Matsuru Dutch Open Espoir 2026

Registration link

Click the image below to go to the registration portal:

You first have to register as a club before you can start registering judokas for the Matsuru Dutch Open Espoir. Check these instructions

49th Edition
9 and 10 January 2027

Welcome to the official event page of the Matsuru Dutch Open Espoir. Below you will find all essential information about the tournament.

Latest news

• The next edition of the Dutch Open Espoir will be on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 January 2027
• After two exciting days, the 48th edition of the tournament has come to an end. On behalf of the entire organisation we would like to thank all of you for the awesome weekend.
• The results of all categories can be found on the JudoManager portal
• Photos of the medal ceremonies by Frank Schoormans on day 1 can be found here.
• Photos of the medal ceremonies by Frank Schoormans on day 2 can be found here.
• All photo's by Frank Schoormans can be found on his Flickr page
• More photos from Rick van der Sanden can be found here.
• Find 5 hours worth of video recordings here and here.

Every year, clubs can enter the Smit Challenge, named after the founders of the tournament. By predicting which athletes will score during the event, clubs can collect points. The club with the highest total wins. Winners are announced at the start of the next edition of the Dutch Open Espoir.

Winners of the 2025 edition:

• De Korte Sportinstituut
• Judoschool Haagsma
• Sportschool Kenamju

Tournament Details

Please use below links to quickly go to the desired section of the 2026 edition JudoManager portal:

• Poule details (draw; after weighin)
• Poule and mat number per judoka*
• Matches per judoka* (competitors)
• Results per poule

*Login to JudoManager, and mark each judoka you want to follow

Referee Rules

• Standard IJF rules apply for this tournament. Keep in mind, Armlocks, Kata Sankaku grips and Reverse seoi-nages and are not allowed U15. When a judoka U15 does this, Shido is given. If this happens 2nd time, then Hansoku-Make is given; the judoka loses the match.
• If judoka U15 or U18 loses its consciousness due to Shimi-waza (strangulation), the judoka must stop with the tournament.
• We will use video-referees to eventually review decisions. Keep in mind that coaches, judoka’s or anybody else other than referees, have no right to review decisions or discuss them. If a coach has any concerns, please contact one of the referee supervisors.

Number of judokas per category 2026 edition

Map of the Sports Hall

Click image to enlarge

Rules

All matches will follow the official Federation rules. Some highligths:

General

• The Blue Gi is not required
• The IJF approved Gi is not required

Contest time per category:

• Judokas U15: 3 minutes
• Judokas U18 and U21: 4 minutes

Forbidden techniques for U15

The following techniques are not allowed in the U15 category:

• Kansetsu-waza
• kata-sankaku grip
• Reverse Seoi Nage
  

They will be punished with Shido

Tournament Type

• Categories with 2 judokas will run best 2 out of 3 matches.
• Categories with 3 to 5 judokas will run Round Robin where each judoka will compete agains every other judoka in that category.
• Categories with 6 or more judokas will run Full Repachage where you will always play two matches before being eliminated.
• The following specific categories will us the Brazilian system. This means single elimination with a third place playoff, with repechage only for the judokas who lose against a semifinalist.
  • Men U18 -55, -60, -66 and -73 kg
  • Men U21 -66, -73 and -81 kg

Training Camp

After the tournament, TopJudo Brabant will host the traditional international training camp for talented judokas.

Training camp days:

• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday

Use the official link to find details and registration.

Weigh In During the Tournament

• Judokas may weigh in one day before their matches.
• Each judoka may report a maximum of two times during one weigh in round.
• If the second weigh in does not meet the declared weight category, a change to a different category is possible for a 5 euro administration fee.
• It is not possible to test weight before an official weigh in.

Coaches

• Up to 5 judokas per day from the same club: 1 free coach card.
• Up to 10 judokas: 2 free coach cards.
• Higher numbers will be handled in the same pattern.
• Extra coach cards can be purchased for € 25,00 at the accreditation room.

Accommodation

Several hotels are available near the sports venue.

Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven
Offers a special Espoir discount.
To use this offer, complete the provided document and send it to reservations@eindhoven.valk.com.
Walking distance to the venue is approximately ten minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a blue GI?

No, you can participate in a white gi. It is of course allowed to use a blue gi during the matches.

Do I need an IJF approved gi?

No, the IJF approved gi is not a requirement.

Can I change weight categories after registration?

Yes. Free of charge until 31 December 2025 via email. During the tournament, changes are possible for a 5 euro fee if the second weigh in is not successful.

Is early weigh in allowed?

Yes. Judokas may weigh in one day before their match. 

Can I test my weight before the official weigh in?

Testing weight beforehand is not allowed.

What tournament format is used?

Double elimination for most categories. Brazilian system for large Men U18 and Men U21 brackets.

Where can I see who has registered?

All registrations are visible on the JudoManager portal.

Are coach cards free?

Yes, based on the number of participating judokas from the same club. Extra coach cards can be purchased during the tournament at a cost of € 25 per coach card.

Where can I find accommodation information?

A discounted offer is available at Van der Valk Hotel Eindhoven. Complete the provided document and send it to reservations@eindhoven.valk.com.

Where do I send questions or requests?

Email: info@dutchopenespoir.nl

Where can we park during the event?

Find more information on parking here.

Do you have a floorplan of the Sports Venue?

Please find a floorplan here.

Where can I register for the TopJudo Brabant trainingcamp?

You can register via this link.