Each year, the International Judo Federation honours the men, women and projects which shape the global judo family, through the IJF Judo Awards. Presented in front of a packed arena during the Paris Grand Slam, these awards offer a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate. After a 2025 season rich in competition, development and unforgettable stories, the judo world once again looked back to recognise its most outstanding achievements.
The IJF Judo Awards were presented by Thea Cowen and Dennis Van der Geest.
This year, eight categories were contested. In each category, the public vote determined the top three nominees, before an international panel of experts selected the final winner. Together, these awards reflect not only sporting excellence but also education, innovation and the universal values of judo.
Judo for Children Project of the Year
Children represent the future of judo and remain a top priority for its development worldwide.
Nominees:
- Judo at School Programme (FRA) – France Judo’s nationwide initiative connects schools and clubs, introducing children to judo through structured lessons focused on falling skills, co-operation, rules and respect.
- The Diyora Keldiyorova Judo Club (UZB) – Opened in March 2025, the club now welcomes around 300 children, offering a safe and motivating environment to learn judo and its values.
- Judo and School Skills (SMR) – A project in San Marino demonstrating how judo can support children with learning difficulties, by improving focus, confidence and academic performance.
Winner: The Diyora Keldiyorova Judo Club (UZB)
The award was presented by Kosei Inoue, IJF Sport Director.
Judo for Peace Project of the Year
In a world marked by conflict and growing displacement, programmes promoting dialogue and mutual respect through sport are more vital than ever.
Nominees:
- Regional Judo for Peace Programme (ZAM) – Led by Zambia with Zimbabwe and Malawi, this programme operates in refugee camps, reaching over 1,500 participants and building pathways to inclusion and competition.
- Julien Brulard – The Judo Nomad – For four years, Julien Brulard has travelled across more than 50 countries, sharing judo values and fostering cultural exchange worldwide.
- World Judo Day: Peace (AZE) – Azerbaijan’s nationwide celebrations engaged families, children and communities under the themes of peace, unity and friendship.
Winner: Regional Judo for Peace Programme (ZAM)
The award was presented by Syteny Randrianasoloniaiko, President of the African Judo Union and IJF Vice-President. Nicolas Messner, IJF Judo for Peace Director, received the prize in the name of the Zambia Judo Association.
Moment of the Year
A category highlighting the most powerful and symbolic moments of the season.
Nominees:
- Eteri Liparteliani (GEO) – Becoming Georgia’s first-ever female world champion, in Budapest.
- Kids vs Champions – Tokyo Edition (JPN) – An unforgettable event connecting children with elite Japanese judoka.
- Mary Dee Vargas Ley (CHI) – Winning Chile’s first World Judo Tour gold medal, in Lima.
Winner: Eteri Liparteliani (GEO)
The award was presented by Laszlo Toth, Euroepan Judo Union President and IJF Vice-President.
Coaching Achievement of the Year
Coaches are central to athlete development and success.
Nominees:
- Georgian coaching team – World mixed team champions after a 12-year wait.
- Italian women’s coaching team – Guiding athletes to two world titles in Budapest.
- Japanese coaching team – Six world titles and fourteen medals at the 2025 World Championships.
Winner: Georgian coaching team
The award was presented by Mohamed Meridja, IJF Education and Coaching Director.
Rising Star of the Year
The future of judo is already taking shape.
Nominees:
- Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK) – Junior world champion at -73 kg.
- Irakli Goginashvili (GBR) – Junior European champion and junior world bronze medallist.
- Célia Cancan (FRA) – Double junior European champion and junior world champion.
Winner: Muhiddin Asadulloev (TJK)
The award was presented by Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Secretary General.
Female Judoka of the Year
Nominees:
- Uta Abe (JPN)
- Eteri Liparteliani (GEO)
- Alice Bellandi (ITA)
Winner: Eteri Liparteliani (GEO)
The award was presented by Vladimir Barta, IJF Head Sport Director.
Male Judoka of the Year
Nominees:
- Timur Arbuzov (RUS)
- Joan-Benjamin Gaba (FRA)
- Sanshiro Murao (JPN)
Winner: Timur Arbuzov (RUS)
The award was presented by Armen Bagdasarov, IJF Head Referee Director.
Ippon of the Year
Nominees:
- Kazbek Naguchev (UAE)
- Eteri Liparteliani (GEO)
- Kenny Komi Bedel (ITA)
Winner: Kazbek Naguchev (UAE)
The award was presented by Naser Al Tamimi, IJF General Treasurer.