Record Attendance at 40th Skorpion Stage: Piancavallo Solidifies Status as International Judo Hub

PIANCAVALLO, Italy — The 40th edition of the Skorpion Stage has concluded with record-breaking participation, cementing the mountain village of Piancavallo as a premier destination for high-level judo. More than 700 judoka from Italy, Switzerland, and Scotland gathered for the milestone event, which has evolved into a cornerstone of the sport’s technical development in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.

The event, coordinated by the Skorpion Pordenone staff under the technical direction of Gianni Maman, combined elite international expertise with a deep local rooting. For many participants, the attraction lies in the intersection of rigorous technical training and the serene environment of the Italian Alps.

Elite Technical Leadership

The 40th anniversary edition featured a roster of instructors with significant global credentials. Among the most prominent was German judoka Ole Bischof, an Olympic gold medalist from Beijing and silver medalist from London. Bischof praised the event’s atmosphere and the caliber of the athletes, noting that the high quality of judo was complemented by the stunning natural backdrop of the mountains.

The technical program also drew heavily on the prestige of the Budokwai in London—the first judo club opened in Europe in 1918. Kohta Nishizono, a technician from the historic club, led highly regarded sessions that focused on precision and traditional technique. Other key figures leading the tatami included:

• Marco Caudana: A long-standing reference figure for the Skorpion Stage.
• Lucia Morico: Contributing to the event’s high technical standard.
• Takafumi Kitahara: Part of the elite instructional team.
• Alessandro Losito: Providing expert guidance to the participants.

A Model for Sporting Excellence

Beyond the immediate technical gains, the Skorpion Stage is increasingly viewed as a virtuous model for the national sports movement. By balancing international openness with a specific focus on youth development and the professional valuation of technicians, the event serves as more than just a training camp; it is a strategic hub for the sport’s growth in Italy.

The event’s ability to attract athletes from three different nations underscores its growing international footprint. The blend of styles—ranging from the traditional Japanese influence via the Budokwai to the competitive European approach—provides participants with a diverse tactical education that is rarely found in standard club training.

Four Decades of Tradition

Reaching a 40th edition is a rare feat for specialized sports stages. The event has maintained its relevance by consistently evolving its programming while staying true to the core values of judo. From the early days of the movement in Pordenone to its current status as a record-breaking international gathering, the Skorpion Stage has transformed Piancavallo into the “capital of judo” every spring.

For the athletes, the experience is as much about the community as it is about the sport. The gathering of 700 judoka creates a unique ecosystem where beginners can witness the precision of Olympic champions, and seasoned veterans can refine their craft in a high-pressure, high-volume environment.

The conclusion of this record-breaking edition marks a high point for the Skorpion Pordenone organization, proving that the demand for high-quality, immersive technical stages continues to grow within the international judo community.

For official updates and future scheduling, followers can monitor the Skorpion Pordenone organizational channels.