Champions Cup Referee Training Review – March 16, 2025

The 2025 Champions Cup kicked off with a tremendous show of commitment and professionalism from our refereeing community. On March 16th, the day before competition, Judo United hosted a Referee Training Workshop at the Peery Family Center in Palo Alto—home of this year’s record-breaking, single-day event by Judo United with nearly 550 athletes.

A huge shutout to Sensei Saro Balagezyan, an IJF-A Referee, who made the cross-country trip to lead this critical training session. Saro brought his international experience and deep knowledge of Judo to the Bay Area, providing an in-depth look at the newly modified IJF rules, including the reintroduction of the Yuko score and several other nuanced changes.

The referee team spent over three hours reviewing rule interpretations, dissecting match situations, and discussing examples to ensure consistent and accurate application throughout the tournament. This training marked an important step, as the 2025 Champions Cup was the first major event in California to implement the updated IJF rule set.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the referees who not only worked tirelessly during the event, but also showed up to sharpen their skills and stay at the forefront of the sport. Judo United recognizes that referees are a vital pillar in the development and success of Judo in the U.S. That’s why we’re committed to investing in their growth and continued education.

Special thanks again to Saro Balagezyan and David Williams for leading an outstanding group of referees—each of whom is investing in their own development and helping to raise the standard for Judo in America.