The Cascade Community Centre is set to host a thrilling judo tournament on October 18, marking the first event of its kind in six years organized by the Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC). This eagerly anticipated competition coincides with the club’s upcoming 30th anniversary in 2026, making it a significant milestone for the judo community. Approximately 40 judokas will take to the mat, demonstrating their strength, skill, and sportsmanship in a celebration of the martial art. The tournament will feature both traditional judo matches and submission grappling, reflecting the growing interest in grappling disciplines nationwide. In a nod to judo’s roots, the event will revive traditional contest rules, including leg-grabs as practiced by the Kodokan in Japan, offering a refreshing alternative to the Olympic-style format. Highlighting the event, former Olympian Christopher George, the first judoka from the country to compete in the 2016 Olympics, will face off against Xavier Jones, a former world-ranked cadet judoka. Additionally, young talents Adam Laing and Ky-Lynn Smith, both 13, will showcase their skills, promising an exciting display of judo’s future. The tournament begins at 10 am, with registration closing at 6 pm on October 17. Established on November 7, 1996, QPJC continues to foster judo excellence and community engagement.