Cádiz stands as an international judo hub today, hosting delegations from more than 40 countries across five continents for a historic weekend of competition. The city welcomes the 53rd edition of the Raúl Calvo Memorial alongside the 36th Carlos Calvo Chozas President Trophy, marking one of the most enduring fixtures on the international sports calendar.
Cádiz Hosts International Delegations for the 53rd Raúl Calvo Memorial
The competition brings together historic and contemporary judo powerhouses, including teams from Japan, France, Korea, Brazil, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Russia. Staged on October 17, 2026, the event anchors itself in a deep tradition that traces back more than half a century. Over the decades, the tournament’s tatamis have welcomed numerous European champions, world titleholders, and Olympic medalists. Over the course of its 52 previous editions, and in this one, participating countries have included West Germany, Finland, Panama, Algeria, France, Poland, Argentina, Great Britain, Portugal, Australia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Austria, Guinea, East Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Brazil, Hungary, Republic of China, Bulgaria, Ireland, Romania, Canada, Israel, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Chile, Japan, USSR, Russia, Korea, Liechtenstein, Uruguay, Ecuador, Mexico, Yugoslavia, Spain, Norway, United States, and New Zealand.
🥋🏆 El judo viene fuerte a Cádiz: Supercopa, Memorial Raúl Calvo, fiesta para los pequeños y ranking cadete🔗 https://t.co/HR43PJYmlc pic.twitter.com/cAWaBrmDGZ
Origins Traced to a National Team Tragedy in 1971
The tournament honors the memory of Raúl Calvo Clavero, a young judoka from Cádiz and a member of the Spanish National Team who died at age 20 following a tragic sports accident in Madrid on November 5, 1971. Recognizing his immense athletic promise, the Higher Council of Sports and the National Judo Federation established the junior-age tournament to perpetuate his legacy. The event steadily grew in stature, earning official World Championship classification in 1976 and European Championship status in 1984.
A Solid Silver Trophy Recognizing Team Excellence
Alongside the individual categories, the event features the Carlos Calvo Chozas President Trophy, created in memory of the dirigente who directed the Cádiz federation for 25 years until his passing at age 82. The winning team receives a solid silver trophy, establishing a joint tribute to both father and son for their decades of development work within Spanish judo. The structure of the competition highlights this familial and institutional legacy, merging elite junior competition with historical commemoration.
Logistical Guidelines and Entry Deadlines for Competing Teams
Participating squads navigate strict administrative criteria overseen by the FANJYDA. Teams were required to confirm their attendance by September 21, 2026, and finalize roster compositions and lodging requests by September 28, 2026. The organization provides accommodation and board for eight team members, one coach, and one referee for Saturday night, with provisions for Friday arrivals dependent on prior arrangement. All competitors must hold valid 2026–2027 sports licenses and present official identification or parental authorization for minors.
Unresolved Questions Surrounding Official Venue Allocations
While the competition schedule remains fixed for October 17, 2026, official hotel and accommodation assignments listed tournament documentation as pending final confirmation from event organizers. Similarly, definitive tournament draws are slated for publication directly on the FANJYDA web portal prior to the opening bouts, leaving competing delegations to await final bracketing details.
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