For the third consecutive year, Montréal will host the Open National Championships from May 23-26 at the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau. The last two editions of the event have been great successes, and fans can once again look forward to some spectacular competitions, with a record number of athletes expected to participate.

Eleven of Canada’s provinces and territories will be represented in the tournament, which will feature a total of 1,148 judokas. The judo competitions will take place from Thursday to Sunday, with more than 1,500 bouts on the program and 80 titles up for grabs in the various categories.

“These Canadian Open Championships now hold the new record for the highest number of competitors. Seeing so many athletes together bodes very well for Canadian judo. The post-pandemic lull is definitely behind us, and we can now turn the page,” explained Nicolas Gill, CEO and High Performance Director of Judo Canada.

“The record number of judokas who will gather together next weekend tells us that our development efforts, and the involvement of the clubs and the provinces, have really made a difference!”

In recent years, numerous fans have flocked to the Centre Pierre-Charbonneau for the event, and this year they will once again have the opportunity to witness some thrilling clashes.

Thursday will be devoted to the Kata and Ne-Waza competitions. The judo tournaments by age category will begin on Friday, starting with the Veteran and U18 age groups. The U16 and U21 competitions will take place on Saturday, and the Senior events will close out the tournament on Sunday.

As is now tradition, Judo Canada will hold its 2023-24 Annual Awards and Recognition Gala on Sunday evening, at the conclusion of the event.

“The Gala is the moment of the year when we get to recognize the crucial contributions our members make to the success of judo in Canada. Certain individuals who do essential work, often behind the scenes, will be honoured and recognized with awards, but the true purpose of the annual festive event is to thank the entire community,” concluded Gill.

Don’t miss the chance to experience all the action throughout the event, either on-site or via live webcast.

For more information on the Open National Championships, click here.