More Ways to Win!

Expanded Team Championships at the 2026 San Jose Open

At Judo United, we believe there is more than one way to build a great judo program.

Traditionally, most tournaments recognize only the top overall teams based on total points earned across every division. We will continue that tradition at the 2026 San Jose Open with our Grand Champions – Overall Team award, but this year we are taking team recognition a step further.

For 2026, the San Jose Open will recognize the Top 3 teams in five additional championship categories, giving clubs more opportunities to be recognized for the areas where their programs are strongest.

2026 San Jose Open Team Championships -6 ways to Win!  

Grand Champions – Overall -  Every Division Included

Championship Team – Senior  - Senior & Veteran  (Brown & Black Belt)

Championship Team – Adult Novice  - Senior Novice & Veteran Novice

Championship Team – Junior  -  Juvenile, Cadet, & IJF Junior (Standard Divisions)

Championship Team – Junior Novice   -  Bantam A-C, Intermediate, Juvenile , Cadet , IJF Junior (All Novice Categories Listed)

Championship Team – Youth  -  Bantam 1–6 & Intermediate Standard Divisions

The idea behind the expanded awards is simple: judo clubs are built differently.

Some clubs have outstanding youth development programs. Others have strong teenage competitors, university-age athletes or senior teams. Some newer clubs may have a large group of beginning and novice athletes but are still developing their advanced competitors.

Those programs deserve an opportunity to compete for a team championship too.

A club with 20 young novice competitors may not yet have the depth to challenge one of the largest established programs for the Overall Grand Championship—but they may have one of the strongest developmental programs in the tournament.

A university or adult-focused dojo may have very few children but an outstanding senior team.

Now, those accomplishments can be recognized.

Building Stronger Programs

We want the San Jose Open to be more than a competition between individual athletes. We want it to help clubs build stronger programs.

These new team categories create additional goals that coaches and athletes can rally around. A developing club can chase the Junior Novice Championship. A strong kids program can compete for the Youth Championship. A university or adult program can set its sights on the Senior Championship.

And, of course, every point earned still counts toward the biggest team award of the weekend: San Jose Open Grand Champions – Overall Team.

First, second and third place teams will be recognized in each championship category.

Our goal is to recognize excellence across the entire judo community—from athletes competing in their first tournament to experienced competitors fighting in our highest divisions.

Different programs. Different strengths. More opportunities to compete.

Bring your team. Represent your dojo. And see which championship your club can bring home at the 2026 San Jose Open.