A good judo competition bag checklist covers the whole day: documents for the weigh-in, two gis if the rules require them, tape, water and food for the hours between fights. Pack it the night before, never on the morning itself. The list below is sorted by moment of the day rather than by type of item.
The night before: start from an empty bag
The right habit for every athlete is to empty the training bag completely, then start again from zero with the list in front of you. A competition bag packed on top of Tuesday's training kit always ends with a belt left at the club.
Three checks before you zip it:
- the judogi is washed and dry, with no tear at the collar and no seam coming apart;
- the sleeves reach the wrist when your arm is stretched out in front;
- the documents are in a separate pouch, not at the bottom of the bag.
Gi inspection is stricter than most people expect, especially from regional level up. Everything is explained in our article on blue and white judogi rules. If you are unsure about fit, the judo gi size chart helps you check.
For the weigh-in
This is the first moment when a forgotten item costs you. Without valid documents, you do not step on the scale.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Proof of federation membership | Required at almost every official event |
| Photo ID | For the identity check at the weigh-in |
| Record book or judo passport | If your federation uses one and the event asks for it |
| Medical certificate | If the entry information requires it |
| Suitable underwear | Weigh-in in underwear, according to the announced rules |
| Warm clothes | To cover up right after weighing in |
Paperwork rules vary between countries and between events, so read the entry information line by line. For how the weigh-in itself works, see our page on the judo weigh-in.
For fighting
- Two judogis, one white and one blue, if the event uses both colors. If not, one white gi and a spare.
- Your grade belt. Bring a red and a white belt if the organizer asks fighters to supply them.
- Zori or sandals for walking off the mat.
- A hair tie for long hair, with no metal parts.
Jewelry, piercings and watches come off before you step on the mat. Check the night before that everything comes off easily.
For your body
A club competitor always has a finger or an ankle that complains. The minimum kit:
- a roll of tape and round-tipped scissors;
- an elastic bandage for a weak ankle;
- a few gauze pads and plasters;
- an instant cold pack.
Tape your fingers before the warm-up, not in a rush between two fights. The method is shown in our article on finger taping for judo and BJJ. If a new pain appears or something limits your movement, stop and see a doctor. A local medal is not worth a ligament.
For the waiting
This is the part everyone neglects. A judo competition can mean six to eight hours at the venue for perhaps eight minutes of fighting. What helps you get through it:
- a full water bottle, plus a second one;
- snacks you know well: a banana, fruit puree, bread, a cereal bar;
- a hoodie and tracksuit trousers so you do not cool down;
- headphones;
- a towel.
What to eat in the days before is covered in our article on nutrition for judokas. On the day itself the rule fits in one line: nothing new, nothing heavy.
For afterwards
Two things nobody thinks to pack: a plastic bag for the wet gi, and something to write with. By the evening you will not remember your second opponent's grip. Ten lines written in the stands are worth more than an hour of trying to remember on Monday. We explain how in our article on the judo training journal.
The printable list
Short version, to tape inside the wardrobe door:
- Membership proof, photo ID, record book if required
- White judogi, blue judogi if required, belt
- Zori, hair tie
- Tape, scissors, bandage, cold pack
- Water bottle, snacks
- Tracksuit, towel, bag for the wet gi
- Notebook and pen
If this is your very first tournament, the wider preparation (entry, warm-up, nerves) is in our guide on how to prepare for your first judo competition. To see where this event sits in the bigger picture, read about judo competition levels.
A last tip for parents: pack the bag with your child, not for them. The day they forget their own belt is the day they never forget it again.