2026 Rock & Roll Judo Tournament

American Judo has teamed up with Chu To Bu Judo to provide the best tournament experience possible. American Judo Shiai's are the perfect place for any judoka looking to gain experience in a competitive yet friendly tournament atmosphere. Our developmental tournament series offers as many matches as possible, so you can get the most out of your experience. With a modified rule set in place, everyone is sure to have a positive tournament experience.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

USJA Sanction #26-050

Date: 09/19/2026

Venue: Avon Middle School

Address: 3445 Long Road, Avon, OH 44011

Format: Modified Double Elimination for 6 or more, Round Robin for 5 or Less, Best 2/3 for divisions of two.

Age Standards: Age 4 and Up

Participant Guidelines:

• This event is open to all Judoka regardless of membership affiliation. NO SPECIFIC MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE!
• USA Judo, USJA and/or USJF Membership Recommended

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COST

• Normal Registration: $65 for first division and $35 for additional divisions
• Late Registration: $85 for first division and $45 for additional divisions

Tournament Directors: Paul Jordan / Chu To Bu Judo

Registration & Brackets: Elizabeth Cesta (American Judo)

Chief Referee: Bob Gugino IJF A

All States & Canadians are Welcome!

THERE IS NO WALK-UP REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT!

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SCHEDULE

The schedule for this event will be posted Friday afternoon prior to the event. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time if your division starts before 11am. If your division starts at 11am or later, please arrive 90 minutes prior to your scheduled start time as times are subject to change.

We will be going through the divisions chronologically based on age (kids first then adults). We will start with the younger kids first and then move up by age as the day goes on.

Doors will open at 7:00am and the tournament will start promptly at 9:00am. Please note there is NO WALK UP REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT.

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DIVISIONS

All divisions will be in pounds!

All divisions will be grouped once registration closes. The listed divisions are placeholders and general weight classes are set up so we can get a general idea of the divisions. We will group athletes by Age, Weight, and skill with weight divisions being Light, Medium, Heavy and Super Heavy.

Novice Divisions are Yellow Belt & Below for Bantam, Intermediate, & Juvenile, & White through Blue for Cadet, Ijf, Senior, & Veterans.

Please note that we will be grouping people within 5-10 Pounds / 2-4 Kilograms with each other where possible to ensure the maximum amount of matches.

We will group athletes by Age, Weight, and skill with weight divisions being Light, Medium, Heavy and Super Heavy. That will be listed once registration closes.

We will do our best to separate the same club participants into the same division.

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MODIFIED IJF RULES

Below is a list of rules that are being modified from the IJF Rule Set.

These events are designed to give the best possible experience for the athlete. Coaches and referees should work together to create a positive experience for athletes.

The focus of these events is development and the emphasis is on positive judo (Throws, Pins, Armlocks, Chokes).

Choking is allowed for adult novice. Armlocks are not allowed in any novice division.

No CARE System will be used.

COED Divisions may take place for athletes aged 10 years old and below.

COACHING

Coaching is encouraged at all times during the matches.

What does it mean to coach your athlete:

• All comments from the coach should be geared towards helping your athlete perform a judo technique.
• As long as coaches are being a positive influence over the athlete they will be encouraged to continue coaching.

PENALTIES

U13 Novice Divisions:

Shido's will not be handed out for minor infractions

• Referees will warn judoka about infractions and instruct them not to do so in the future.
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for the same infraction they will lose the match.
• If a judoka gets 3 warnings for different infractions the match will continue.

All Divisions Above the Novice Level:

• All divisions will be following the modified IJF ruleset based on age

UNIFORMS

All competitors must wear a properly fitting gi.

All Novice Participants May Wear...

• White Judo Gi

ALL COMPETITORS MUST HAVE A PROPERLY FITTING WHITE Gi. BLUE GI'S ARE OPTIONAL.

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REFUND POLICY

In the event, you are unable to attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances such as but not limited to: injury, illness, travel issues, or you are uncontested and there are no suitable divisions for you/your athlete to compete in, you will receive a full refund.

All refund requests must be submitted to events@americanjudo.com

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QUESTIONS/NEED HELP:

Questions? Email Elizabeth Cesta at events@americanjudo.com

Please note, that for us to provide the best customer & tournament experience, email is the best method of communication to ensure any changes or concerns are addressed and documented properly. Please allow upto 48 hours for a response.