17th Annual Paul Owen Memorial Judo Tournament
Organized by USJF
Judoka from across Nebraska and the surrounding region gather October 24, 2026 for the 17th Annual Paul Owen Memorial Judo Tournament in Lincoln. Sanctioned by the USJF, the event runs divisions for all ages and rank levels in memory of the tournament's namesake.
Event Description
Now in its 17th year, the Paul Owen Memorial Judo Tournament is a United States Judo Federation (USJF)-sanctioned event in Lincoln, Nebraska, honoring its namesake with divisions spanning every age and rank in the sport. USJF sanctioning means the tournament follows standardized judo competition rules and carries mandatory liability coverage for registered competitors. The tournament is held Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Lincoln, NE. Competitors need current USJF membership to compete (USJA membership is also accepted under the two organizations' reciprocal agreement), and an at-large membership option exists for judoka not affiliated with a USJF club. Registration details are posted at usjf.com.
About USJF
USJF (the United States Judo Federation) is the oldest national judo organization in the US, tracing to 1952 as the Amateur Judo Association and renamed USJF in 1967. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit built around regional black-belt associations and local dojos, it focuses explicitly on grassroots judo, in contrast to the Olympic-focused USA Judo.
Rules
Judo matches are decided by ippon — a full-point score that ends the match instantly. Ippon is awarded for a throw that lands the opponent largely on their back with speed and control, for a 20-second pin (osaekomi), or for a submission by strangle or armlock in the senior divisions. Lesser throws and shorter pins score waza-ari, and two waza-ari combine to make ippon.
Modern judo rules (based on the International Judo Federation rulebook) prohibit grabbing the legs in standing exchanges, and passivity or rule infractions draw shido penalties — accumulate three and the match is lost by hansoku-make. Armlocks and chokes are age-restricted, so junior divisions are typically throws-and-pins only.
Judo tournaments in the United States are generally sanctioned by USA Judo, USJA, or USJF, all of which follow IJF-based competition rules with local modifications for youth and novice divisions. Check the event's sanctioning body and division rules before registering.
Always confirm the official rulebook before you compete — organizations update rules between seasons. See the official event page for current rules.
Community results
No results logged yet. Results show up here once competitors log them after the event.
Frequently asked questions
- When and where is the Paul Owen Memorial Judo Tournament?
- Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Lincoln, NE. This is the 17th annual edition.
- Do I need a membership to compete?
- Yes, current USJF membership is required (USJA membership is also accepted under a reciprocal agreement between the two organizations).
- What if I'm not affiliated with a USJF club?
- USJF offers an at-large membership option for judoka not affiliated with a member club.
- What divisions are offered?
- Divisions span every age and rank, following standard USJF-sanctioned judo competition rules.
- How do I register?
- Through the USJF sanctioned events page at usjf.com/sanctioned-events.
BJJ gyms near Lincoln, NE
Looking for a place to train before or after the tournament?
More tournaments in Nebraska
Competing here?
Add this tournament to your passport so you can log your result after the event. (You still need to register with the organizer separately.)
Competing for the first time?
Is this your tournament? Update your listing.