More Than a Champion

When Judo United announced its plans for the future last month, we shared a simple vision.

We want to create more opportunities for everyone in the judo community.

That means meaningful experiences for athletes, coaches, referees, and the families who support our sport every weekend. It means bringing world-class education to California, creating unforgettable events, and connecting our community with some of the most respected people in international judo.

As we began planning those opportunities, one person immediately came to mind.

Tina Trstenjak. Her accomplishments as a competitor speak for themselves.

Olympic Champion.

World Champion.

Two-time Olympic Finalist.

Two-time World Championship Finalist.

3-time European Champion.

For more than a decade, she competed against the very best in the world and established herself as one of the defining athletes of her generation.

But medals alone are not why we invited her.

What impressed us even more is what Tina has chosen to do after stepping off the competition mat. She continues to dedicate herself to judo every day.

As an IJF Referee Director, she helps educate and mentor referees around the world. As an IJF Academy Instructor, she shares her knowledge with coaches from every continent. She has also earned certifications in all five Kodokan kata, reflecting a level of technical knowledge and commitment that few practitioners ever achieve.

She has embraced every dimension of judo—not just as an athlete, but as an educator, official, coach, student, and lifelong ambassador for our sport.

Just as importantly, Tina is admired throughout the international judo community for her professionalism, humility, generosity, and willingness to help others. Those qualities have earned her tremendous respect from International Judo Federation leadership and from coaches, referees, and athletes across the world.

That is exactly the kind of person we want young judoka to meet.

It's the kind of coach every coach can learn from.

It's the kind of leader every referee can appreciate.

At Judo United, we believe the future of judo is built not only through great competitions, but through opportunities to learn from remarkable people.

This September, our community will have the chance to do exactly that.

During this amazing weekend at the 2026 San Jose Open, Tina will lead an IJF Coaches & Referees Seminar, share her knowledge and experience, and spend time meeting athletes and families throughout the weekend.

For many young competitors, it will be their first opportunity to meet an Olympic Champion.

For coaches and referees, it will be a rare chance to learn from someone who continues to help shape judo at the highest international level.

We hope this is just the beginning.

Our goal is to continue bringing outstanding educators, athletes, and leaders to California—people who inspire us, challenge us to grow, and remind us what makes judo such a special community.

We couldn't think of a better person to begin that journey than Tina Trstenjak.

We look forward to welcoming her to California this September.