Supported by the International Judo Federation and Olympic Solidarity, the again demonstrated why it has become one of the world's leading development initiatives for young judoka. As the countdown to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 continues, participants experienced first-hand what high-performance preparation truly means while embracing the educational values that make judo unique.
Throughout the week, athletes had the privilege of learning from an exceptional team of coaches and champions. World championship silver medallist and Olympic bronze medallist Haruka Funakubo, Olympic bronze medallist and European champion Sergei Aschwanden, Olympic champion Udo Quellmalz, world championship medallist Orkhan Safarov, and many other internationally renowned athletes and coaches generously shared their knowledge, experience and passion for the sport.
Every session offered something different. Technical precision, tactical awareness, randori intensity and personal experience were combined to expose the young judoka to a remarkable diversity of approaches. Different countries, different coaching philosophies and different styles came together on the same tatami, creating an environment where every athlete could broaden their understanding of judo while discovering new ways of thinking about the sport.
The learning did not stop at the edge of the tatami. Participants explored the spectacular surroundings of Fiesch, discovering the Aletsch Glacier, Europe's largest glacier, while reflecting on the importance of protecting our environment. The experience perfectly illustrates the IJF's long-standing commitment to sustainability and its determination to raise awareness among the next generation of judoka.
As the final day arrived, every randori carried a little more meaning, every training session became one last opportunity to learn and every farewell reminded participants that friendships built through judo know no borders.
The success of the camp is the result of a remarkable collective effort. Coaches, volunteers, organisers and partners all contributed to creating an atmosphere where young athletes could challenge themselves, grow in confidence and discover the true international spirit of judo.
As camp founder Sergei Aschwanden likes to remind everyone, "It is more than a training camp. The IJF Youth Camp is a community." After another memorable edition in Fiesch, there is little doubt that every participant now feels part of that community.
The spotlight will soon return to Switzerland when the world's senior elite gathers for the inaugural Lausanne Grand Slam at the end of August, continuing the country's proud tradition of hosting major international judo events.
Before then, however, many of these young athletes will meet again at the Guayaquil World Championships Cadets 2026 in Ecuador, where new friendships forged in Fiesch will be renewed in the heat of international competition.
Save the date: the International Judo Federation Youth Camp returns from 18th to 24th July 2027. Until then, one message remains unchanged: different styles, different countries, one community, one passion.
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More about the Sergei Judo Camp - CLICK HERE
Images © Julien Christe
