Fifth Annual Gulf Coast Judo Fall Classic
Organized by USJA
Judoka return to Ocean Springs, MS on September 26, 2026 for the fifth annual Gulf Coast Judo Fall Classic. Sanctioned by the USJA, the event runs divisions for all ages and ranks along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Event Description
Now in its fifth year, the Gulf Coast Judo Fall Classic is a USJA-sanctioned judo tournament in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, drawing clubs from across the Gulf Coast region for a day of standard judo divisions by age and rank. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Ocean Springs, MS. It is open to judoka of all ages and belt ranks, and USJA (or reciprocal USJF or USA Judo) membership with proof of current rank is generally required. Registration details are linked on this page.
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 Gulf Coast Judo Fall Classic?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Ocean Springs, MS.
- How many years has this tournament run?
- This is the fifth annual edition.
- Do I need a membership to compete?
- Yes, current USJA (or reciprocal USJF or USA Judo) membership and proof of rank are typically required.
- What age groups compete?
- All ages, grouped by age and rank per USJA's structure.
- How do I register?
- Through the event listing at usja.net, linked on this page.
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