Gijón Launches the Kata World Series Season

The Kata World Series, under the supervision of the IJF Kata Commission, is a new competition format launched in 2025 to complement the existing opportunities for kata specialists. While the IJF Kata World Championships remain the primary objective for athletes, the Kata World Series offers additional high-level competitive events throughout the season, supporting the development, visibility and continuity of kata worldwide.

The first event in this format took place on Saturday 8th March 2025 in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, marking an important step in expanding the international kata programme. The second edition tool place in Reims, France. Building on those successes, Gijón was selected to host the opening event of the new season, reflecting Spain’s growing involvement in the promotion of kata at an international level.

A Discipline in Continuous Growth

In recent years, kata has continued to grow both internationally and within national federations. The annual organisation of the IJF Kata World Championships has played a key role in this development, offering a prestigious platform for the discipline. The most recent edition, held in Paris last season, confirmed the high technical level and increasing interest in kata across the judo community.

The Kata World Series adds a new dimension by allowing athletes to compete more regularly internationally, gaining experience and contributing to the long-term development of the discipline.

A Comprehensive Competition Programme

The event in Gijón brought together leading kata specialists across a wide range of disciplines and age categories. Competitions were held in Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Ju-no-Kata for under 18, under 21 and senior athletes, highlighting the importance of early engagement and structured progression.

Senior competitors also contested Kime-no-Kata, Kodokan Goshin-Jutsu, Itsutsu-no-Kata and Koshiki-no-Kata, demonstrating the depth, tradition and technical diversity of kata within judo.

A significant milestone was reached with the first-ever participation of cadets in an IJF kata competition. This development represents an important step towards strengthening the educational and developmental role of kata from a young age.

Strong Performances on Home Soil

Spanish pairs enjoyed notable success in Gijón, taking advantage of competing on home soil to secure several top results. Their performances were challenged closely by an experienced Italian team, whose consistency and technical precision resulted in several medals.

The strong level of competition confirmed a depth of European kata expertise and set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

Looking Ahead

The event was also marked by the presence of Spanish Judo Federation President Juan Carlos Barcos, highlighting the significance of this first IJF kata competition being held in Spain. His attendance underlined the IJF’s commitment to the continued growth and recognition of kata.

With strong participation, the inclusion of younger age groups and high-quality performances, the Kata World Series in Gijón has set an encouraging tone for the season ahead, as athletes now look towards future world series events and ultimately the world championships.

RESULTS

Nage No Kata CADET Final

1. FERNANDEZ LOPEZ, Sergio - SACRISTAN EGIDO, Gonzalo ESP 238.0

Nage No Kata JUNIOR

1. HURTADO MARTIN, Diego - MIGUELEZ DE SALAS, Javier ESP 366.5
2. SASTRE MENZINGER, Alejandro - RODRIGUEZ CADAVIECO, Marcos ESP 357.0
3. MANZANO CISNEROS, Eva - LIMON TAMARGO, Andrea ESP 349.5

Nage No Kata

1. COLLINI, Mauro - RONDININI, Tommaso ITA 388.0
2. REGUILLAGA EIZAGUIRRE, Joseba - ETXARRI SARASUA, Joseba ESP 382.0
3. SARALEGUI VALLEJO, Unai - REGUILLAGA EIZAGUIRRE, Unai ESP 381.5

Katame No Kata JUNIOR

1. DONGA, Tristan - VAN DER MEER, Stan NED 368.5
2. ORTIZ TORRES, Belen - ORTIZ TORRES, Andrea ESP 354.0
3. CASETTA, Giada - PIVA, Francesco ITA 341.0

Katame No Kata

1. JEROMIN, Carolin Charina - ETTER, Martin GER 380.5
2. CHIARA, Michael - CORVETTI, Marco ITA 380.0
3. SYPNIEWSKA, Beata - GEMBALCZYK, Sebastian POL 367.0

Ju No Kata JUNIOR

1. SANCHEZ RESINO, Alvaro - FERNANDEZ MARTINEZ, Sara ESP 372.0
2. ESCANCIANO LOPEZ, Naroa - DE VILLOTA GARCIA, Paul ESP 334.0

Ju No Kata

1. TARABELLI, Giovanni - TARABELLI, Angelica ITA 402.0
2. BROECKEL, Ulrich - BROECKEL, Elke GER 399.0
3. NUZZI HERRERO, Alessandro - NUZZI HERRERO, Andrea ESP 397.5

Kime No Kata

1. TOMMASI, Enrico - FERRETTI, Yuri ITA 523.0
2. SANCHEZ-CHAPARRO, Julian J. - NAVARRETE CEREZO, Carlos A. ESP 507.5
3. CORUJO PRADO, Mario - DIAZ MARTINEZ, Esteban ESP 492.0

Goshin Jutsu

1. OBRADOR MAS, Antoni - MARCOS RODRIGUEZ, Pedro ESP 544.5
2. GARCIA POZO, Juan Manuel - ARROYO MARTIN, Mariano ESP 514.5
3. HINTEREGGER, Philipp - HINTEREGGER, Martin AUT 500.0

Koshiki No Kata

1. TOMMASI, Enrico - COLLINI, Mauro ITA 490.0
2. KOZMA KOZMA, Tibor - NICOLAS ALONSO, Francisco ESP 472.5
3. HERMES, Nico - ALLARD, Jean LUX 451.0

Itsutsu No Kata

1. LOPEZ DIAZ DE DURANA, Alfonso - MORONTA PENA, David ESP 149.5
2. HERMES, Nico - ALLARD, Jean LUX 142.5