Royal Navy Judo Makes History at Inaugural European Uniformed Services Championships
The historic championships, organised by the European Judo Union (EJU), brought together judoka from 16 nations and a range of uniformed services, including military, police, fire and prison services. The inaugural event provided a new European platform for serving and former elite judoka to continue competing at international level.
Leading the way for the Royal Navy was CSgt Colin Francis, who produced an outstanding double-gold performance, claiming the Men’s -60kg Elite title before also taking gold in the Men’s -60kg Veterans category.
There was further success in the veterans competition, with Lt Cdr Dave Ferguson securing silver in the Men’s -81kg Veterans category, while AB Ken Harris completed the Royal Navy medal haul with bronze in the Men’s +100kg Veterans category.
The results saw Royal Navy Judo play a significant part in the first edition of a championship that the EJU believes can become an important fixture for uniformed services judoka across Europe. Following the event, EJU President Dr Laszlo Toth described the inaugural championships as a historic moment and confirmed that the competition will return in Skopje, North Macedonia, in October 2027.
Royal Navy results
🥇 CSgt Colin Francis – Men’s -60kg Elite
🥇 CSgt Colin Francis – Men’s -60kg Veterans
🥈 Lt Cdr Dave Ferguson – Men’s -81kg Veterans
🥉 AB Ken Harris – Men’s +100kg Veterans
A history-making debut for Royal Navy Judo at a championship that has opened a new chapter for uniformed services judo across Europe.