Dominican Republic Judo Team Sets Sights on Pan American Senior Championship in Panama

The Dominican Republic’s national judo selection is entering a critical phase of its international calendar, with reports indicating a delegation of 12 athletes is slated to compete in the Pan American Senior Championship in Panama. This move comes at a time of significant momentum for the squad, which has recently transitioned from regional success to making a mark on the global stage.

For the Selección judo RD, the trip to Panama is more than just another tournament; it is a litmus test for a program that has spent the early months of 2026 aggressively pursuing elite-level competition to sharpen its competitive edge.

Building on Global and Regional Momentum

The confidence heading into the Pan American Senior Championship is backed by a string of recent high-performance results. In March 2026, the Dominican team delivered a standout performance at the Copa Centroamericana y del Caribe, where athletes were noted for their discipline and high competitive level.

Beyond regional success, the program has proven it can compete with the world’s best. Robert Florentino recently made history by securing a bronze medal at the Grand Slam de Judo de Tbilisi in Georgia. This achievement underscores the ability of Dominican judokas to climb the podium in one of the sport’s most grueling international circuits.

The success has not been limited to a single weight class or gender. Adrian Lapaix and Carla Tolentino have both captured gold medals in recent competitions, signaling a depth of talent within the national team that makes the 12-athlete delegation to Panama a formidable threat in multiple categories.

The Road to Santo Domingo 2026

While the immediate focus remains on Panama, the Federación Dominicana de Judo (Fedojudo) is operating under a broader strategic umbrella: “Compromiso Santo Domingo 2026.” This long-term initiative is designed to ensure the country is fully prepared to host and compete at the highest level when the spotlight returns to the capital in 2026.

To support this goal, Fedojudo launched an extensive preparation program in February 2026, organizing specialized training camps for its superior selections. These camps focus on the technical and physical rigors required for senior-level competition, ensuring that athletes like Florentino, Lapaix, and Tolentino maintain their peak form throughout the season.

For those unfamiliar with the structure of these events, a “Senior” championship represents the highest tier of adult competition, where athletes face the most experienced opponents in the hemisphere. Success in Panama will provide vital data on where the Dominican athletes stand relative to their Pan American rivals as they move closer to their 2026 targets.

Foundation of Discipline and Values

The technical growth of the team is rooted in a strict adherence to the values established by Sensei Mamoro Matsunaga, the founder of Dominican Judo. The program emphasizes a “Moral Code” that transcends the physical act of combat, focusing on two primary pillars: friendship and self-control.

According to the federation, friendship is viewed as a relationship based on mutual trust and common interests, while self-control is defined as the essential ability to dominate one’s own emotions, thoughts, and desires. This psychological grounding is often what separates podium finishers from the rest of the field during the high-pressure environment of a Pan American championship.

Fedojudo continues to manage the growth of the sport in the Republic, acting as the governing body responsible for fostering, developing, and legislating judo across the nation, as noted on their official social channels.

Key Takeaways: Dominican Judo’s Current Trajectory

• Elite Performance: Robert Florentino’s bronze in Tbilisi proves the team’s viability in Grand Slam events.
• Gold Standard: Recent gold medals for Adrian Lapaix and Carla Tolentino highlight strong individual form.
• Strategic Depth: A 12-athlete delegation is heading to the Pan American Senior Championship in Panama.
• Long-term Vision: All current efforts are aligned with the “Compromiso Santo Domingo 2026” preparation program.
• Philosophical Core: Training remains anchored in the values of Sensei Mamoro Matsunaga.

As the delegation prepares for the mats in Panama, the focus remains on maintaining the discipline that has defined their 2026 campaign thus far. With a blend of veteran experience and emerging talent, the Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a dominant force in Pan American judo.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the team will be the official results and medal tally from the Pan American Senior Championship in Panama.

Do you think the Dominican squad can sweep the podium in Panama? Let us know your predictions in the comments.