The 2025 edition of the Norgesmesterskap i Judo 2025 (Norwegian National Judo Championships) was held on 22 November 2025 in Levanger, Norway, and brought together Norway’s leading judoka in the age categories U18, U21 and Senior. The host club, Levanger Judoklubb (also Levanger Judo & BJJ) acted under the auspices of the national governing body, the Norges Judoforbund (Norwegian Judo Federation).
Venue & Organiser
The Levanger Judoklubb, based in Trøndelag region, stepped into the national spotlight for this event. With experience in hosting tournaments and a strong local judo community, the club provided the infrastructure, staffing and local organisational muscle necessary for a championship of this magnitude. On the event page hosted via Smoothcomp the invite states: “On behalf of Norges Judoforbund the Levanger Judoklubb invites to NM for U18, U21 and Senior!”
Hosting a national championship is a highlight for any club, and for Levanger this event offered both a showcase and a logistic challenge: coordinating weigh-ins, categories, brackets, medal ceremonies and compliance with national standards. The presence of 176 competitors from 21 clubs (as noted in a social-media post the day before) emphasises the scale.
Format and Participants
According to the event registration data: the competition covered three age groups — U18 (Cadet), U21 (Junior) and Senior — in multiple weight categories. The results portal shows brackets and outcomes for many divisions, such as U21 -66 kg: winner Torstein Brekke‑Jenssen (Ippon Judo & BJJ) defeating Robiel Biru Agiz (Levanger) in the final.
From the Facebook feed of the Norwegian Judo Federation we also glean participation numbers: “Deltakere: 17 Nidaros judoklubb, 12 Levanger Judo & BJJ, 8 Ippon Judo & BJJ…” among the clubs present.
Key Results & Highlights
While a full medal list is extensive, some key outcomes stand out:
-
In the Senior category (men), among the medallists: Andreas Bjørnstrøm from Bodø Judo Club took gold; Elias Sørli Niane from Sande Sportsklubb Judo silver; and Torjus Ertzaas from Levanger Judo & BJJ secured bronze.
-
In U21 -66 kg as noted above, Torstein Brekke-Jenssen took gold, Robiel Biru Agiz silver.
-
Participation spanned multiple clubs and regions, highlighting the national reach of the event.
Beyond the raw medal count, the event served as a milestone for many rising judoka to demonstrate their readiness to move from junior to senior levels — or to re-affirm their standing in the senior ranks.
Atmosphere & Significance
On the eve of the tournament the national federation‘s Instagram account posted:
“I morgen, 22. november – åpning av stevnet kl. 9 176 deltakere fra 21 klubber – dette blir BRA!!!”
This enthusiastic tone mirrors the mood across the event: a full day of intense bouts, with clubs from across Norway converging on Levanger for one of the season’s major domestic milestones. For many athletes, achieving a medal at the NM isn’t just national recognition — it is a stepping stone to Nordic, European or World tours, and an indicator of future potential.
Moreover, the event reinforces the mission of the Norwegian Judo Federation: to provide high-quality competitions, raise the technical level of the sport nationally, and maintain links between regional clubs and the international judo community.
Organisational Notes & Local Impact
From a logistics perspective, hosting such a tournament demands coordination of weigh-ins, brackets, multiple age groups, official referees, and real-time result handling. The event’s registration page shows the depth of preparation.
For the host club Levanger, this was a moment of prominence. Among their communicated goals on their website, they emphasise “Opplev morsom og god trening for alle” (Experience fun and good training for all) and their long-term commitment to fostering competitive judo.
The economic and community benefit to Levanger should not be overlooked: athletes, coaches and supporters travelled from across Norway, lodging locally, training in local halls, and interacting within the town’s sporting infrastructure. Such events raise visibility for judo, for the club and for the region.
Broader Implications
Success at the NM signals readiness for bigger fields: Nordic championships, European tournaments and potentially World Cup / Junior Worlds levels. For clubs, it boosts recruitment, sponsorship appeal and internal morale.
At a national level, strong performances across the board reflect on the health of judo in Norway: depth of talent, club system viability, and the ability to host high-calibre national competitions — all contributing to future international success.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season wraps with this national championship, attention will shift to next year’s calendar: how clubs build their training programmes, how athletes prepare for international engagements and how the national federation adapts to evolving competition standards.
For the Levanger Judoklubb and the Norwegian Judo Federation alike, the 2025 NM will serve both as a benchmark and as inspiration for development. The positive feedback and visible participation suggest the event met its aims; next, the challenge will be to maintain momentum, raise technical standards and elevate Norwegian judo on the international stage.
In conclusion, the 2025 Norwegian Judo Championships in Levanger was a milestone event — not just a competition, but a celebration of national judo. With high participation, national-level organisation, and several standout performances, it re-affirmed the strength of the domestic scene and the promise for the next generation of Norwegian judoka.
Photo: © www.judobilder.org – Christian Wolff, Lyseskrenten 56F, NO-0383 Oslo, Norway Mob.: +47 900 987 63.
NM FOR 170 DELTAKERE I TRØNDERHALLEN – Levanger Judo og BJJ
NM 22.11.2025 Trønderhallen – Google Foto
Judo: Norgesmesterskap 2025 – Smoothcomp
Danish Judo Championships 2025 – a national judo celebration
European Judo Championships U23 Individuals in Moldova 2025
