In kata championships, the same judogi regulations apply as in any other championships. However, the demands on the material are completely different from those in shiai. This poses a particular challenge for the reigning World Champions in Ju-no-kata and European Champions in Koshiki-no-kata, Ulla Loosen (GER) and Wolfgang Dax-Romswinkel (GER). Like all other teams, they must find a judogi model that fits both partners equally well. This is especially tricky for them, as they have completely different body types—and sometimes even compete against twin siblings.
But that's not all. In Ju-no-kata, the partner's judogi is not gripped at all, and in Koshiki-no-kata, only in a few techniques. Instead, both kata include a range of movements where the arms are stretched above head height. The judogi jacket should slip out of the belt as little as possible, and it must not pull the belt upward under any circumstances. What might not matter at all in shiai can be a major issue in kata.
This means kata judogi not only have to fit perfectly, but they also quite literally need to "stay in good order" throughout the demonstration. Because finding such suits is extremely difficult, Ulla and Wolfgang have been competing in the same two judogi since 2016—partly custom-sized and brought back from Japan.
"We experienced a lot of frustration during the first seven years with suboptimal suits, and to be honest, we didn’t believe we’d ever find such well-suited judogi again," says Ulla Loosen. "That’s why we’re all the more grateful that IPPONGEAR is now providing us with judogi of outstanding quality, which are absolutely equivalent."
The pair’s big goal this season is, of course, the Kata World Championships in Paris this November, where for the first time, titles in Koshiki-no-kata will also be awarded. Their mission: to defend their title in Ju-no-kata and, at the very least, confirm their status as the best Europeans in Koshiki-no-kata.
We can’t wait to see this powerhouse duo compete in IPPONGEAR. Proud to support and represent true champions on their kata journey!
