Las Vegas Hosts the 2024 IJF World Kata Championships
December 3, 2024
2024 IJF World Kata Championships, Las Vegas, NV
November 9-10, 2024
by Miki Takemori
Lisa Capriotti and Robert Gouthro
IJF Kata Judges
USA Judo Kata Judges – Alan Wilkerson, Karen Nagai, Diane Tamai Jackson, Barbara Shimizu, Claudia Smith, and Theodore Schwalm
The International Judo Federation (IJF) World Kata Championships were held at The Rio Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV on November 9-10th, 2024. It was attended by 32 countries and 282 competitors.
Teams warming up
The USA had 9 teams in this, the ultimate international kata event, competing for honors in Ju no Kata, Nage no Kata, Katame no Kata, and Kime no Kata. Shufu was well represented by the team of Rob Gouthro and Lisa Capriotti, and by 2 kata judges – Diane Tamai Jackson and Theodore Schwalm.
The three mats, with US kata competitors Joseph Shultz and Shane Hudson in foreground
It is also interesting to note that not only were there 32 countries in attendance, but the four categories of the first day were won by four different countries: the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, and Germany. This shows that we are witnessing the growth of a truly international championship, and that kata is becoming more and more universal, with many teams that came with significant coaching staff and loud fan support.
The Dutch Team at an uncharacteristically quiet moment
The US teams competed well in numerous events but unfortunately did not advance beyond the preliminary rounds. The USA Judo Kata Committee, led by Committee Chair Diane Tamai Jackson, is working diligently on assisting all kata teams on improving their abilities to move up their “game”
And special congratulations to Diane and Theo for being chosen to judge the finals in this IJF World Championship event.
Karen Whilden and Kuniko Takeuchi
A small segment of the 40-strong Italian Team, support staff, and cheering squad
IJF Interviewer with 5-time Ju no Kata World Champions Wolfgang Dax Romswinkel & Ursula Loosen
USJF President Mitchell Palacio and Eric Spears, with photo bomber Miki Takemori
Photo of USA Judo Kata Judges courtesy of Anonymous Friend
All other photos courtesy of Chuck Medani and the USJF
Did you know that Shufu has an Athlete Funding Program?
Shufu’s Athlete Funding
Program provides reimbursement ($150 to $300) for athletes competing in National and
International level events. Juniors, Seniors, Masters/Veterans, and Kata competitors
can all apply to the Shufu Athlete Funding Program. If you have been a member of Shufu for at least 2 years and have participated in any of the events listed below, then you should consider applying for Shufu’s Athlete Funding Program!
2025 USA Judo Youth National Championships
2025 USA Junior Olympic National Championships
2025 USA Judo Senior National Championships
2025 USA Judo President’s Cup
2025 US Open
2025 USJF/USJA Nationals
2025 Pan American Cups or 2025 Pan American Championships
2025 IJF Point Events (Grand Prix, Grand Slams, or Championships)
Please note that these are not the only tournaments which will be considered for funding.
Please go to the Funding Support for Athletes link for the complete details.
Shufu Shinbun is BACK !
This newsletter is presented in memory of Malcolm Hodges who was a dedicated Shufu and Washington Judo Club member for many years and wrote and was the editor of the monthly Shufu Shinbun newsletter.
Lisa Capriotti and Robert Gouthro
IJF Kata Judges
Teams warming up
The Dutch Team at an uncharacteristically quiet moment
Karen Whilden and Kuniko Takeuchi
A small segment of the 40-strong Italian Team, support staff, and cheering squad 
IJF Interviewer with 5-time Ju no Kata World Champions Wolfgang Dax Romswinkel & Ursula Loosen
USJF President Mitchell Palacio and Eric Spears, with photo bomber Miki Takemori
