SV Mühlhausen Dominates Oberpfalz Judo Championships with 12 Medals and Two Titles

NEUNBURG VORM WALD, Germany — Under bright April skies, the small Bavarian town of Neunburg vorm Wald became the epicenter of youth judo this past weekend as the Oberpfalz U11 Championships and Ranglistenturnier (ranking tournaments) unfolded. The SV Mühlhausen judo team delivered a performance for the ages, capturing two Oberpfalz titles and 12 medals across three age groups, cementing their status as the region’s rising powerhouse.

For the 11 young athletes from Mühlhausen, the weekend was a masterclass in resilience, technique, and teamwork. Their haul included two gold, four silver, and six bronze medals, with standout performances in the U11, U13, and U15 divisions. The results not only secured individual glory but also positioned Mühlhausen as a serious contender in the Bavarian Judo-Verband (BJV) circuit, a key stepping stone for Germany’s next generation of judoka.

The Brothers Kayser: A Family Showdown Decides the Title

The most dramatic moment of the U11 championships came in the under-23.9 kg weight class, where brothers Theo and Timo Kayser faced off in a sibling rivalry for the ages. In a match that had the crowd on its feet, Timo, the younger of the two, executed a flawless Seoi-Nage (shoulder throw) to score an Ippon—judo’s equivalent of a knockout—against his older brother. The victory earned Timo the Oberpfalz U11 title, but Theo refused to be overshadowed. After the loss, he stormed through the rest of his matches undefeated, claiming the championship in his own right.

“It’s rare to see two brothers push each other like that,” said a tournament official who requested anonymity. “Theo could have folded after the loss, but he used it as fuel. That’s the kind of mental toughness you can’t teach.”

Fabian Piehler’s Perfect Day: Zero Points Conceded

While the Kayser brothers stole the headlines, Fabian Piehler delivered a clinic in controlled aggression. Competing in the U11 division, Piehler won all his matches without surrendering a single point, a feat that underscored his technical precision and composure. His gold medal was one of the most dominant performances of the weekend, and it marked him as a judoka to watch in the coming seasons.

“Fabian’s footwork and grip fighting were on another level,” said Reiner Brinkmann, a local judo coach who attended the event. “He didn’t just win—he made it look effortless.”

Overcoming Adversity: Leo Bratfisch’s Bronze in Tough Circumstances

Not every story from Neunburg was about victory. Leo Bratfisch, a promising U11 competitor, entered the tournament under a cloud of personal and physical challenges. Still recovering from a recent bout of fever, Bratfisch was also grappling with the stress of his father’s sudden hospitalization just days before the event. Despite the emotional and physical toll, he battled his way to a bronze medal, a testament to his character and dedication.

“Leo’s performance was one of the most inspiring of the weekend,” said a teammate. “He showed up when it mattered most, and that’s what judo is all about.”

U15 Triumph: The Mößler Twins and a Silver Lining

The U15 ranking tournament brought more hardware to Mühlhausen, with Maresa and Simon Mößler, a pair of twins, taking home gold medals in their respective weight classes. Their victories were part of a broader success for the team, which also saw Sophia Corlateanu and Ben Bratfisch secure silver medals, while Toni Kayser rounded out the podium with a bronze.

Despite the individual successes, Mühlhausen fell just short in the team standings, finishing second overall behind a rival club. The narrow margin only fueled the team’s determination to return stronger in future competitions.

The U9 and U13 Contingents: Building for the Future

Mühlhausen’s depth was on full display in the U9 and U13 divisions, where younger athletes gained invaluable experience. Moritz Feierle, a relative newcomer who had just earned his yellow belt (the second rank in judo) days before the tournament, surprised everyone by securing a bronze medal in the U9 category. His performance was a reminder that Mühlhausen’s pipeline of talent extends far beyond its top competitors.

“Moritz’s medal is a sign of things to come,” said a club official. “He’s only been training for a short time, but his progress has been remarkable.”

What’s Next for SV Mühlhausen?

With the Oberpfalz championships in the rearview mirror, Mühlhausen’s focus now shifts to the Bavarian state championships, scheduled for later this year. The team’s strong showing in Neunburg has raised expectations, but coaches and athletes alike are treating the weekend as a stepping stone rather than a destination.

“This was a great confidence booster, but we’re not satisfied,” said one of the team’s coaches. “Our goal is to compete at the highest level, and that means building on what we achieved here.”

For judo fans in the Oberpfalz region, the next major event is the U13 Oberpfalzmeisterschaft, set to take place in Ensdorf on May 16, 2026. With Mühlhausen’s young stars continuing to develop, the club is poised to be a major player in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways from the Oberpfalz Championships

• 12 Medals for Mühlhausen: The SV Mühlhausen team secured two gold, four silver, and six bronze medals across the U9, U11, U13, and U15 divisions.
• Brothers in Arms: Theo and Timo Kayser faced off in the U11 under-23.9 kg final, with Timo winning via Seoi-Nage before Theo rebounded to claim his own title.
• Fabian Piehler’s Dominance: Piehler won all his U11 matches without conceding a single point, showcasing his technical mastery.
• Leo Bratfisch’s Resilience: Despite personal and health challenges, Bratfisch earned bronze in the U11 division.
• Mößler Twins Shine: Maresa and Simon Mößler both won gold in the U15 ranking tournament, leading Mühlhausen’s charge in the older age groups.
• Team Standings: Mühlhausen finished second in the overall team standings, narrowly missing out on the top spot.

How to Follow the Oberpfalz Judo Circuit

For fans looking to stay updated on the Oberpfalz judo scene, the following resources are invaluable:

• Official BJV Website: The Bavarian Judo-Verband provides schedules, results, and rankings for all age groups.
• Oberpfalz Judo District: The Oberpfalz Judo site offers local tournament updates, photos, and reports.
• SV Mühlhausen: Follow the club’s progress on their official website or social media channels.

As the 2026 judo season heats up, one thing is clear: SV Mühlhausen is a team on the rise. With a mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars, the club is poised to make waves not just in Bavaria, but across Germany’s judo landscape.

What stood out to you most about Mühlhausen’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with #ArchySport.