2026 Rock & Roll Judo Tournament
Organized by USJA
Judoka gather in Avon, OH on September 19, 2026 for the Rock & Roll Judo Tournament. Sanctioned by the USJA, the event runs divisions for all ages and ranks.
Event Description
The Rock & Roll Judo Tournament is a USJA-sanctioned event, part of the US Judo Association's network that cross-recognizes membership with USJF and USA Judo. USJA events are rooted in Jigoro Kano's principle of jita-kyoei — mutual welfare and benefit — and the organization also runs coaching certifications and clinics alongside its competitive tournaments. The tournament takes place September 19, 2026 in Avon, Ohio, with divisions for all ages and ranks. Competitors will need valid USJA (or cross-recognized USJF/USA Judo) membership to compete — check the tournament page for current entry requirements. Registration and details are available at the link on this listing.
About USJA
USJA (the United States Judo Association) grew out of the Armed Forces Judo Association and was formally renamed USJA in 1969. Now a cloud-based organization with 20,000+ life members, it runs its own tournament and promotion system, concentrated in California, Florida, the Midwest, and Southeast.
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 Rock & Roll Judo Tournament?
- September 19, 2026 in Avon, Ohio.
- What organization sanctions it?
- The USJA (US Judo Association).
- Do I need a membership to compete?
- Yes, valid USJA membership, or cross-recognized USJF/USA Judo membership — check the tournament page for current requirements.
- What divisions are offered?
- Divisions for all ages and ranks.
- How do I register?
- Registration details are available at the link on this listing (usja.net).
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