2026 San Jose Open - Recap

2026 San Jose Open: Our Best Yet—and Just Getting Started

The 2026 San Jose Open brought more than 1,000 athletes from across the country to The Plex in San Jose, California, for an incredible weekend of judo, community, and competition. From athletes stepping onto the competition mat for the first time to experienced competitors chasing championship medals, this year’s event showcased the passion and dedication that make our judo community special.

It was our best San Jose Open yet—and it has us even more excited for 2027, when we celebrate our fifth anniversary!

The race for the Overall Team Championship delivered some of the weekend’s biggest stories. Empire MMA climbed from third overall in 2025 to claim this year’s championship, ending CJ Judo’s three-year run at the top. CJ Judo finished second, with LA Judo taking third. Just outside the podium, Kensei Judo made an impressive leap from 18th overall in 2025 to fourth in 2026. That progress reflects the hard work of its athletes, coaches, and families—and highlights a rising program worth watching.

This year, Judo United expanded team recognition to six award categories. Alongside the overall championship, these awards celebrate clubs excelling in different areas of athlete development and competition. They give us more opportunities to recognize the dedicated work happening in dojos every day, from introducing beginners to competition to preparing athletes for championship divisions.

The weekend’s impact extended beyond the tournament. Judo United also hosted an outstanding IJF Judo Rules Seminar with IJF Referee Director Tina Trstenjak, bringing coaches and referees together to learn, exchange ideas, and share the tatami inside the legendary Yoshihiro Uchida Hall at San José State University.

Learning side by side creates a stronger understanding between the people teaching our athletes and those officiating their matches. It was a valuable opportunity to ask questions, discuss the rules, and grow together as one judo community.

We extend a special thank-you to San José State University for hosting, and to University President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson and Associate Dean Matt Masucci for their support of judo at SJSU and throughout the surrounding community. Your commitment helps make opportunities like this possible. The seminar was made possible through an ongoing agreement between Judo United and the International Judo Federation to help grow judo in California leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Bringing international expertise into our local community is an investment in the coaches, referees, and athletes who will shape the sport’s future.

To every athlete, coach, referee, volunteer, family member, and supporter who contributed to this year’s event: thank you. Your energy and commitment made the 2026 San Jose Open our best yet.

Judo United was founded to unite the judo community through events and experiences. This weekend brought that mission to life, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back in 2027 for our fifth-annual San Jose Open!

Big thank you to Kele Photograhy & Conor Uyekawa Photography