Next Saturday, January 17th, the Velbert Judo Club will be hosting the state-open competition for the second time Velbert Open in the open category. Women and men born in 2007 are eligible to compete. After the successful premiere last year, the tournament is set to continue to establish itself as a permanent fixture in the North Rhine-Westphalian judo calendar.
“The registration numbers are almost at the same level as last year,” reports Michel Schmitt, trainer and department head at the Velbert Judo Club. Only among women the field of participants was a little smaller. Nevertheless, Schmitt is satisfied: “We consciously decided to hold the tournament as an independent event this time and to stick to the concept.”
Bundesliga judoka and young talents compete in the tournament in Velbert
Despite the shaky registration numbers for a long time, a cancellation was never an option for the club. “That would damage the tournament in the long term. We want to build on last year’s success,” explains Schmitt. The quality of the fights promises to be high again: Bundesliga athletes have registered again this year. At the same time, the tournament offers a stage for young judoka – numerous 17-year-olds are on the mat as well as experienced fighters over 30 years old. The weight classes range from up to 73 kilograms to over 100 kilograms.
At the Velbert Open, fighters compete regardless of weight class.
© FUNKE Photo Services | Uwe Möller
Participants travel from all over North Rhine-Westphalia, including from Cologne-Dellbrück and Höxter. Local athletes from Velbert are also represented. “The catchment area is again very large,” says Schmitt.
A special feature of the Velbert Open remains the prize money offered: the winner receives 100 euros, the runner-up receives 50 euros, and the two third-place winners each receive 25 euros. “This is rather unusual in judo, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia,” emphasizes Schmitt.
Tournament relies on digitalization and plans growth until 2027
In addition, the Velbert Judo Club is breaking new ground organizationally. For the first time, the tournament will be held completely digitally, including timekeeping and competition evaluation. “This is also a test run for two major events that are still coming up this year,” explains Schmitt. The next one will follow in March.
In the long term, the vision is clear: the Velbert Open should continue to grow. “From 2027 we want to gradually expand the tournament. In the future, the best open fighters in North Rhine-Westphalia could be determined here,” says Schmitt.
