Judo Australia in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo will welcome judoka from around the country to Bendigo, Victoria, this October for the National Club Teams Championships, a first for Australian judo.
To be held from October 18-20, 2024, at the Bendigo South East Stadium, this inaugural event will invite members from 203 Australian judo clubs to play, learn and honour the judo spirit.
As well as the Teams Championships, a Club Coaches forum will bring Coaches from around the country together to share knowledge, with education sessions planned to target a range of growing areas such as adaptive judo.
The National Club Teams Championship is a grassroots celebration that will become the biggest event in Australia judo, Shane Alvisio, Judo Australia’s Head of Judo Operations, believes.
“This is our most important thing,” he says. “It honours the roles clubs play in the judo family, and includes everybody. Judo is a sport for all, and we should be celebrating that together.”
“Competitors will be more passionate about contesting this event on behalf of their local clubs. The club is where judoka commence their judo journey and learn our Code. Often it’s with a volunteer coach and training partners who mightn’t be as keen on competition. But to support their friends, to train together towards a goal – that’s the judo spirit,” Shane says.
Judo Australia CEO, Beck Hamilton, paid tribute to the City of Greater Bendigo for the assistance they had offered in getting this important event off the ground.
l“The support we’ve had from the City of Bendigo that will go a long way towards ensuring Judo Australia can establish the National Teams Championships as an annual celebration of our sport.”
“It’s going to be truly exciting to see the entire Australian judo community come together and we know Bendigo will benefit as our members from six states and two territories converge on your city for this incredible weekend!”
City of Greater Bendigo Major Events and Tourism Manager, Terry Karamaloudis, said Bendigo was delighted to host the inaugural National Teams Championship.
“We are thrilled to support what will eventually become the biggest event in Australian judo as Bendigo is the perfect location to present this exciting three-day tournament,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
“I’m sure judoka and judo fans in our community will really enjoy seeing grassroots talent from across the country come together to compete at Bendigo South East Stadium.
“I encourage players, coaches and club supporters to make the most of your stay in Bendigo with our incredible attractions and hospitality providing a truly memorable experience.”
COMPETITION DETAILS
The National Teams Championships is modelled on the Olympic Judo teams event, with male and female judoka across different weight divisions working together as a team.
Running over A & B divisions to honour different skill levels, each team will have six competitors, with a minimum of two women or girls, each competitor set to engage with an opponent of similar weight.
The contests will take place across age categories from Junior Boys/Girls (u12), Senior Boys/Girls (u15), Cadet Boys/Girls (u18), Junior Men/Women (u21), Senior Men/Women (open), Veteran Men/Women (35+), and an Open Division where a team can be made up of judoka of any weight or age.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For accommodation and travel assistance for all members and Club Managers
Contact the Bendigo Tourism Centre where group bookings can be made in an instant!
ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT
Shane Alvisio, Head of Judo Operations. M: 0410 044 205
Or pop by the JA desk at Nationals where Shane will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Please note we will be working with our Adaptive Judo Committee about the best way to enter the teams event.
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