Meet the Judo Insider: Aya
In the ever-evolving world of judo, staying informed is half the battle. That’s where accounts like “2025judo“ on X (formerly Twitter) come in. Run by the judo aficionado known as Aya, these accounts are a goldmine. Aya doesn’t just report the news; they provide insightful analysis and keen observations that are highly valued by both fans and athletes alike. Many athletes even use these accounts to stay updated on the judo circuit, relying on the timely and detailed information.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the “CARE system,” or “Computer Aided Replay” system, which is used by judges to make calls, check the effectiveness of techniques, and review penalties. It’s the modern referee’s best friend!
Rising Star: Patricia Tomankova Eyes European Judo Glory
The judo world never sleeps. While the dust settles after the recent national tournaments, the focus quickly shifts to the next big events: the World Cadet Championships and the upcoming European Junior Championships. One name on everyone’s radar for the latter is Slovakia’s Patricia Tomankova, now 18, competing in the 48kg category. Having dominated at the World Cadet Championships, taking gold in the 40kg class in 2023 and the 44kg class in 2024, Tomankova’s star is rapidly ascending.
In a recent interview released by the European Judo Union, Tomankova discussed her preparations and ambitions for the European Junior Championships, to be held in her home country, Slovakia, for the first time. Training alongside her brother Jozef and cousin Lenka, she is well-prepared. She acknowledges the pressure that comes with competing on home turf, but seemingly thrives under it. Her aim is clear: to win in her first year at the junior level, building on her European Cadet Championship titles. Her dedication to consistent training and a desire to promote judo in Slovakia underlines her commitment. The European Junior Championships is a crucial platform for rising judoka, so be sure to watch Tomankova’s journey closely.
Explore the full interview here.
Spotlight on Patricia Tomankova (Slovakia)
The German Bundesliga Finale: A Judo Spectacle Awaits
If you love judo, the German Bundesliga is a must-watch. Olympic silver medalist in the 90kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and key team member at the Budapest World Championships, Eduard Trippel (Germany) is a major player in this league. The Bundesliga, with its team-based format, offers a unique viewing experience; judoka compete in team colors on colorful, personalized gis. This format attracts top athletes from across Germany and neighboring countries. Joining Trippel are elite talents like Shamil Borchashvili (Austria), the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, and Nikita Svird (Croatia). The level of competition is exceptional.
The season culminates in the final match on October 26th, 2025, in Wuppertal. Trippel’s team, RTV Judo Team Remscheid, hopes to defend their title, giving spectators a front-row seat to high-level judo action. Being able to see world champions and Olympians competing right there is an unparalleled experience, said Trippel in a recent interview.
Did you know? The Bundesliga is not just about the fights; it’s a cultural experience, with crowds cheering on their teams. The team atmosphere is electric and the technical skill displayed by the athletes is outstanding.
