Damian Areny Leads Federation Metropolitana de Judo Arbitration Seminar at Instituto Kumazawa
On March 29, 2026, the Federación Metropolitana de Judo conducted a specialized arbitration seminar focused on updating the standards and practices of officials. The session was led by Damian Areny, a highly credentialed International IJF A referee, and hosted at the Instituto Kumazawa.
The seminar served as a critical update for judo referees, ensuring that those officiating under the Federación Metropolitana de Judo remain aligned with current international standards. By bringing in an International IJF A referee, the organization provided participants with high-level technical guidance and an updated perspective on the nuances of match officiating.
Technical Instruction at Instituto Kumazawa
The choice of the Instituto Kumazawa as the venue provided a professional environment for the training. The seminar focused on the practical application of rules, with Areny utilizing his international experience to bridge the gap between regional officiating and the global requirements set by the International Judo Federation (IJF).

According to records from the Instituto Kumazawa, the event was designed to refine the precision of referees, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of competitive judo bouts. The session’s focus on “actualización” (updating) suggests a commitment to evolving the quality of refereeing within the metropolitan region.
The impact of such clinics is often felt immediately in the local competitive circuit, where consistent and accurate refereeing is paramount for athlete safety and fair competition. The official video documentation of the event highlights the collaborative nature of the training, bringing together officials to synchronize their interpretations of the rules.
While the seminar focused on the technicalities of the sport, the involvement of an IJF A referee underscores the effort to elevate local officiating to a world-class level, ensuring that officials are prepared for the complexities of high-stakes matches.
Further updates regarding upcoming certification dates or additional clinics for the Federación Metropolitana de Judo are expected to be released through official federation channels.