This year's event brings together 457 athletes from 59 nations, all competing for international honours on the tatami. Yet there is something noticeable about this championship that extends beyond the potential of the competitors: the organisation team includes numerous Olympic, world and European medallists who have transitioned from elite competition to leadership roles within the IJF.
"Two decades ago, Tina Trstenjak and I were in the same position as these judoka are now," reflects Hedvig Karakas, IJF Sport Director, world medallist and European champion. "We began our friendship back then and now we are sitting together in the Executive Committee of the IJF."
Ms Karakas emphasises the profound impact that encountering established athletes had on her own development, "Seeing and meeting already successful judoka meant everything to me. It reinforced my decision to remain with judo and practise even more."
Among the IJF staff present in Guayaquil, one of the most recognised is Yuri Alvear, the Colombian three-time world champion who now serves as an IJF sport commissioner. Her message to cadets is one of reassurance and perspective, "There is tomorrow!" Witnessing young athletes compete at their world judo championships evokes powerful emotions for Ms Alvear. "Whether they are upset after missing out on a medal or sad after losing a final, the most important message is not to worry," she says. "These championships should be about gaining experience, enjoying the journey and remaining committed to high-performance judo."
Yuri also notes the remarkable evolution in cadet-level performance recently, "While cadets were once treated as children back in my cadet years, today's young judoka demonstrate technical skills often seen at junior and senior level." She also highlights the transformative potential of judo, particularly in the Pan-American region, "Judo can be life-changing, particularly in South America, where high-performance sport is not always an easy path. Beyond character and personal development, judo can offer professional opportunities and financial stability."
IJF Referee Director Tina Trstenjak, a European, world and Olympic champion, acknowledges the unique obstacles facing today's young athletes, "Transitioning through the ranks in judo comes with significant physical and mental challenges but even if you experience losses as a cadet, it is only the beginning of the journey; you must never give up because success can still follow," she says. "Today, young athletes face unique modern obstacles, including digitalisation and constant disruptions that were not present in the past," Ms Trstenjak observes. "What makes cadet competition so special to watch is their raw, direct fighting style. They attack with pure technique without overthinking the tactics, either throwing or being thrown as they go all in."
As a referee director, she emphasises that competitive sport is only one chapter in a judoka's story: "You don't have to follow the traditional path into coaching; there are endless opportunities to remain connected to the sport you love and give back in different roles. Seeing women step into leadership positions on major platforms proves that everything is possible, sending a powerful message to young female judoka that they can make real changes, lead and reach the very top."
IJF Head Referee Director Mr Armen Bagdasarov, Uzbekistan's first Olympic medallist, sees continuity in the emotional experience of competition. "I watch the athletes and my memory brings back exactly the same feelings, the nervousness before a fight, the excitement and the happiness after an ippon throw," he says. "Judo principles have not changed; you must still show character, technical preparation and give all the best you have inside."
However, he stresses that safeguarding young athletes remains paramount, “Our absolute priority as the IJF Refereeing Commission is safety. We enforce rules against dangerous techniques strictly, to protect young athletes' developing bodies and teach proper standards." Mr Bagdasarov views the cadet category as the foundation of judo's future, "Today's cadet competitors are tomorrow's Olympic podium finishers." His message to the next generation is clear, "To every young judoka, remember that a cadet world championship title is just the beginning of your career, not the end point. Do not lose your motivation after early success or setbacks. Keep fighting non-stop towards the ultimate goal of an Olympic medal."
Mr Imre Csosz, a Hungarian heavyweight who won Olympic bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Games and became European champion in 1995, represents one of the most experienced staff members on site. "It is wonderful to see how cadets today perform more advanced judo than we did 40 years ago," he observes. "More nations are doing a fantastic job developing judo locally. To me, this shows how our beloved sport continues to evolve." For Mr Csosz, the presence of former competitors in current organisational roles carries weight, "Seeing former judoka among the organisers at competitions shows the next generations that judo is a lifestyle and can remain part of your life forever."
Imre also notes the developmental value of the event for emerging coaches and officials: "For many young coaches and national team members, the cadet worlds is their first international competition at the IJF level. They need to learn our rules and requirements; thus, they evolve, and the transition for them will be easier."
IJF Referee Supervisor Matthieu Bataille, a French world and European champion, emphasises the dual nature of officiating at cadet events. "It is never easy to control everything on the tatami but my colleagues are doing a fantastic job to help avoid any injury," he says. "Judo is about never-ending learning and we also always learn something as referees."
Like his colleagues, Mr Bataille believes the visibility of former athletes in leadership positions provides invaluable inspiration, "I do believe that seeing us, accomplished athletes, still working in judo, gives wonderful feedback to the young ones that you can spend a lifetime in judo."
Before the competition even began at the Coliseo Voltaire Paladines Polo, the draw demonstrated one more area where the IJF stands out in the world: dual careers for women. The governing body of judo was represented by IJF Secretary General Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Sport Director Ms Hedvig Karakas and IJF Referee Director Ms Tina Trstenjak. "Sharing the table with my two younger female colleagues, who are both former top athletes, gives us three women at the table, which is a positive reflection of the progress the IJF is making towards greater gender equality, while also always recognising that everyone is there because of their competence and expertise," Dr Lisa Allan. "Working with former athletes and younger colleagues, women and men alike, is always inspiring. It sends an important message to today's athletes that there are many opportunities to remain involved in judo and to build a successful career after their competitive journey ends."
At the World Judo Championships Cadets, the new series was also discussed. "By expanding the World Judo Tour with more cadet and junior events, we are strengthening the pathway for the next generation and connecting these competitions with the world championships. Hosting a WJT event allows federations to support young judoka through high-quality, affordable competition, while adding educational and cultural activities. It also gives athletes and federations greater international visibility through JudoTV and social media, all within the IJF calendar," Dr Allan.
The journey for these cadets has only just begun. The question is no longer whether they can succeed in judo but how far they will go and what legacy they will leave for the coming generations.
Follow the action of the IJF World Championships for Cadets Individuals and Mixed Teams on judoTV.com.