2026 Northeastern Judo Championships
Organized by USA Judo
The Northeastern Judo Championships return to Paterson, New Jersey on December 6, 2026 for their 18th annual edition. The USA Judo tournament runs divisions for all ages and ranks, drawing judoka from across the Northeast.
Event Description
The 18th Annual Northeastern Judo Championships bring USA Judo competition to Paterson, New Jersey, with age and rank divisions running from Mini-Yonen (ages 5-7) through Yonen, Shonen, and Seinen adult brackets, each further split by belt rank. As with all USA Judo events, safety rules restrict chokes for competitors 12 and under and arm locks for competitors 17 and under or novice-ranked. This championship takes place December 6, 2026 in Paterson, NJ. Competitors must show proof of USA Judo membership at registration — roughly $125 for a full annual membership, or about $15 for a first-timer "Event-Only" membership — and entry fees for individual divisions typically run $30-$90. Check the event's Facebook listing or the link on Let's Roll for registration details.
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 Northeastern Judo Championships?
- December 6, 2026, in Paterson, NJ — the 18th annual edition.
- Do I need a membership to compete?
- Yes, USA Judo membership (or the roughly $15 first-timer "Event-Only" membership) is required, and proof must be shown at registration.
- What age/rank divisions are offered?
- Mini-Yonen (5-7), Yonen (8-12), Shonen (13-16), and Seinen (adult) divisions, subdivided by rank.
- Are there safety restrictions for younger competitors?
- Yes — no chokes for competitors 12 and under, and no arm locks for competitors 17 and under or novices.
- How do I register?
- Check the event listing on Facebook or the link on Let's Roll for current registration details.
BJJ gyms near Paterson, NJ
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