The energy was electric at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila as the Philippine Judo Federation (PJF) hosted the 2025 PJF National Judo Championships on March 29 and 30. Held at the venue’s Badminton Hall, the tournament drew in the country’s top judo athletes along with Filipino-descended talents from Japan, Australia, and Great Britain.
Judokas from across the Philippines—including NCR, Calabarzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Zamboanga—battled it out for national titles. But more than medals were on the line: this year’s tournament doubled as a scouting ground for future members of the National Judo Team, raising the stakes for every match.
Open Weight Battles Steal the Spotlight
Both the Seniors and Juniors Divisions saw a high level of competition, with clubs and regional delegations sending their best to the mat. A major highlight was the return of the Open Weight category—allowing judokas to step outside their usual weight classes and challenge a wider range of opponents.
Gabriel Benedict Quitain and Joemari-Heart Rafael came out on top in the Seniors Open Weight divisions, showing not just power, but sharp tactical skills under pressure. In the Juniors, Paolo Dolor and Margaret Fajardo delivered standout performances, claiming gold in their respective Open Weight brackets and signaling their arrival on the national stage.
Building Toward Bigger Goals
With the curtains closed on this year’s championships, the PJF is already looking ahead. The talent on display this weekend has given the federation confidence as it gears up for upcoming international tournaments.
