Judo Grand Slam: The Premier Tournaments on the IJF World Tour
The Judo Grand Slam tournaments represent the pinnacle of competition on the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Tour, offering the most ranking points outside of the Olympic Games and World Championships. These prestigious events draw the world’s best judoka, showcasing skill and athleticism on a global stage.
What are Judo Grand Slams?
According to the International Judo Federation, the Judo Grand Slam tournaments are international competitions held as part of the IJF World Tour. After the Olympic Games, World Championships and World Masters, the Grand Slam tournaments are the highest-ranking worldwide judo tournaments
.
History and Evolution
The Grand Slam format was established following a reorganization of the IJF circuit in 2009. While some sources refer to a tournament held in Tokyo in December 2008 as a precursor, the IJF initially titled it the Kano Cup
, not Grand Slam
. The number of Grand Slam events has expanded over time, growing from four annual tournaments in 2013 to include additional locations.
Key Tournament Locations
Currently, the IJF World Tour features Grand Slam events in numerous cities across the globe, including:
- Paris, France
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Antalya, Turkey
- Astana, Kazakhstan
- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Duschanbe, Tajikistan
- Tokyo, Japan
Scoring System
Athletes accumulate points based on their performance in Grand Slam events, contributing to their world ranking. The points awarded are as follows:
| Placement | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 1000 |
| 2nd | 700 |
| 3rd | 500 |
| 5th | 360 |
| 7th | 260 |
| 1/16th | 160 |
| 1/32nd | 120 |
| 1 Fight Won | 100 |
| Participation | 10 |
Recent Events
The OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam 2026 recently concluded in Uzbekistan, showcasing exciting competition and national pride. The IJF continues to host events globally, with the next scheduled Grand Prix taking place in Upper Austria in 2026.
FAQ
- What is the significance of a Judo Grand Slam?
- Grand Slams are the highest-ranking judo tournaments after the Olympics and World Championships, offering substantial ranking points.
- How did the Grand Slam tournaments originate?
- They were established following a reorganization of the IJF World Tour in 2009.
- Where are some of the key locations for Grand Slam events?
- Major cities like Paris, Baku, Abu Dhabi, Tashkent, and Tokyo regularly host Grand Slam tournaments.
Stay updated with the latest results and news on the International Judo Federation website.