Judo Canada has launched a new collectible card series featuring the nation’s top judokas, debuting with a limited-edition card honoring Tokyo 2021 Olympic bronze medalist Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard. The project, which draws inspiration from hockey trading cards, aims to celebrate the athletes and builders who have shaped the sport’s history in Canada.
The inaugural card, designated as model JC-001, was officially unveiled Thursday during the Pan-American Open in Montreal. A total of 900 cards have been produced, split into two distinct versions: 750 “Classic” cards featuring a red and black design, and 150 “Club HP” special editions finished in gold and black. Each card is individually numbered, and no reprint is planned.
Collaboration with Extreme Sports Cards
To bring the collection to life, Judo Canada partnered with Extreme Sports Cards – Sports Printers, a Canadian company specializing in the production of collectible cards. Martin Richard, president of the firm, noted that the collaboration was driven by the clear vision and preparation demonstrated by the national federation throughout the development process.
“For us, it was a great opportunity to collaborate with an organization that wants to advance its sport and promote it in a different way,” Richard said. The cards are designed to act as a bridge between the sport’s rich history and a new generation of fans, offering a tangible way to preserve the legacy of Canadian judo icons.
Honoring a decorated career
For Beauchemin-Pinard, the release marks a personal milestone as she transitions into retirement from competitive judo. Over the last decade, she established herself as a central figure in the sport, highlighted by her bronze medal performance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
“It’s really special for me to be the first athlete represented in this collection,” Beauchemin-Pinard stated. “I grew up seeing hockey cards featuring great athletes, so to find myself on my own collectible card today is pretty incredible. It’s a beautiful souvenir that comes at a special moment in my career.”
Future expansions of the collection
Judo Canada intends for this project to evolve into a multi-generational archive of the sport. According to the organization, plans are already in place to feature several other prominent figures who have contributed to the success of the national program. Potential subjects for future cards include Christa Deguchi, Canada’s first Olympic gold medalist in judo; Nicolas Gill, a double Olympic medalist and current CEO of Judo Canada; and Doug Rogers, who secured Canada’s first Olympic judo medal in 1964.
“With this new collection, we want to promote our sport in a different way, while paying tribute to the athletes and builders who have marked our history,” said Nicolas Gill. “Collectible cards hold a special place in sports culture, and we found it interesting to be inspired by them while allowing us to introduce our sport to a new audience.”
Availability at the Pan-American Open
The Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard cards were made available starting Thursday, November 5, at the official Judo Canada kiosk located at the entrance of the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau in Montreal. The venue is currently hosting the Pan-American Open.
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