The European Branch Chief Meeting was held prior to the European Kudo Junior Championships held in Vilnius, Lithuania on February 28, 2026.

The meeting covered the following items:

1.Referee Meeting

Prior to the Branch Chief Meeting, a Referee Meeting was held with all Branch Chiefs in attendance. The following items were addressed:

• Review of “Descriptions about revision of the KIF Tournament Rules”
• Explanation of correct answers to Workbook questions
• Explanation of Final Calls by the Chief Referee
• Explanation of “Requirements for the practical skills examination”

 

2.EKC’s Structure after this March

Following the resignation of Mr. Takahashi, Head Director of KIF, who had been serving as interim Chair of the EKC, it was decided that the following countries will serve as core members of EKC for the next two years:

Georgia, Bulgaria, Malta, Lithuania, Ukraine

Georgia will chair the European Branch Chief Meeting during the Europe-Asia Cup.

 

3. 2026 Event Schedule in Europe

Confirmation of events currently confirmed was conducted.

 

4. 2027 European Kudo Junior Championships

Discussion was held regarding candidate host locations.

 

5. 2027 European Kudo Championships

It was decided to hold the event in Kaunas, Lithuania, at the end of June 2027.

 

6.Treatment of the Russian Kudo Federation and its Athletes

The host country Georgia reported on the treatment of athletes belonging to the Russian Kudo Federation during the European-Asian Cup scheduled for June 27-28, 2026, in Georgia.

Additionally, KIF made an explanation regarding the handling of the Russian Kudo Federation for the foreseeable period after 2028.