day built on control.

The event will be streamed live via ejulive.net.

Source: EJU_News