Nominations Now Open for 2026 British Judo Awards

British Judo is delighted to launch the 2026 British Judo Awards, celebrating the incredible people, clubs and contributions that make our judo community so special.

Every year, countless individuals across British Judo dedicate their time, energy and passion to supporting the sport – whether that is on the tatami, behind the scenes at clubs and events, or helping to create welcoming and inclusive environments for people to enjoy judo.

The British Judo Awards provide an opportunity to recognise those outstanding contributions, and we are once again inviting our members to nominate the people and clubs they believe deserve recognition in 2026.

We’re inviting you, our members, to take part in nominating outstanding people and clubs in five open award categories. This is your chance to shine a light on the individuals and organisations in your community who deserve recognition.

Open Award Categories:

Club of the Year

Awarded to a judo club that exemplifies the BJA strategy through active engagement with community programmes, schools, and wider outreach initiatives.

The club fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds. It consistently promotes the core judo values both on and off the mat.

Through its work, the club plays a key role in growing the sport and strengthening local communities.

Coach of the Year

Awarded to a judo coach who fosters development across all ages and environments, using judo as a tool for personal growth and positive social impact.

They embody the BJA strategy by expanding access through club and community programmes, supporting technical progress, and creating inclusive, positive spaces for all.

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to a volunteer—regardless of age—such as a technical official, referee, welfare officer, or club volunteer, who has shown outstanding dedication to their role and the sport of judo.

They embody the judo values, demonstrate personal growth, and make a meaningful impact on their club or community, whether through years of service, creative solutions, or emerging youth leadership.

Humble Warrior Award

Awarded to a person or group who has made a significant contribution to the development of judo over the past year, with a strong focus on community impact and educational leadership.

Nominees should reflect the vision of Jigoro Kano by promoting the judo values and using judo as a tool for personal growth, inclusion, and the betterment of society.

Inclusion Award

Person who has demonstrated their commitment to promoting an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated, and people are valued for being who they are.

Recognised for outstanding commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion through collaborative action, measurable impact, and meaningful engagement that promotes representation, tackles disadvantage, and addresses health inequalities across communities.

Provider of the Year

This award recognises an Approved or Elite Provider that has made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of judo through the delivery of high-quality programmes in clubs, schools, and communities.

Consider how the provider has increased participation, created sustainable opportunities for people to engage in judo, and supported key initiatives such as Humble Warrior Festival Delivery and Finding Your Feet.

The nominee should demonstrate excellence in community engagement, inclusion, and the development of strong, sustainable club structures that contribute to the long-term success of judo.

Once nominations close, a dedicated panel will shortlist three finalists in each category. From there, the final vote goes back to you — our membership — to choose the winners.

Award Prizes:

Coach, Volunteer, Provider, Humble Warrior & Inclusion Awards

• Winner: Trophy + £150 cash prize
• Runners-up: £75 cash prize

Club of the Year

• Winner: Trophy + £250 cash prize
• Runners-up: £125 cash prize

(only the 3 finalists selected by panel will be eligible to receive the prize money)

Commission and Performance Team Awards (no cash prize)

The following categories will be judged by the relevant BJA Commissions and the Performance Team, with winners announced at major national events:

• President’s Award
• Kata Awards
• Official of the Year
• Referee of the Year
• Adaptive Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)
• VI Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)
• Senior Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)
• Junior Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)
• Cadet Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)
• Veteran Athlete of the Year (Male & Female)

Let’s celebrate the dedication, passion and excellence that define British Judo.

Nominations close on Sunday 6th September.

Please note that some changes may occur once this year’s nominations have been categorised. The Reward and Recognition Panel base their decisions not on the number of nominations submitted for one individual but on the quality of the nomination submitted.  By the time nominations reach the Panel, all identifying information has been removed. This is to ensure that decisions are made based on the nominations solely and not on people’s knowledge of an individual. 

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Make a Nomination Today