Competitions
The Uni Games
The Unisport nationals (Uni games) are held from the last week of September each year when many uni's have a break in the semester. Judo is a one day event which will be held in Perth in 2026 on Sunday 27 Sept. This event comprises an individuals competition followed by a teams event. Weigh ins are normally just before the competition. The men's team needs at least 3 members across the applicable weight categories with a max of 5. If there are insufficient numbers for a team, individual competitors can still compete in the individuals event. The games attract a wide range of grades and judoka from all over Australia and often include current Australian champions. Judo at the Uni games is an enjoyable event as the Uni games are also a social event. In 2025, ANU sent a team of 6 to Brisbane to compete at the games with ANU winning two medals. Well done to Isabella and Tom who won silver and broze medals in their respective weight divisions. In the teams event, the ANU Men were unplaced as we could only form a team of 3 as we lacked athletes in the lighter & heavier weights.
The Canberra International Open Championships
This competition is held annually and in 2026 was held in Goulburn at the Veolia Arena, 45 Braidwood Road Goulburn 13-15 February. This competition attracted competitors from all over Australia, NZ as well as some internationals from Brazil, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. As this is the first international competition in Australia at the start of the year, it is patronised by the top judoka in Australia seeking to progress their national rankings. The competition is based upon the standard IJF weight divisions and requirements. Competitors will need to bring both a white and blue judogi. This competition is recommended for the more experienced judoka. If you are a beginner or a recent starter, this is a great competition for you to cheer your graded club mates. Entry forms from www.judoact.org
Australian Judo Championships
These annual championships are held on the King's Birthday weekend on June (5-8) and will be staged at the Gold Coast in 2026. If you wish to represent the ACT, you will need to gain qualification by competing at two International events like the Canberra International as well as attending ACT squad training on Saturdays (11.30am-1pm) at various club locations. The competition is based upon the standard IJF weight divisions and requirements. Competitors will need to bring both a white and blue Judogi. This competition attracts the top competitors from within Australia. The minimum grade for entry is 3rd kyu.
Local Interclub Competitions in Canberra
There are usually up to five competitions staged locally at various locations in the ACT and dates will be added to the club calendar when scheduled this year. These competitions attract wide range of grades and provide a great opportunity for lower grades to gain their skills for competition. These are held on week ends and the weigh in times are designed so that competitors can weigh in, compete and then be finished in an hour or two.