performances that reflected the growing strength and technical quality of kata across our region.
New Zealand’s Sam Manu and Phouphayly Palilavong delivered a strong performance in the Goshin-Jutsu, achieving an impressive score of 436 points. While their final ranking did not reflect the full quality of their presentation, the pair demonstrated excellent control and commitment, highlighting the development of kata in New Zealand.
After a challenging Day 1 in the U23 Nage-No-Kata, Australia’s Bernhard and Bianca Tandean returned to the tatami with renewed focus in the U23 Ju-No-Kata. Their efforts paid off as they advanced to the finals and ultimately placed 6th in the world—a remarkable result in a highly competitive field. With only a narrow margin separating them from the podium, their performance was a testament to their talent, resilience, and composure on the world stage.
The Oceania Judo Union congratulates all athletes and officials who represented the region in Las Vegas. The performances across both days show that the level of kata in Oceania is continuing to rise, supported by the passion and dedication of our judoka.
We look forward to building on this momentum in future international events and thank all those involved for their contribution to a successful campaign.