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On the 4th and 5th of November, the 2023 German University Championships (Deutsche Hochschulmeisterschaften or DHM Judo) took place in Konstanz, Germany, where top university judoka gathered to prove their skills in competition.
One of the unique aspects of this year's DHM Judo was the participation of universities from beyond Germany's borders in the so-called "four-country triangle". In addition to the German teams, there were also representatives from Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, adding to its international flair.
The DHM Judo was a two-day event, with the first day dedicated to individual competitions and the second to team events. Spectators were treated to an impressive display of technical mastery, explosive throws and fierce determination as the judoka battled it out on the mats.
The DHM Judo Championships
The DHM Judo has a long and storied history, dating back decades as an annual event organised by the German University Sports Association (ADH). This prestigious national championship brings together the best university judoka from across Germany to compete for titles.
Over the years, DHM Judo has grown in both size and prestige, attracting the best young talent from Germany's universities. The event has served as a springboard for many judokas, helping them to gain valuable experience and exposure before entering the professional ranks.
The "international edition" of 2023
Last year, the organisers sought to broaden the international reach of the championship, which was held in Konstanz, Germany. For the 2023 edition, universities from Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland were invited to participate for the first time. This move not only added an exciting new dimension to the competition, but also fostered greater cross-border cooperation and exchange within the German-speaking university judo community.
As students from Swiss universities, we were given an invaluable opportunity to gain experience and test our skills against the best university judoka from Germany and neighbouring countries on a national stage.
As we were all newcomers and for most of us it was our first time competing in a tournament, we were eager to prove ourselves against the established university clubs, and our performance did not disappoint. Several of us managed to get past the first rounds against more experienced judoka, and some of us even secured podium finishes, winning silver in the team competition.
Aside from the competition, we also enjoyed the great opportunity to connect with our peers off the mats and foster the beginnings of new cross-border friendships that embody the most important aspect of our sport: the collaborative spirit to break down barriers and create a welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds to come together and bond over their shared passion for the art of judo.
Saru Senshi Zurich in Konstanz
Most of the members who participated in this event are now the founders of Saru Senshi Zurich. At the time, we were not allowed to really represent the university as a club and most of us did not have the proper licence to compete. However, the ADH was incredibly generous and allowed us to compete. With the new connections made and the motivation generated by this event, the first stone was laid that day towards the foundation of Saru Senshi Zurich, which will allow students from the University of Zurich to officially compete in tournaments from 2024 onwards.
Overall, the 2023 German University Judo Championships in Konstanz were a resounding success, combining international atmosphere, fierce competition and the camaraderie of judo across borders. The event provided a platform for talented judoka to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience, setting the stage for future editions of this prestigious tournament. We thank the ADH for inviting us to share in this incredible experience and hope that it will be repeated in the years to come.
Congratulations to Jana B. and Ragavan T. on winning their first silver medal!
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