Budo-Nord Judo Cup 2026 once again turned Lund into one of the Nordic region’s most important judo meeting points. During four intensive days, from 14 to 17 May 2026, Victoriastadion welcomed judokas, coaches, referees, families and supporters for a weekend that combined high-level competition with education, international exchange and strong club spirit.
The competition days were held on 14 and 15 May, followed by LUGI Judo Camp on 16 and 17 May. This structure gave the event a special rhythm. First came two days of hard-fought matches in U15, U18, U21 and senior categories. Then came two days of training, randori and technical development, where athletes could continue learning after the pressure of competition had passed.
Budo-Nord Cup has grown into much more than a regular tournament. It is a place where young athletes gain international experience, senior judokas sharpen their form, clubs build unity and coaches measure the development of their athletes against strong opposition. In 2026, the event again showed why Lund has become such an important destination on the Nordic judo calendar.
A Large International Field at Victoriastadion
The 2026 edition gathered a large international field, with club reports describing around 1,100 participants from approximately 20 countries. The tournament attracted judokas from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and several other nations, giving the competition a clear international character.
For many Swedish clubs, this is one of the most valuable aspects of Budo-Nord Cup. Athletes can face international opposition without travelling far from home. For younger judokas, this can be an important first step toward bigger events abroad. For older and more experienced competitors, it provides a strong test against different styles, grips and tactical approaches.
The event was organised at Victoriastadion in Lund, a venue that has become closely connected with LUGI Judo Events. With multiple tatami areas, a busy warm-up zone, coach meetings, livestreams and a large number of volunteers, the competition had the feel of a major international judo weekend.
The Competition Format Created a Strong Weekend Structure
Budo-Nord Cup 2026 was divided across two competition days. Thursday 14 May featured U18 and senior categories, while Friday 15 May was reserved for U15 and U21. Competition started at 09:00 on both days, and athletes, coaches and spectators were encouraged to follow Smoothcomp and the event’s Telegram channel for live updates.
The format allowed several athletes to compete in double categories under specific conditions. U15, U18 and U21 judokas could take part in double entries, while final-year U13 athletes could enter U15 and final-year U15 athletes could move up to U18 without special permission. This gave ambitious young judokas the chance to gain extra matches and important competitive experience.
The event followed the rules and codes of the Swedish Judo Federation, with the updated 2025 rules adapted for the competition. U15 matches were contested over three minutes with no limit golden score, while U18, U21 and senior matches were fought over four minutes with no limit golden score. That format produced many intense battles, especially in the larger categories where evenly matched athletes pushed each other deep into extra time.
Clear Rules and a Professional Competition Environment
One of the reasons Budo-Nord Cup continues to attract strong participation is the clear and professional framework around the event. The official invitation included detailed information about categories, weigh-ins, double entries, coach accreditation, referees, judogi regulations, food options and accommodation.
All participants were required to hold at least 4 kyu, orange belt. For U15, athletes competed in white judogi, with white and red match belts provided. A blue judogi was allowed but not required. For U18, U21 and seniors, both white and blue judogi were compulsory.
The weigh-in structure also reflected the serious level of the tournament. U18 and senior athletes weighed in before the first competition day, while U15 and U21 athletes weighed in before the second day. There was no general weight tolerance, and specific rules applied for younger athletes and cadet competitors.
These details may seem technical, but they are important. They help young athletes become used to the demands of larger events, where preparation, timing, equipment and discipline are part of the competition experience. Budo-Nord Cup gives athletes not only matches, but also a taste of the routines required at higher levels of judo.
Day One Opened with U18 and Senior Action
The first competition day immediately showed the strength of the field. The U18 categories opened the event with several large and competitive brackets. For many athletes, this was a chance to test themselves against opponents from different countries and clubs. For coaches, it was a valuable opportunity to see how their judokas handled pressure, tactics and match tempo in an international environment.
Later in the day, the senior categories added another level of intensity. The senior divisions brought experienced judokas onto the tatami, many of them with national and international ambitions. The mixture of youth and senior competition gave the opening day a broad sporting profile.
Across the day, clubs reported hard matches, strong medal performances and important learning experiences. Budo-Nord Cup once again proved that it is not only a tournament for collecting medals, but also a place where athletes discover what they need to improve.
IK Södra Judo Started Strong with Five Medals
IK Södra Judo had an excellent first day at Budo-Nord Cup 2026. The club reported five medals on the opening day in Lund, after what they described as very good judo and many exciting matches.
Isak Widing took silver in U18 -66 kg, while Kanna Dahlström claimed bronze in U18 -52 kg. Evielle Nsundi added another bronze in U18 -63 kg, and Henning Nord also reached the podium with bronze in U18 -66 kg. In the senior division, Viktor Bååthe contributed a bronze medal in -90 kg.
The club also had several strong placements outside the podium. Lisa Vestin finished fifth in U18 -48 kg, while Kim Aspelin placed seventh in senior -81 kg. Milo Forssell and Pavle Aksentijevic also competed in tough U18 categories and gained valuable match experience.
For IK Södra Judo, the opening day was a strong example of broad team performance. Medals came in both youth and senior categories, showing that the club travelled to Lund with depth, ambition and athletes capable of performing in a demanding international field.
Staffanstorps Judoklubb Delivered Gold in U18
Staffanstorps Judoklubb also enjoyed a highly successful opening day in Lund. The club reported that several athletes competed in the U18 categories and that all of them fought well against strong opposition.
The best results came through Adam Kostoev and Marlon Jönsson Valdes, who both won gold. Diana Xu added a silver medal, giving Staffanstorp an impressive medal return in one of the most important youth sections of the tournament.
The club’s message after the competition captured the team feeling behind the results: “One by one we are good, but together we are the best.” That kind of mentality is often visible at Budo-Nord Cup, where success is not only measured by individual medals but also by the way clubs support each other throughout long competition days.
For Staffanstorp, the U18 results in Lund confirmed the club’s strength in the younger competitive categories and gave its athletes another important step in their development.
Landvetter Judoklubb Combined Medals with Team Spirit
Landvetter Judoklubb brought a large and energetic group to Budo-Nord Cup. The club’s social media posts reflected both the sporting ambition and the strong team culture around the trip.
On the first competition day, Landvetter had athletes in both U18 and senior categories. Hugo won gold, Alma claimed silver and Teodor took bronze. Melina and Filip K both reached fifth place after losing bronze finals, while several other athletes competed in strong divisions and gained valuable experience.
The club also highlighted the work of its coaches and the support of parents, siblings, teammates and friends. Coaches Robert, Troy, Edvin, Emelie, Hugo and Linus were all mentioned as part of the effort around the team.
Landvetter’s report was about more than results. It thanked LUGI Judo, volunteers, judges and everyone involved in making the event memorable. That tone reflects one of the most important sides of judo: even at a large international competition, the sport is built on community, respect and shared effort.
IK Västra Mölndal Took Four Medals on Day One
IK Västra Mölndal also had a strong first day at Budo-Nord Cup. The club started the day with eleven U18 competitors: Amanda, Nova, Nika, Freja, Lova, Emilia, Vuk, Axel, Milo, Samuel and Sam. In the senior categories, Maja, William and Ronja represented the club.
After many tough matches, IK Västra Mölndal returned with four medals. Ronja and Axel both won silver, while Nova and Emilia claimed bronze. The club described the opposition as tough and emphasized that the athletes brought home both medals and new challenges to work on in training.
That perspective is central to youth judo development. A tournament like Budo-Nord Cup gives athletes immediate feedback. A victory can confirm progress, while a loss can show exactly what needs to be improved. For IK Västra Mölndal, the trip to Lund produced both results and lessons.
The club also highlighted the efforts of coaches Ida, Elliot, Annika and Vilda, as well as the support from the cheering section. Once again, the result list only tells part of the story. Behind every medal is a team.
Judoklubben Budo Reached the Senior Podium
Judoklubben Budo had a productive afternoon in the senior categories. Holger won silver in senior -100 kg, while Julia claimed bronze in senior -52 kg.
These results gave the club two podium finishes in the senior divisions, adding to the competitive quality of the opening day. Senior medals at Budo-Nord Cup carry weight, because the divisions often include experienced athletes looking to test their level against international opposition.
Holger’s silver and Julia’s bronze also showed the value of clubs bringing senior athletes to an event that is often strongly associated with youth and junior development. Budo-Nord Cup is important because it offers meaningful competition across several age levels, from U15 to seniors.
Huvudstadens Judoklubb Took Bronze and Built Momentum
Huvudstadens Judoklubb also reached the podium in Lund. Gabbe took bronze in senior -73 kg, while Alex finished in fifth place. The club also looked ahead to the following day, when Leo and Gabbe were set to compete in the junior categories.
Gabbe’s senior bronze was an important result in a competitive division. The -73 kg category is traditionally one of the deepest and most tactical men’s categories in judo, and a podium finish at a large event like Budo-Nord Cup reflects strong preparation and execution.
Alex’s fifth place also showed that the club had athletes close to the medal matches. For many clubs, these fifth-place finishes can be both frustrating and motivating. They show that the level is there, but also that small details can decide whether an athlete reaches the podium.
Norwegian Success for Oslo Judoklubb
Oslo Judoklubb brought a small but very successful group to Lund. Vanessa and Angel travelled from Norway to compete, and according to the club, they did not travel in vain.
Vanessa won two silver medals, while Angel claimed bronze. Angel also defeated the eventual class winner during the preliminary rounds with a strong ura nage, one of the classic throwing techniques that can instantly change the direction of a match.
The club also noted that both Vanessa and Angel were now ready for European Cup opportunities. Vanessa was set to travel to Portugal the following weekend, while Angel was preparing for a European Cup debut later in the year.
This shows how Budo-Nord Cup can function as a stepping stone toward international competition. Strong performances in Lund can help athletes and coaches confirm that they are ready for the next level.
Ippon Judo & BJJ Delivered Two Gold Medals
Another strong Norwegian performance came from Ippon Judo & BJJ. The club reported that “Ippon delivers” after the first day of competition, and the results supported that statement.
Lea Gubberud won gold, and Caspian Kjølner also claimed gold. Celine Traavik finished fifth, while Sviatoslav Horobchenko placed seventh. The club also had U15 athletes ready for action on the second day, with Alva, Lea, Elvina, Joel and Jolin stepping onto the tatami.
Ippon Judo & BJJ’s results showed both quality and breadth. Two gold medals on the first day made the club one of the notable Norwegian performers of the event, while the younger athletes on day two continued the club’s presence across the tournament.
For Swedish athletes, strong Norwegian clubs like Ippon add important value to the competition. They bring different styles, strong fighting spirit and a level of opposition that raises the standard for everyone.
Borås Judoklubb Collected Medals and Experience
Borås Judoklubb competed with 13 athletes across the two competition days and described the event as a major international tournament with around 1,100 participants from approximately 20 countries.
The club returned home with two medals. Albin Svensson won bronze in U18, while Neo Wikander claimed silver in U15. Both results came after tough matches in a large field, and the club emphasized that all its athletes fought hard.
Borås also pointed to the broader value of the weekend: wins, losses and many lessons. That summary fits Budo-Nord Cup well. A competition of this size is demanding, and every match gives athletes information about their level, their preparation and their next steps.
The club then looked ahead to two days of training at LUGI Judo Camp, showing how the competition and camp together create a complete development experience.
Kroppefjäll Judo Faced International Opposition and Took U15 Medals
Kroppefjäll Judo brought Alice, Tilde, Anton and Philip to Lund for the competition. The club described Budo-Nord Cup as a large international event with tough brackets and opponents from countries including Finland, France, Germany, Denmark and Norway.
Anton Willner produced one of the club’s strongest results by winning gold in U15 -34 kg. Philip Willner added bronze in U15 -38 kg. In U21 -52 kg, Tilde Cedervall Claesson placed fourth and ninth, while Alice Johansson finished fifth and ninth.
The results showed both podium success and strong development experience. The U15 medals confirmed that Kroppefjäll’s young athletes could compete at a high level, while the U21 placements showed that the older athletes were gaining experience in demanding categories.
The club also looked ahead to the camp and the opportunity to train with Matthias Casse. For Kroppefjäll’s athletes, the weekend became a complete international experience: matches against foreign opposition, strong results, lessons from tough brackets and world-class inspiration at the camp.
Göteborgs Judoklubb Celebrated Bronze in Senior -81 kg
Göteborgs Judoklubb also reached the podium at Budo-Nord Cup 2026. Charlie won bronze in men’s -81 kg, one of the most competitive senior categories.
The club also had Linus, Viktor and Nicole in action, and reported that all of them won matches and fought well. In addition, Göteborgs Judoklubb was represented among the officials, with Dick and Antonina serving as referees.
That is an important reminder of how clubs contribute to a major event. Athletes are the most visible part of the tournament, but referees, coaches and volunteers are just as essential. Without officials and club people willing to support the structure of the event, a competition of this size could not function.
Charlie’s bronze, combined with the club’s broader participation, made Göteborgs Judoklubb another important part of the weekend’s story.
Aktiv Judo Returned Home with Four Athletes and Four Medals
Aktiv Judo produced one of the most efficient club performances of the weekend at Budo-Nord Judo Cup 2026. With four athletes on the tatami, the club managed to claim four medals in total: one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
The success began already on day one, when Aktiv Judo took both gold and bronze. That strong opening gave the club a flying start in Lund and showed that its judokas were ready to perform against the demanding international opposition at Victoriastadion.
The momentum continued on day two, where Vincent fought his way to a bronze medal and Andrea delivered another strong performance to secure silver. With medals on both competition days, Aktiv Judo showed consistency across the weekend and confirmed that the club could compete at a high level in several categories.
For a club to travel with four competitors and return with four medals is a clear sign of quality, preparation and competitive focus. Each athlete contributed to the final result, making Aktiv Judo’s performance one of the standout club efforts of the tournament. The medal row — gold, silver, bronze and bronze — reflected not only individual success but also the strength of the club’s training environment and team spirit.
Brøndby Judo Klub Took U21 Gold
From Denmark, Brøndby Judo Klub celebrated one of the standout U21 results. Romeo Fernando won a gold medal and trophy in the U21 category, giving the club a strong success in Lund.
U21 is a key age group in judo development. It is close to senior level and often features athletes preparing for bigger national and international challenges. A gold medal in this category at Budo-Nord Cup is therefore an important achievement.
Romeo Fernando’s victory also contributed to the Danish presence at the event. Alongside other Danish clubs, Brøndby helped strengthen the international quality of the tournament.
Judoklubben Mitani Returned with Medals from Sweden
Judoklubben Mitani also travelled to Lund and described Budo-Nord Cup as a competition with over 1,000 fighters. The Danish club brought five competitors and reported strong efforts from all of them.
Olivia won silver, Elena claimed bronze, and Rikke finished fourth. Oliver placed 13th and Adrian 17th after fighting hard in their pools.
For Mitani, the event offered both success and experience. A silver and a bronze medal gave the club clear podium results, while the other athletes gained valuable matches in large and competitive brackets.
The club’s report emphasized hard fighting and strong effort, which is often the most important takeaway from an international youth and junior tournament. The results in Lund will give the athletes important lessons to bring back to training in Denmark.
Odense Judo Kai Added More Danish Energy
Odense Judo Kai also had athletes in action at Budo-Nord Cup. Amaya, Emilia and Lucas represented the club, while Ayana from Tommy Macias Academy, who also trains regularly with Odense, was part of the group connected to the club environment.
Their social media post focused on strong fights, good experiences and valuable time on the tatami. The message “Together we fight. Together we win” summed up the club’s approach to the event.
Not every important contribution to a tournament is measured only by medals. For many athletes, especially younger competitors, the value lies in stepping onto the mat, handling nerves, facing new opponents and learning from the experience. Odense Judo Kai’s participation reflected exactly that spirit.
Nordic Clubs Strengthened the International Character
The combined performances of Norwegian, Danish and Swedish clubs gave Budo-Nord Cup 2026 a clear Nordic identity. Swedish clubs naturally formed a large part of the field, but the presence of strong Norwegian and Danish teams raised the level of competition and gave athletes more varied opposition.
For Swedish judokas, meeting opponents from Norway and Denmark is an important part of development. The styles are familiar enough to create competitive balance, but different enough to force adaptation. For Norwegian and Danish clubs, Lund offers a strong event with many matches, a professional structure and the added value of the camp weekend.
This kind of Nordic exchange is important for the future of judo in the region. It allows clubs to build relationships, athletes to gain experience and coaches to compare development across borders.
LUGI Judo Camp Turned Competition into Learning
After two days of competition, the weekend continued with LUGI Judo Camp on 16 and 17 May. This camp format is one of the most valuable parts of the Budo-Nord weekend.
Instead of travelling home immediately after competition, athletes had the chance to return to the tatami in a learning environment. The focus shifted from winning matches to improving judo. Randori sessions, technical training and shared practice gave athletes the chance to process what had happened during the tournament and continue developing.
The camp included training sessions for all ages, with randori groups and technical sessions across the weekend. For many athletes, this may have been just as important as the competition itself. A medal is a strong achievement, but the lessons from a high-level camp can influence training for months.
Matthias Casse Brought World-Class Inspiration
One of the highlights of LUGI Judo Camp 2026 was the presence of Belgian world-class judoka Matthias Casse. Casse is one of the best-known names in modern judo, with achievements including the 2021 world title and Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
His presence gave the camp a major boost. For young judokas in Sweden and the Nordic countries, the chance to train with a world champion is a rare experience. It brings international elite judo closer and helps athletes understand what the highest level demands.
Several clubs mentioned the opportunity to train with Casse as a major part of the weekend. Kroppefjäll Judo, for example, highlighted his world title, Olympic bronze and former status as world number one in -81 kg. For their athletes, and for many others in Lund, the camp offered inspiration beyond the competition results.
Training with an athlete of Casse’s level can make a deep impression. It is not only about learning a technique. It is about seeing the intensity, precision, movement and mindset that define world-class judo.
Volunteers, Coaches and Referees Carried the Event
A tournament of this size depends on much more than the athletes. Budo-Nord Cup 2026 was built by organisers, volunteers, referees, coaches, parents and club members working together throughout the weekend.
Several club reports thanked LUGI Judo, judges, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the event. That gratitude is important. Large judo competitions require long hours, detailed planning and constant problem-solving. From weigh-ins and match order to livestreams and award ceremonies, every part of the event depends on people doing their work well.
The presence of referees from different clubs also added to the quality of the event. Refereeing is a crucial part of athlete development, especially when young judokas are learning to compete under serious conditions. A clear and consistent refereeing environment helps create fair matches and prepares athletes for future national and international events.
Budo-Nord Cup as a Development Platform
The results from Budo-Nord Cup 2026 show that the event is both a competition and a development platform. Some athletes came to Lund and won gold. Others reached the podium, placed fifth or seventh, or left without a ranking but with important experience.
All of those outcomes matter. In judo, development is rarely linear. A young athlete may lose early in one tournament and win a medal the next month. A senior athlete may discover a technical weakness in Lund and use that lesson to improve before the next championship. A coach may see a pattern across several matches and adjust the club’s training focus.
That is why Budo-Nord Cup has become so valuable. It gives clubs information. It gives athletes pressure. It gives coaches material to work with. And when combined with LUGI Judo Camp, it offers an immediate opportunity to turn competition experience into training development.
The Club Reports Showed the Heart of the Weekend
The social media reports from the clubs helped tell the real story of the weekend. They showed the medals, but also the emotion around them. They mentioned golds, silvers and bronzes, but also fifth places, hard matches, lessons, teammates, supporters and coaches.
IK Södra Judo celebrated five medals on day one. Staffanstorp highlighted its U18 gold medals. Landvetter described a full team journey. IK Västra Mölndal brought home four medals and new training goals. Oslo Judoklubb connected its success to future European Cup starts. Ippon Judo & BJJ delivered two gold medals. Borås Judoklubb returned with medals and experience from a huge international field. Kroppefjäll Judo combined U15 medals with international learning. Göteborgs Judoklubb celebrated senior bronze and referee participation. Brøndby Judo Klub took U21 gold. Mitani returned to Denmark with medals. Odense Judo Kai focused on experience, unity and the value of fighting together.
Together, these reports created a wide and lively picture of Budo-Nord Cup 2026. The event was not defined by one club or one result. It was defined by the collective effort of many clubs contributing to a strong Nordic judo weekend.
More Than a Medal Hunt
Budo-Nord Judo Cup 2026 was clearly about more than medals. The podium results were important, and the athletes who won medals deserved their recognition. But the deeper value of the event was found in the combination of competition, learning and community.
For young athletes, the weekend offered a chance to experience a large international tournament. For U18 and U21 competitors, it provided a serious test on the road toward senior judo. For senior athletes, it offered meaningful matches against strong opposition. For coaches, it created a clear picture of what their athletes need next. For clubs, it strengthened team culture.
That is the strength of events like Budo-Nord Cup. They bring together all parts of the judo environment. The youngest competitors can watch seniors. Senior athletes can support younger teammates. Coaches can exchange ideas. Referees can contribute to development. Parents and supporters can see the work behind the results.
A Strong Signal for Nordic Judo
When the final camp session ended on Sunday, Budo-Nord Judo Cup and LUGI Judo Camp 2026 had once again shown the strength of Nordic judo. The event gathered a large international field, produced strong performances from clubs across several countries and gave athletes the chance to continue learning after competition.
The 2026 edition confirmed that Lund has become an important judo destination. With its combination of serious competition, professional organisation, international participation and high-level camp training, Budo-Nord Cup offers something that few tournaments can match.
For the medal winners, Lund will be remembered as a place of achievement. For others, it will be remembered as a place of lessons, hard matches and new motivation. For the clubs, it was a weekend of shared effort, team spirit and development.
Above all, Budo-Nord Judo Cup 2026 showed that judo in the Nordic region is alive, ambitious and growing. The athletes left Lund with medals, memories and new goals. And for many of them, the work toward the next competition had already begun before the weekend was over.
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