Young Judoka Naida Camic Secures Bronze at Belgian U15 National Championship
Naida Camic, a rising star in judo, achieved a significant milestone in her young career this past Saturday, February 17, 2026, securing a bronze medal at the Belgian U15 National Judo Championship held in Tielt. The 12-year-old athlete, representing the Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the competition, building on previous successes that saw her crowned vice-provincial and regional champion in the over 63 kg weight class. This victory marks a notable achievement for the Eupen-based club, representing their first medal at a state championship since Kattrin Jadin’s win in 1997.
The competition began with a challenging quarter-final match against an opponent from Ostend. Despite a strong effort, Camic was defeated by two well-executed throws, sending her to the consolation round. However, she quickly regrouped, leveraging the momentum from her earlier regional and provincial victories to fight her way back into contention for a medal. This ability to overcome adversity proved crucial to her ultimate success.
A Hard-Fought Path to Bronze
The initial fight in the consolation round presented a hurdle, with Camic receiving a penalty point for what officials deemed excessive defensiveness. Undeterred, she refocused and secured a decisive victory in her subsequent bout, earning her a place in the bronze medal contest. The final match saw Camic face a highly offensive opponent from Flanders. Displaying tactical awareness and determination, she secured a clear ippon victory with a well-timed hip throw, claiming the bronze medal.
Judo, a modern martial art and Olympic sport, emphasizes principles of efficiency, balance, and leverage. An ippon, meaning “one full point” in Japanese, is awarded when a judoka throws their opponent onto their back with considerable force and speed, or achieves a submission. The International Judo Federation governs the sport internationally, setting rules and organizing major competitions.
Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen: A Hub for Martial Arts
The Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen, Camic’s home club, has a rich history spanning 70 years. The club, based in Eupen, Belgium, emphasizes judo and ju-jitsu as both recreational activities and pathways to self-improvement, fostering values of politeness, helpfulness, respect, and humility. The club offers training for all ages and skill levels, with sessions held at the Irmep-Halle Bellmerin and the PDS-Halle 1. Judo training for adults takes place on Wednesdays and Fridays, while children’s judo is offered on Wednesdays and Fridays as well. Ju-Jitsu training is available on Tuesdays.
Luca Kochkiani, another member of the Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen, previously came close to a podium finish at the U18 level last year, securing 5th place. Camic’s bronze medal represents a significant step forward for the club, demonstrating the dedication of its athletes, and coaches. The club’s commitment to developing young talent is clearly bearing fruit, as evidenced by Camic’s success.
Looking Ahead
Naida Camic’s achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the quality of coaching at the Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen. Her performance at the U15 National Championship qualifies her for the Belgian Championship, where she will have the opportunity to compete against the nation’s top young judokas. The date and location of the Belgian Championship have not yet been announced, but further details will be released by the Belgian Judo Federation.
The success of young athletes like Camic highlights the growing popularity of judo in Belgium and the importance of providing opportunities for youth to participate in martial arts. Judo offers not only physical benefits but also valuable life skills, such as discipline, respect, and self-confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Naida Camic won a bronze medal at the Belgian U15 National Judo Championship.
- She represents the Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen, which has a 70-year history.
- This represents the club’s first state championship medal since 1997.
- Camic qualified for the Belgian Championship with her performance.
The Royal Judo & Ju-Jitsu Club Eupen continues to nurture young talent, and Camic’s success is sure to inspire other aspiring judokas in the region. Stay tuned for updates on Camic’s progress and the upcoming Belgian Championship. We encourage readers to share this story and leave their comments below.