Louis Guliaschvili Claims Top Spot at Open Kyus National in Sanvignes-les-Mines
SANVIGNES-LES-MINES, France — In a standout performance on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Louis Guliaschvili secured first place at the Open Kyus national in Sanvignes-les-Mines. Competing in the under-73kg weight category, the first-year cadet demonstrated a level of precision and control that cemented his position as a rising talent in French judo.
Guliaschvili, who represents the Judo club Charolais, has seen a rapid ascent in the sport since joining the club in September 2025. His victory at the Open Kyus national marks a significant milestone in his transition to the cadet level, following a series of strong performances over the past year.
Dominance in the -73kg Division
The competition in Sanvignes-les-Mines served as a proving ground for Guliaschvili, who navigated the bracket to finish at the center of the podium. The under-73kg division is often one of the most competitive in youth judo, requiring a balance of explosive power and technical agility.
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, “cadet” refers to a specific age-grade category in judo, typically bridging the gap between the younger “minime” level and the junior ranks. As a first-year cadet, Guliaschvili is competing against peers in a phase of significant physical and tactical development.
A Trajectory of Rapid Growth
Guliaschvili’s recent victory is the culmination of a disciplined progression. His journey through the ranks has been marked by a steady increase in the scale of his competitions:
- February 2025: While competing in the minime category at -66kg for FOOT.C.GUEUGNONNAIS, he earned a third-place finish at the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regional championships, as recorded by Judo Results.
- March 2025: At 13 years old, he stepped onto the national stage for the first time, participating in the French Judo Championships in Villebon-sur-Yvette in the -66kg minime division.
- December 7 (2025): Transitioning into the cadet ranks, he earned the title of vice-champion of Saône-et-Loire at the dojo Cécile-Nowak.
This progression—from regional podiums to national championship participation and eventually to a national open victory—highlights a focused developmental curve. His shift in weight class from -66kg in early 2025 to -73kg in 2026 reflects the natural physical growth associated with the move from minime to cadet status.
Foundations and Coaching
The technical proficiency displayed by Guliaschvili is rooted in long-term dedication. He began practicing judo at the age of four, providing a decade of foundational training before entering the high-stakes environment of national competition. During his early ascent, he worked under the guidance of coach Hamid Lhasbellaoui, as reported by Le JSL.
His move to Judo club Charolais in September 2025 appears to have provided the final catalyst needed to secure top-tier hardware at the national level. The club, based in the Saône-et-Loire region, has become the current hub for his training and competitive strategy.
Key Performance Summary
| Event | Category/Weight | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Kyus National | Cadet / -73kg | 1st Place | April 12, 2026 |
| Saône-et-Loire Championships | Cadet | Vice-Champion | Dec 7, 2025 |
| Regional Championships (BFC) | Minime / -66kg | 3rd Place | Feb 2025 |
With a national title now added to his resume, Guliaschvili enters the remainder of the 2026 season as a marked competitor in the cadet circuit. His ability to adapt to new clubs and higher weight classes suggests a versatility that will be critical as he moves toward junior-level competition.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the young judoka will be his continued participation in regional and national events under the banner of Judo club Charolais.
Do you follow the French youth judo circuit? Share your thoughts on the rising stars of the cadet division in the comments below.
