Potsdam Open Draw Nine Ludwigsfelde Judoka to Dreifeldhalle
At the Dreifeldhalle near the Olympic Training Center, the international Potsdam Open brought together 773 judoka representing 121 clubs and five nations across two days of competition on October 17 and 18, 2026. Among the international turnout, Judo-Verein Ludwigsfelde fielded a contingent of nine athletes across multiple age groups and weight divisions, returning home with two podium finishes, several match victories, and vital tournament experience.
The scale of the tournament showed it was an international showcase. Competitors squared off across a total of 1,293 individual bouts. When the dust settled on the tatami mats, UJKC Potsdam captured the 1.20-meter-tall team trophy, dominating the standings with twelve gold, nine silver, and five bronze medals.
U18 Mat Clashes Deliver Silver and Bronze for Ludwigsfelde
The drama for the visiting Ludwigsfelde squad unfolded in the women’s U18 division under the 63 kg limit, where clubmates Finja Misch and Maya Schipp crossed paths in their very opening match. Finja edged out the club duel to advance, setting the stage for a tournament run. Winning four of her five total bouts, Finja secured a second-place finish and the silver medal. Maya bounced back through the lower rounds, ultimately claiming a victory in her final stretch to capture the bronze medal. The dual podium appearance marked the highlight of the weekend for the Ludwigsfelde delegation.
In the corresponding men’s U18 categories, Erik Stadler and Adrian Kühne stepped onto the mat in the 55 kg bracket. Erik ground out a full-time-limit victory across his three encounters to finish seventh overall, while Adrian faced two opponents to gather match experience. One weight class up at 66 kg, Adrian Hintzen and Muath Alrashdi met resistance. Adrian fought through two extended bouts before bowing out, with Muath similarly dropping his contests.
Early Round Battles Test Youngest Competitors
Action began Saturday with the tournament’s youngest entrants. In the U11 division up to 31 kg, Levi Rix absorbed an opening defeat but rebounded immediately, dispatching his second opponent in 17 seconds before bowing out in the subsequent round. Teammate Julian Ziemen entered the 19-fighter U11 37 kg bracket. Following an initial setback, Julian rattled off two victories before falling short in the match for the medal rounds, securing a seventh-place finish.
Sunday brought further tests on the mat. Mara Künstler represented the club in the U13 44 kg category, where she faced two opponents and fought to a seventh-place finish. The weekend also featured international delegations such as the Ukrainian team—which finished second overall with seven gold, seven silver, and seven bronze medals—and club Bushi Arnhem.
International Scale Shape the Mat Standings
The logistical footprint of the Potsdam Open relied on a network of referees and volunteers. Match officials traveled from Saxony, Thuringia, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Denmark to oversee the 1,293 matches. Following Sunday’s medal ceremonies, the tournament introduced a training camp for the U13 and U15 age groups. Nearly 70 young athletes took advantage of the post-tournament sessions, training across three units alongside Erik Abramov and Louis Mai.
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