2023 Samurai Judo Championships

American Judo along with Samurai Judo have teamed up to provide the best tournament experience possible. American Judo Shiai's are the perfect place for any judoka looking to gain experience in a competitive yet friendly tournament atmosphere. Our developmental tournament series offers as many matches as possible, so you can get the most out of your experience. With a modified rule set in place, everyone is sure to have a positive tournament experience. 

$1000 GRAND PRIZE TO THE TOP-RANKED DOJO!

USA Judo Sanctioned Event #00401

Hosted by: Samurai Judo

Registration, Bracketing & Customer Service: American Judo

Date: 10/22/2022

Address: St. Vartanantz Church 461 Bergen Blvd., Ridgefield, NJ  

Format: Double Elimination or Round Robin for 5 or Less

Competitors and coaches will need to present a valid Judo membership

Non-US Competitors must contact USA Judo for a letter of invitation

All States are Welcome!

8 yrs old and under will be pooled into groups of 3 or 4 as close to age, weight, and belt as possible.  Pools will use round-robin brackets. 8 and under will receive an award. 

All Novice Divisions under 8 years old are grouped into 4 and all get medals.

9 yrs old and up will use round-robin brackets for groups under 5 athletes and double elimination brackets for 6+ athletes.

Questions? Email Riley McIlwain at events@americanjudo.com.

These events are designed to give the best possible experience for the athlete. Coaches and referees should work together to create a positive experience for athletes. The focus of these events is development and the emphasis is on positive judo (Throws, Pins, Armlocks, Chokes). 

The times of Matches are 2 mins with 2 min golden score: 

Each division is open to all skill levels

Judo Gi Color: White Judo Gi Preferred

The time of the matches are 3 mins with 2 min golden score

Two Skill Levels: Novice (Orange & Below) & Open (Green & Above)

NO Chokes in Novice Disivion

Judo Gi Color: White Judo Gi Preferred

The time of the matches are 4 mins with unlimited golden score

Chokes Allowed

NO Armlocks in Novice Divison

Armlocks allowed in OPEN Divisions Only

Judo Gi Color: White Judo Gi preferred

The time of the matches is 4 mins with 2 minute golden score

NO Chokes in Novice Divisions

NO Armlocks in Novice Divisions

Judo Gi Color: White Judo Gi Preferred

Coaching is encouraged at all times during the matches. 

What does it mean to coach your athlete: 

All comments from the coach should be geared towards helping your athlete perform a judo technique.

As long as coaches are being a positive influence over the athlete they will be encouraged to continue coaching. 

Novice Divisions 

Shidos will not be handed out for Minor infractions

Referees will warn judoka about infractions and instruct them not to do so in the future. 

If a judoka gets 3 warnings for the same infraction they will lose the match. 

If a judoka gets 3 warnings for different infractions the match will continue. 

Open Divisions

Referees will use their discretion to give penalties for stalling

Stalling can include - Running out of bounds, defensive posture, or any action deemed to prevent their opponent from positive judo.

If a judoka gets 3 warnings for the same infraction they will lose the match. 

If a judoka gets 3 warnings for different infractions the match will continue.

Advanced, Brown, Black Belt Divisions

These will follow IJF Rules

All Competitors MUST have a WHITE Judo Gi that fits properly