Riga, Latvia, is set to host the inaugural Ne-waza European Judo Championships on August 20, 2026, the European Judo Union (EJU) announced. The event, a significant development for the sport, comes after a restructuring prompted by the French Judo Federation’s decision to relinquish its hosting rights for the 2026 Veteran European Championships. This shift underscores the EJU’s commitment to ensuring the continuity and growth of Ne-waza judo, a discipline gaining increasing recognition within the sport.
The Ne-waza Championships, focusing on ground perform and submissions, were originally planned as part of the Veteran European Championships. When France returned the organization rights, the EJU swiftly moved to secure Riga as a standalone host city, demonstrating agility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances. The Veteran European Championships have since been relocated to Portimão, Portugal, but will now focus solely on individual competition.
A New Chapter for Ne-waza Judo
Vsevolods Zelonijs, President of the Latvian Judo Federation, expressed his gratitude to the EJU for entrusting Riga with hosting the first-ever European Ne-waza Championship. “On behalf of the Latvian Judo Federation, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the President of the European Judo Federation, Dr. László Tóth, as well as to the entire European Judo Federation, for their trust and for the opportunity to host the very first European Ne-waza Championship, which will take place this August,” Zelonijs said. He highlighted Latvia’s experience in hosting high-level judo events, including Cups and European Championships, and emphasized a commitment to continuous improvement in promoting the sport throughout the Baltic region.
Zelonijs believes Ne-waza holds significant promise for the future of judo, stating it “has the potential to take its rightful place and become one of the most exciting and widely followed disciplines.” The Latvian Judo Federation is focused on delivering a championship that meets the highest standards and provides exceptional conditions for all participants, encompassing cadets, juniors, seniors, and veterans.
Riga’s Growing Role in European Judo
Latvia has become a frequent host for European Judo events, building a reputation for successful organization and enthusiastic support for the sport. The country’s commitment to judo extends beyond hosting competitions, with a focus on developing the sport at all levels. The decision to award Riga the Ne-waza Championships reflects the EJU’s confidence in Latvia’s ability to deliver a world-class event.
What is Ne-waza?
Ne-waza, meaning “new groundwork” in Japanese, is a core component of judo focusing on grappling techniques performed on the ground. It encompasses a range of skills including holds, submissions, and positional control. While traditionally a part of judo training, the establishment of a dedicated European Championship signifies a growing emphasis on this dynamic aspect of the sport. The EJU views Ne-waza as a key element in attracting a wider audience and fostering innovation within judo.
The upcoming championships in Riga are expected to draw competitors from across Europe, showcasing the talent and dedication within the Ne-waza community. The event will not only be a sporting competition but likewise a platform for promoting the values of judo – respect, discipline, and self-improvement – to a broader audience.
The EJU has not yet released detailed schedules or registration information for the Ne-waza European Judo Championships. Further updates and official announcements will be available on the European Judo Union website.
As preparations continue, the focus remains on delivering a memorable championship that celebrates the spirit of judo and showcases the exciting potential of Ne-waza. The event in Riga is poised to become a landmark moment in the evolution of the sport, attracting both seasoned practitioners and new enthusiasts alike.
If you are interested in learning more about the European Judo Union and upcoming events, please visit their official website. Share your thoughts on the growing popularity of Ne-waza judo in the comments below.
