What is the EJU?
The European Judo Union, founded in London on 28 July 1948, is the largest of the IJF's five continental unions — 51 member federations representing, on its own figures, more than 2.2 million active judoka. It is constituted under Austrian law with its registered seat in Vienna and its presidential office in Budapest.[1] [2]
What does it run?
More than fifty events a year: the individual European Championships, the Mixed Team European Championships, the European Club Championships, European Cups and Opens on the IJF World Tour, and Olympic qualification tournaments — alongside the Judo Festival and its coach and referee seminars. Governance runs through a Congress and executive committee with medical, refereeing, finance and competition commissions.[1] [3]
It has a real role in grading
Unlike most continental bodies on this site, the EJU has an explicit statutory function overseeing the awarding of grades, including dan ranks, ensuring compliance with EJU and IJF regulations. In a sport where the belt is a credential in its own right, that makes the continental union part of the certification chain rather than only a competition organiser.[1] [2]
Does it select athletes?
No. Member federations enter their own judoka; the EJU sets entry quotas, age categories, licensing and eligibility for its events and manages the continental route into IJF and Olympic qualification. The ranking that actually drives selection is the IJF World Ranking List, supplemented by EJU cadet and junior rankings. Dr László Tóth of Hungary has been president since 2022.[1] [3]
References
- European Judo Union — about. Accessed August 2026.
- European Judo Union — members. Accessed August 2026.
- IJF — European Judo Union committee. Accessed August 2026.