r/judo • u/Gman10respect nikyu • 1d ago

Competing and Tournaments How high level are Area Opens?

I've done a few Area Opens like London and the NHC and I always find the really high level people are there, I know there level 4's so most be relatively high level. But how hard is it to do well in them.

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u/Thek40 1d ago

Compare to what? the level is relative to your level, a pro will probably steamroll the London Open.

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u/Gman10respect nikyu 1d ago

Like compared to national and international events, not like Olympics.

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u/Thek40 1d ago

Don't know the national level of the open, but the international level of the event is very low.
I don't think you will find a truly top Judoka in an event like this.

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u/efficientjudo 4th Dan + BJJ Black Belt 1d ago

The area opens are the lowest level point scoring events for national rankings.

The guys that are winning them are usually the ones towards the top of the national rankings, with the occasional outsider.

The nationals are contested by the people that make the podium in the area opens.

But with all due respect, most of those people aren't doing anything of note internationally.

Those doing the international events don't do the AOs - you might bump into one at the nationals if they decide to participate.

If you regularly attend area opens and are familiar with your category, taking a look at the BJA rankings list will give you a good idea of how things are.

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u/Gman10respect nikyu 1d ago

Thanks very much for that lovely explanation