Smokey Mountain Judo Shiai
Organized by USJA
Judo competitors head to Cherokee, NC on September 5, 2026 for the Smokey Mountain Judo Shiai. Sanctioned by the USJA, the event runs divisions for all ages and ranks in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Event Description
This Smokey Mountain Judo Shiai is sanctioned by the USJA (US Judo Association), an organization built around Jigoro Kano's principle of jita-kyoei — mutual welfare and benefit — rather than pure competitive ranking. USJA membership cross-recognizes USJF and USA Judo membership, so competitors already registered with those bodies don't need a separate USJA card to compete. The Shiai takes place September 5, 2026 in Cherokee, NC, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Register through the event's listing at usja.net — divisions run by standard age and rank groupings; bring proof of current membership (USJA, USJF, or USA Judo) and your judogi to check-in.
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 Smokey Mountain Judo Shiai?
- September 5, 2026 in Cherokee, NC.
- How do I register?
- Through usja.net/events/771/details.
- Do I need a USJA membership to compete?
- USJA membership is required, but it cross-recognizes USJF and USA Judo membership, so athletes registered with those bodies are typically covered.
- What's the USJA's philosophy?
- USJA is built around Jigoro Kano's principle of jita-kyoei — mutual welfare and benefit — and also runs coaching certification and clinics.
- What should I bring?
- A judogi and proof of current membership (USJA, USJF, or USA Judo).
BJJ gyms near Cherokee, NC
Looking for a place to train before or after the tournament?
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