Turin Dominance: Kumiai and Accademia Torino Claim National Cadet Judo Titles

The landscape of Italian youth judo has a clear center of gravity this season and This proves located in Turin. In a high-stakes display of technical precision and endurance, Kumiai and Accademia Torino conquistano i titoli dei cadetti, sweeping the team championships at the A1 Final of the Italian Cadet U18 Championships.

The event, which concluded on May 2, 2026, at the PalaPrometeo Estra in Ancona, served as the definitive proving ground for the nation’s top under-18 talent. With nearly 400 athletes competing for gold, the tournament was not merely about trophies; it functioned as a critical selection window for the national technical direction to identify candidates for upcoming European and World Championships.

A Turin Double: Team Standings

The overarching story of the weekend was the absolute dominance of the Turin-based clubs. In a rare feat, the city secured both the men’s and women’s team titles, cementing its status as the current powerhouse of Italian cadet judo.

Accademia Torino took the top spot in the men’s team classification, fending off a strong challenge from Nicolaus Bari, who finished second. Akiyama rounded out the podium in third place. The women’s side saw a mirrored success for the city, with Kumiai SSD claiming the championship. Mandraccio Roma secured the silver, while Akiyama once again proved its consistency by taking third place in the women’s standings.

Individual Gold: The Men’s Podium

While the team totals told a story of regional dominance, the individual brackets were defined by standout performances across all weight classes. The men’s competition saw a diverse array of clubs claiming gold, highlighting the depth of talent across Italy.

The lighter weight categories saw clinical performances, with Mattia Lattanzi of Harmony taking the title in the 46 kg division and Massimo Martinelli of Judo Meloni dominating the 50 kg class. As the weights increased, the competition grew more physical, culminating in a powerful victory for Teimurazi Endeladze of Nicolaus in the +90 kg category.

Individual Gold: The Women’s Podium

The women’s division mirrored the intensity of the men’s, with several athletes delivering masterclasses in grip fighting and transition. Asia Ferraris of Angiulli Bari set the tone in the 40 kg division, while Ludovica Storione helped propel her club, Kumiai, toward the team title with a gold medal in the 48 kg class.

The heavier categories were equally competitive, with Floriana Perrone of Dojo Arashi claiming the title in the +70 kg division after a series of grueling bouts.

• 40 kg: Asia Ferraris (Angiulli Bari)
• 44 kg: Aurora Ferro (Mandraccio)
• 48 kg: Ludovica Storione (Kumiai)
• 52 kg: Matilda Mariello (Accademia Torino)
• 57 kg: Francesca Sechi (C.S. Guido Sieni)
• 63 kg: Emma Iasevoli (Skorpion PN)
• 70 kg: Clara Fagiano (Akiyama)
• +70 kg: Floriana Perrone (Dojo Arashi)

The Path to the World Stage

For these athletes, the gold medal is only the beginning. The A1 Final is widely regarded as the most significant event in the cadet sector as it directly influences national team selections. The FIJLKAM (Italian Judo Federation) uses these results to gauge who is ready for the pressure of international competition.

The technical level displayed in Ancona suggests a strong trajectory for the Italian youth program. The ability of clubs like Accademia Torino and Kumiai to produce multiple podium finishers indicates a systemic approach to training that is currently outpacing the rest of the country.

What’s Next for Italian Judo?

The momentum from the cadet championships will carry directly into the next phase of the national calendar. The focus now shifts to the older youth brackets as the federation prepares for the next major clash.

The next confirmed checkpoint is the Finale A1 dei Juniores U21, scheduled for May 16. This event will take place at the PalaUbroker in Bassano del Grappa, where the best under-21 judoka in Italy will compete for national supremacy.

Do you think the Turin clubs will maintain their grip on the national rankings through the Juniores circuit? Let us understand your predictions in the comments below.