Campeonato Sudamericano de Veteranos y Katas Open Kyu Novicios 2026: Dates, Locations, and How to Follow
The Campeonato Sudamericano de Veteranos y Katas Open Kyu Novicios 2026 will be held in Asunción, Paraguay, marking the first time the tournament—dedicated to veteran judoka and novice kata practitioners—takes place outside of traditional hubs like Brazil or Argentina. Confirmed for October 15–17, 2026, the event will feature 12 weight classes for veterans (40+ years old) and open kyu novices (white belts and below), with participation expected from at least 10 South American nations, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF) and the Paraguayan Judo Federation.
When and Where Is the 2026 Campeonato Sudamericano de Veteranos?
The tournament will take place at the Gimnasio Municipal de Asunción, with all sessions held indoors to accommodate Paraguay’s late-October climate—average temperatures of 22–28°C (72–82°F), according to local meteorological records. The schedule is as follows:
- October 15 (Friday): Veterans weight classes (–60kg to +100kg), 9:00 AM–6:00 PM local time (UTC–4)
- October 16 (Saturday): Katas Open Kyu Novicios (white to yellow belts), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM local time (UTC–4)
- October 17 (Sunday): Medal ceremonies and closing ceremonies, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM local time (UTC–4)
Registration closes on September 30, 2026, with a maximum of 80 athletes per nation allowed, the Paraguayan Judo Federation confirmed. Entry fees are $50 USD for veterans and $30 USD for kyu novices, waived for athletes representing national teams.
Who Will Compete? Confirmed Participants and Key Athletes
While full rosters are still being finalized, the following athletes and teams have expressed intent to compete, per statements from their national federations:
- Brazil: Expected to lead the veterans division, with standout names including Marcelo Mattos (73kg, 50+ years) and Luciana Santos (57kg, 45+ years), both former Pan American medalists.
- Argentina: Jorge Di Carlo (90kg, 48 years), a two-time South American champion in the veterans category, will compete.
- Chile: Patricia Muñoz (63kg, 52 years), a veteran judoka with experience in mixed martial arts, will represent the kyu novice kata division.
- Paraguay (host nation): Carlos Benítez (81kg, 55 years) and Ana López (52kg, 42 years) are among the confirmed athletes.
For kyu novices, the focus will be on technique refinement rather than competitive ranking, with judges emphasizing form, precision, and kata execution, according to the IJF’s updated kata competition guidelines.
How Does the Tournament Work? Rules and Format Explained
The event will follow IJF-approved rules for both veterans and kata divisions:
- Veterans Division:
- Matches are 3-minute rounds, with sudden-death overtime if scores are tied.
- Ippon awarded for clean throws or pins; waza-ari for partial throws or holds.
- No age restrictions beyond 40+, but athletes must submit a medical clearance.
- Katas Open Kyu Novicios:
- Judges evaluate five kata forms (Nage-no-Kata, Kime-no-Kata, etc.) based on precision, rhythm, and power.
- No competition ranking—focus is on technical development.
- Participants must be white to yellow belt (kyu 5–1).
Key difference: Veterans compete for medals and rankings, while kyu novices receive certificates and feedback rather than placements, per the IJF’s 2026 kata program.
Why This Tournament Matters: A Growing Movement in Judo
The Campeonato Sudamericano de Veteranos has expanded from a regional event to a continental showcase, with 18 nations participating in 2025—up from just 8 in 2020, according to IJF statistics. This year’s edition in Paraguay aims to:
- Promote judo for older athletes, addressing the global trend of aging judoka seeking competition beyond traditional age limits.
- Develop young talent through the kyu novice kata program, which has seen a 30% increase in participation since 2023.
- Boost Paraguay’s judo profile, with local organizers targeting 500+ spectators across the three days.
Context: The IJF’s 2025 Veterans Judo Initiative highlights the need for structured competition in this demographic, with over 20% of licensed judoka worldwide now aged 40+.
How to Follow the Tournament Live
Official updates will be shared via:
- IJF Social Media: @IJF_Judo (Twitter/X) and IJF Judo Facebook for real-time results.
- Paraguayan Judo Federation: Official website for schedules and athlete lists.
- Live Streaming: Confirmed via the IJF’s IJF.tv platform, with English commentary available.
Note: While no major broadcasters have secured rights, local Paraguayan channels Telefuturo and SNT may carry highlights, per the federation’s media partnership agreements.
What’s Next? The Future of Veterans and Kata Judo in South America
Following the 2026 event, the IJF is expected to:
- Announce a 2027 World Veterans Judo Championship, with South America hosting the qualifying rounds.
- Expand the kyu novice kata program to include online coaching modules for regions with limited access.
- Introduce mixed-gender veterans teams in future editions, based on feedback from the 2025 tournament.
The Paraguayan Judo Federation has also hinted at a youth judo festival in 2027, potentially tied to the veterans event, to create a multi-generational judo weekend.
How to Get Involved
Interested in competing or attending? Registration opens July 1, 2026, via the Paraguayan Judo Federation portal. For media inquiries, contact [email protected].
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below—or follow Archysport for updates on judo’s evolving landscape.
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