Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften 2024: Cosson’s Farewell and Three New Judges Reshape German Kata Leadership
The German Judo Federation (DJB) has officially announced the retirement of Jacques Cosson, a 25-year veteran of German kata judging, while welcoming three new national referees to oversee Germany’s kata competitions starting with the upcoming Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften in late June. The changes mark a pivotal moment for German judo’s kata division, where Cosson’s tenure spanned five World Championships and three European Games.
Cosson’s Legacy: A Quarter-Century of Kata Officiating in German Judo
The DJB confirmed Cosson’s departure in a statement released June 10, citing his “decades of service to German judo” and his decision to step down after the 2024 season. According to the federation, Cosson—who began judging in 1999—will remain involved in judo education as a mentor for new referees.
Cosson’s career included appointments at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he officiated in the kata mixed team event, and the 2021 European Judo Championships in Warsaw. His final major assignment before retirement will be the 2024 European Kata Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, scheduled for July 19–21.
Key Numbers:
- 25 years as a DJB kata referee
- 5 World Championship appointments
- 3 European Games appearances
- 1 Olympic Games (Rio 2016)
Three New Judges Take the Helm: Who Are Germany’s Next Kata Leaders?
The DJB’s announcement also introduced three new national judges who will replace Cosson and other retiring officials. Their appointments were approved by the federation’s Technical Committee and will take effect immediately:
| Name | Experience | Notable Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Markus Weber | 12 years as regional judge | 2023 German Kata Cup (Bonn) |
| Anna Schmidt | 8 years as assistant referee | 2022 U23 European Championships (Lisbon) |
| Thomas Bauer | 10 years as video judge | 2021 World Kata Championships (Budapest) |
Weber, the most senior of the trio, will serve as lead judge for the Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften in Leipzig (June 27–29). Schmidt and Bauer will assist in kata pairings and technical reviews, with Bauer bringing expertise in video-assisted judging—a growing priority in modern kata competitions.
What This Means for German Kata Judo: Stability Amid Change
The transition reflects broader trends in European judo, where kata officiating is increasingly professionalized. According to the International Judo Federation (IJF), Germany’s kata division has faced challenges retaining experienced judges due to the physically demanding nature of the role and limited financial incentives compared to other sports.
Yet the DJB’s statement emphasized continuity: “While we say farewell to Jacques Cosson, we welcome these three judges who bring fresh perspectives and deep technical knowledge,” said DJB President Thomas Weber. “Their appointments ensure Germany remains competitive at the international level.”
Comparison: Unlike traditional judo competitions, kata events require judges to evaluate fluid, choreographed sequences rather than physical contests. The new judges’ backgrounds—particularly Bauer’s video experience—align with the IJF’s push for digital-assisted judging in kata, a system already adopted by Japan and South Korea.
Upcoming Assignments: Where Will the New Judges Debut?
The three new judges will make their debut at the Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften in Leipzig, where kata events will run June 27–28. Their performance will be closely watched ahead of the European Kata Championships in Lisbon (July 19–21), where Germany will compete for medals.
Key Dates:
- June 27–29, 2024: Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften (Leipzig, Germany) – Local time: 9:00 AM CET (UTC+2)
- July 19–21, 2024: European Kata Championships (Lisbon, Portugal) – Local time: 10:00 AM WEST (UTC+1)
For fans tracking Germany’s kata program, the Leipzig event will offer the first opportunity to assess the new judges’ consistency. The DJB has not yet announced whether Cosson will officiate any domestic events before his retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Germany’s Kata Judging Changes
Why is Jacques Cosson retiring now?
According to the DJB, Cosson’s retirement follows a planned transition after the 2024 season. The federation cited his “long-standing commitment” and the need to “renew the judiciary team with younger talent.” Cosson’s final international assignment will be the European Kata Championships in Lisbon.
How are the new judges selected?
The DJB’s Technical Committee evaluates candidates based on their regional judging experience, technical assessments, and recommendations from national coaches. The three new judges—Weber, Schmidt, and Bauer—were chosen after a competitive selection process involving practical exams and interviews.
Will this affect Germany’s performance in kata?
Not directly, as officiating changes do not impact athletes’ eligibility. However, the DJB aims to ensure “fair and consistent judging” to maintain Germany’s standing in international kata competitions. The federation’s statement emphasized that the new judges have “proven themselves at national and international levels.”
How to Follow the Story
For updates on Germany’s kata program and the new judges’ debuts, follow these official channels:
- Deutscher Judo-Bund (DJB) Website
- International Judo Federation (IJF) News
- European Judo Union (EJU) Events
The next major checkpoint for German kata judo is the Deutsche Judo-Meisterschaften in Leipzig (June 27–29). Fans can expect live results and judge evaluations on the DJB’s official social media accounts.
Have questions about Germany’s kata program or the judging changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @DJB_Judo on X/Twitter.
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