Competing on home soil, Canada produced an outstanding performance, topping the medal table with eight gold, six silver and five bronze medals. Italy claimed one gold medal through Giovanni Tarabelli and Angelica Tarabelli in Ju-no-Kata seniors, while the United States secured gold in Nage-no-Kata seniors thanks to Joshua Lehmen and Roy Tuua. Switzerland added a silver medal, with Spain and Hong Kong, China each earning a bronze.
The host nation enjoyed success across almost every discipline. Canada captured titles in Nage-no-Kata juniors, Katame-no-Kata in cadets, juniors and seniors, Ju-no-Kata juniors, Kime-no-Kata seniors, Goshin Jutsu seniors and Itsutsu-no-Kata seniors. The depth of the Canadian squad was impressive, with several podium finishes in several categories, underlining the country's continued investment in kata development.
Among the day's standout performances, Kelly Palmer and Wesley Enns enjoyed an exceptional competition. Already crowned the winners of Katame-no-Kata seniors, they went on to claim a second gold medal in Itsutsu-no-Kata seniors, demonstrating remarkable versatility and consistency. Shane Rooney also left Laval with two medals, partnering Xiao Kang Hu to win Kime-no-Kata seniors before taking fourth place alongside the same partner in Katame-no-Kata seniors.
International competition remained strong throughout the event. Italy's Giovanni and Angelica Tarabelli produced the highest score of the Ju-no-Kata senior final to take gold ahead of Canada's Simon Gauthier-Hansen and Juliette Mireault, while Switzerland's Fabrice Beney and Laurence Jeanneret-Berruex completed the podium. In Nage-no-Kata seniors, the American pair Joshua Lehmen and Roy Tuua edged a highly competitive Canadian field to secure the title.
With athletes representing Canada, the United States, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Hong Kong, China and the IJF, the event reflected the truly international nature of kata and the growing enthusiasm for its practice around the world. While the host nation celebrated a memorable day of success, the overall standard of performance confirmed once again that kata continues to thrive as both a competitive discipline and a living expression of judo's technical and educational heritage.
RESULTS
