2026/27 Western Area · Level 2 & Level 3 Development Event

Regional Schools
Championships

Kingsley School, Bideford, Devon · Saturday 7 November 2026
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Saturday 7 November 2026 · Kingsley School, Bideford
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Entry closing date: Saturday 24 October 2026
DateSat 7 Nov 2026
Entry closing dateSat 24 Oct 2026
FormatLevel 2 & 3 Development
SeedingNone
RefundsNon-refundable*
VenueThe Sports Hall, Kingsley School, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3JR
Car parkingFree
Entry fee£23 per player
OrganiserWestern Area Judo
SpectatorsFree
Introduction

What this event is for

The Area Regional Schools Events allow players to represent their school and enter a series of events leading to the National Schools Championships, without the fear of facing a national medallist. Competing against players of a similar level also helps coaches and parents assess whether a player is ready to step up to the British Schools Championships.

These events also support the development of young people as referees, table officials and coaches. If you're interested in officiating, refereeing or volunteering at this event, email events@wajudo.org.uk.

Getting there

Car parking

Use both the prep and senior school car park. There is additional parking behind the sports hall astro, just off the slip road called Slade.

Participation

Eligibility by school year

This is a Level 2 Development event for Academic Years 3–7 and a Level 3 Development event for Academic Years 8–13. The coloured stripe on each card is the minimum belt grade required to compete in that group.

Years 3, 4 & 5

Born 1 Sept 2016 – 31 Aug 2019 Min. grade: 1st mon — bottom red belt
  • Players must be at least 8 years old by 7 November 2026
  • Technical restrictions apply
  • 3 min + 3 min Golden Score, referee's decision

Years 6 & 7

Born 1 Sept 2014 – 31 Aug 2016 Min. grade: 4th mon — bottom yellow belt
  • No eligibility restrictions
  • Technical restrictions apply
  • 3 min + 3 min Golden Score, referee's decision

Years 8 & 9

Born 1 Sept 2012 – 31 Aug 2014 Min. grade: 6th mon — top yellow belt
  • Excluded: recent British Pre-Cadet/Cadet/Junior/Senior medallists (unless fewer than 2 contests won)
  • Excluded: 100+ points on Cadet/Junior/Senior BJA ranking list
  • 3 min, unlimited Golden Score

Years 10 – 13

Born 1 Sept 2008 – 31 Aug 2012 Min. grade: 9th mon top orange / 4th kyu senior orange
  • Same exclusions as Years 8 & 9
  • Armlocks & strangles permitted; category is points scoring for eligible players
  • 4 min, unlimited Golden Score

Open to all school children meeting the criteria above who hold a current, valid licence with BJA, Judo Scotland, NIJF, WJA, BJC or AJA. Players may change weight category between this event and the British Schools Championships. Home-schooled children are eligible. No valid licence — no contest — no exceptions — no judo.

Weight categories

Male & female weight bands

Players must satisfy the minimum weight limit for their category — e.g. for −73kg, players must weigh over 66.1kg. For the lightest category in each group, the minimum is no less than 90% of the limit (e.g. for −55kg, no less than 49.5kg). All competitors receive a 0.8kg weigh-in allowance.

Years 4 & 5 / Years 6 & 7 — Male
−27kg−30kg−34kg−38kg−42kg
−46kg−50kg−55kg+55kg
Years 4 & 5 / Years 6 & 7 — Female
−28kg−32kg−36kg−40kg−44kg
−48kg−52kg−57kg+57kg
Years 8 & 9 — Male
−34kg−38kg−42kg−46kg−50kg
−55kg−60kg−66kg−73kg+73kg
Years 8 & 9 — Female
−36kg−40kg−44kg−48kg−52kg
−57kg−63kg−70kg+70kg
Years 10 – 13 — Male
−42kg−46kg−50kg−55kg−60kg
−66kg−73kg−81kg−90kg+90kg
Years 10 – 13 — Female
−44kg−48kg−52kg−57kg−63kg
−70kg+70kg

Years 10/11 and Years 12/13 are split for the final British Schools Championships but merged here to increase the chance of a contest. Players may enter a different weight category at the final event than the one used here.

On the day

Registration & weigh-in

All competitors must present themselves at weigh-in wearing competition-acceptable judogi trousers and a plain crew-neck t-shirt or rash guard. Weigh-in times below are subject to change.

Method of elimination follows BJA rules: compound knockout for categories of 8+ players, pools and knockout for 7 or fewer. The Tournament Director may combine or alter categories if entries dictate, and their decision is final in any dispute.

On the day: the organisers reserve the right to combine weight categories in light of the competitors who have weighed in.

Ready to enter?

Enter one parent/coach once, add every player from your club or school, and pay securely online.

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Guidelines

For judoka, parents & coaches

Judoka

  • Help beginners or lower grades if you can.
  • Follow all judo rules throughout the event and bow correctly at the start and end of a contest.
  • Accept decisions; let your coach ask any necessary questions.
  • Control your temper — do not shout at or abuse other judoka or officials.
  • Be a good sport, cheer good play, and respect your fellow judoka.
  • Represent the ideals, discipline and etiquette of British Judo to the highest level.
  • Without instruction, adjust your judogi so the jacket sits inside your belt after every mate.

Parents & coaches

  • Children develop at different rates and react differently to the same pressures — please respect this.
  • Teach that effort and teamwork matter as much as victory.
  • Never ridicule or shout at your child or judoka for a mistake or a loss.
  • Applaud good play from your team and the opposition alike.
  • Do not publicly question officials' judgement, and never their honesty.
  • Coaching is allowed throughout the competition.
  • If your child is attending without a coach (for example, with a PE teacher instead), note this on the entry form.
Before you enter

Policies & important links

By entering and/or attending this event you agree to abide by all British Judo Association policies and codes of conduct, including those below. For any question about this event, contact events@wajudo.org.uk; for questions on the policies themselves, contact events@britishjudo.org.uk.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I have to enter a regional school's competition in my own area?

No — you can attend any regional school's competition in any area.

Do I have to take part in a regional event to be eligible for the British Schools Championships?

Yes. You need to meet the minimum grade requirement and have competed in at least one regional schools championship between September 2026 and March 2027.

Can I enter if I am home-schooled?

Yes — home-schooled players are eligible to enter both the regional and British Schools Championships.

What if my regional championship is cancelled with no other opportunity to qualify?

Proof of entry to this event and any others you've entered will be taken into consideration when deciding British Schools Championships eligibility.

Am I automatically registered for the British Schools Championships after this event?

No — to take part in the final British Schools Championships in March, you must enter separately through the BJA entry system.