YJP Junior Olympic Championships Grant Application

Purpose:

The Youth Judo Project (YJP) is an initiative created by the Yoshihiro Uchida Legacy Foundation to remove financial barriers and expand opportunities for young judoka across the United States. The program supports youth athletes through competition grants, training opportunities, mentorship and pathways that help them continue developing in the sport.

Throughout the year, YJP provides targeted opportunities to help promising athletes access key developmental experiences in judo.

The YJP Junior Olympic Grant is a time-specific funding opportunity within the Youth Judo Project designed to support young athletes who plan to compete at the 2026 USA Judo Junior Olympic Nationals.

Through this grant, YJP aims to help ensure that talented and dedicated judoka—especially those facing financial barriers—have the opportunity to compete on the national stage and continue progressing in their athletic development.

To learn more about the Youth Judo Project and its mission, CLICK HERE.

Grant Award Amount:

Selected applicants may receive grants of up to $500 to support participation in the 2026 USA Judo Junior Olympic Nationals.

Grant funds may be used to offset competition-related expenses including:

  • Travel and transportation

  • Lodging

  • Tournament registration fees

  • Meals and other necessary competition expenses

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be planning to compete in the 2026 USA Judo Junior Olympic Nationals.

  • Grant funds must be used solely for expenses related to attending this event.

Priority may be given to athletes who demonstrate financial need, commitment to judo, and strong potential for continued development in the sport.

Application Process & Timeline:

  • Applications Open: March 20, 2026

  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

  • Grant Award Announcement: TBD

Applicants may be contacted for additional information during the review process.

Important Instructions:

Please complete all sections of the application.

Incomplete applications may not be considered. Be as specific and honest as possible in your responses. If a question does not apply to you, please write “N/A.”