2026 Bert Becerra Memorial Judo Challenge
Organized by USA Judo
The Bert Becerra Memorial Judo Challenge returns to Plano, TX on September 12, 2026, with divisions for judoka of all ages and ranks.
Event Description
The Bert Becerra Memorial Judo Challenge is a USA Judo-sanctioned tournament, which means competitors need an active USA Judo membership (about $125 a year, or roughly $15 for a first-time Event-Only registration) and must show proof at check-in. Divisions run by age and rank, from Mini-Yonen (5-7) through Seinen adult brackets, with safety rules restricting chokes for competitors 12 and under and arm locks for those 17 and under or new to competition. This year's Memorial Challenge runs September 12, 2026 in Plano, TX. Register through the event's Smoothcomp listing at judocomp.smoothcomp.com/en/event/32478; entry fees for USA Judo events typically fall in the $30-$90 per division range.
About USA Judo
USA Judo is the official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic national governing body for judo, headquartered at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. It runs national point tournaments, national championships, and international team selection events — distinct from the grassroots-focused USJA and USJF.
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 Bert Becerra Memorial Judo Challenge?
- September 12, 2026 in Plano, TX.
- Do I need a membership to compete?
- Yes, an active USA Judo membership is required, with proof shown at registration; a discounted Event-Only membership is available for first-timers.
- How do I register?
- Through the event's Smoothcomp listing at judocomp.smoothcomp.com/en/event/32478.
- What age/rank divisions are offered?
- USA Judo divisions from Mini-Yonen (5-7) through Seinen (adult), subdivided by belt rank.
- Are there safety rules for younger competitors?
- Yes — no chokes for competitors 12 and under, and no arm locks for those 17 and under or new to competition.
BJJ gyms near Plano, TX
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