Newaza or groundwork is an integral part of judo but in many cases, it is neglected. It is a fact that many, if not most, judo players prefer to focus on throwing. But this month, newaza will take center stage in a very unique event.
For the first time ever, the European Judo Union will be holding a competition that focus exclusively on newaza.
The Newaza European Judo Championships in Riga, Latvia will be held from 29 to 30 August. 2026 at the BT1 International Expo Centre.
"This historic occasion marks the very first separate edition of a European Championship dedicated exclusively to newaza, opening an exciting new chapter in the development of our sport," said European Judo Union President László Tóth.
Tóth said the creation of a dedicated continental championship demonstrates the EJU's commitment to "embracing the diversity of judo and creating new opportunities for athletes to compete and excel at the highest continental level, showcasing that judo is truly for all."
Latvian Judo Federation President Vsevolods Zelonijs echoed the sentiment: "Today we are making history together. For the very first time, Europe's best cadet, junior and senior athletes will compete for the title of European Champion in newaza judo."
He added that newaza has always been one of the fundamental elements of judo and that by creating this championship, “we are strengthening and celebrating this important aspect of judo."
So, how exactly will a newaza competition work? Unlike traditional judo, where contests begin from a standing grip fight, this newaza competition starts with both athletes kneeling before the referee calls "Hajime".
The battle will be entirely on the ground, with competitors searching for submissions and hold-downs. Standing up without attacking is penalised with a shido, and if someone stands while caught in a submission, the referee treats it as a submission and awards ippon.
Golden Score is where things get really interesting. If scores are level after four minutes, Golden Score doesn't simply continue where the fight left off. Instead, each athlete takes a turn applying an official Kodokan hold-down while their opponent attempts to escape.
Hold-downs lasting 5 to 9 seconds score a yuko, while those lasting 10 to 19 seconds score a waza-ari, and after both competitors have completed their turn, the judoka with the higher score wins.
You can read the full rules here.
The competition is open to athletes from European Judo Union member federations.
There will be three age groups:
Cadets: Born between 2009 and 2011
Juniors: Born in 2008 or earlier
Seniors: Born in 2008 or earlier
There will be four weight categories each for male and female players:
Cadets
Women
• -48kg
• -57kg
• -70kg
• +70kg
Men
• -60kg
• -73kg
• -90kg
• +90kg
Juniors and Seniors
Women
• -52kg
• -63kg
• -78kg
• +78kg
Men
• -66kg
• -81kg
• -100kg
• +100kg
