BJC Open National Championship 2026

Arena Sports Kettering

03/05/2026

Total entries to date: 9
Maximum entries: 400

The Otani Medal

Our medal design this year (above) commemorates the Otani family. The British Judo Council was formed by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei (8th Dan) in 1958 and was then joined by Masutaro Otani Sensei (8th Dan) who merged his MOSJ organisation into the BJC. Abbe returned to Japan in 1969 and Masutaro Otani Sensei became the President of the BJC until his death in 1977 at the age of 80 where he was succeeded by his son, Robin Otani who has been President of the BJC to this day. His son Stuart Otani is a current Vice-President and marks the third generation of the Otani family to lead the BJC in the promotion of Judo in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE:

Tailored, blue and coloured Judogi are prohibited. It is NOT permitted to reverse a Judogi jacket to avoid displaying stripes or badges. For full details of Judogi requirements, please see the BJC Contest Rules which are available by pressing the appropriate yellow button to the left.

The BJC does not permit Mat Side Coaching. This rule applies to coaches, parents and any other spectator. You are encouraged to offer support but any form of instruction may result in a penalty being awarded against the contestant receiving such support and/or the person providing such coaching, being required to leave the auditorium.

ZORI/FLIP FLOPS MUST BE WORN WHILST NOT ON THE MAT. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO REMOVE YOUR JUDOGI WHILST IN THE HALL.

The BJC proudly presents the annual BJC Open National Championships. This event, is open to members of the BJC, BJA & AJA, Judo Scotland, WJA & NIJF of appropriate grade and age. This includes categories to allow for as wide a range of age, grade and weights as possible. You can find full details on our Event Information leaflet which is available by pressing the button below. Please note, closing date for entries is Wednesday the 30th April at midday.

The BJC Open Nationals Championships will include:
• Primaries 8-9 years of minimum grade 3 red bars (3rd Mon) or above
• Juniors 10-15 years of minimum grade 2 yellow tabs (5th Mon), grouped by weight & age.
• Kyu Grade Seniors 16+ of minimum grade 4th Kyu (orange belt) or above grouped by weight & grade.
• Dan grade Seniors grouped by weight & grade.
• Over 100 categories
• Open to the BJC, BJA & AJA, Judo Scotland, WJA & NIJF.

Once you have registered your entry (using the buttons below) you will be directed to PayPal to make payment with either PayPal or your credit/debit card. You can also make payment with a credit card by phone to BJC HQ on 01692-580900. The closing date for all entries and final payment is Wednesday 29th April 2026

After registering your entry, you will have until 12pm midday on Wednesday 29th April where you will be able to amend your entry (eg. change weight category), add additional entries or remove entries from the list (and be refunded). No further changes will be possible after midday on Wednesday 29th April. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS TIME.

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Event Information BJC Contest Rules

Register

It is recommended that you read the 'Event Information Sheet' for this competition which can be accessed by pressing the button above. It contains vital information with regard to this event.

Please note: Minimum grade for entry:

Primaries; 3 red bars for those 8 years or older but less than 10 years

Juniors; 1 yellow bar for those 10 years or older but less than 16 years.

Seniors; 4th Kyu (Orange belt) for those who are 16 or over.

Please be aware that if, at the time of your weigh-in, you are heavier or lighter than the category you have entered (including the allowance given for Judogi bottoms and t-shirt as detailed on the Event Information sheet) there will be a £3.00 administrative fee made in order to transfer you into your correct weight.

Please Note: The BJC may photograph or video part or all of this event for promotional or training purposes. This event, by its very nature, is in the public arena and when entering for the event the participant (and their parents) acknowledge this fact.

Competitors e-tickets will be emailed to the person registering the contestants in the week prior to the competition. If you have not received your entry tickets by Thursday 30th April please check with BJC head office. IT IS VITAL YOU CHECK THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS WHEN COMPLETING YOUR ONLINE ENTRY.

Categories of less than 12 will be contested by pools only. Categories with more than 12 will be contested by pools to knockout. There is no repercharge.

Spectators Fee: £5.00 per person. These can be pre-purchased via BJC Head Office with a credit card or by BACS, or from the admin desk at the weigh-in or at the entry to the hall on the day with cash or credit card. There is free entry for all registered coaches upon production of a valid coaching card.

The current BJC Contest Rules 2019 will apply to the 2026 Open and will be strictly defined and enforced by our Referees.