LIBERTY BELL 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Description
REGISTRATION INFO
Tournament location and Hotel Info along with specific registration details should all be posted by June. Please use this as your save the date until then!
Call Adam with any Questions: (215) 815-2555. If you are having issues registering please contact libertybelljudo@gmail.com or text Kristin at 215.470.4169.
During the event you can follow along the event on the smoothcomp for updates as to your division, bracket and start times. Please note that changes can occur live - be sure to be at the venue at least 1 hr before your initial listed time and to keep an eye on the tournaments progressions in person.
Rule for Fighting in 2 Divisions :
- Juniors may fight up a weight category in their age OR up age category in their weight class
- Senior Novice may fight up one weight class in Novice or same weight in Brown, Elite, or Veteran (if age applicable)
- Senior Brown may fight up one weight class in Brown belt or in same weight in Elite or Veteran (if age applicable)
- Senior Elite may fight up one weight class in Elite or same weight in Veteran (if age applicable)
- Veterans may fight in additional senior category OR up in age or weight in veterans
IF FIGHTING MULTIPLE DIVISIONS YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH. Discounts are applied for competing in multiple divisions!
Tournament director reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary to ensure safety and fairness for all competitors.
Senior Elites on the USA JUDO National Roster will be seeded 1-8 in their divisions.
SCHEDULE INFO
*Note: it is always reccoed to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the time that smoothcomp is estimating your matches (in case things speed up).
| Tentative Schedule Details | |
| SATURDAY (Sept 26) | SUNDAY (Sept 27) |
| 4-6 pm: Weigh Ins (hotel)- room TBD | 8 am Site Opens |
| 6-7pm: Referee Meeting (hotel)- room TBD | 8:30 am Coaches Meeting & Referee Meeting |
| 9:00 am : Opening Ceremony Followed by Competition starting | |
| ** Goal is to provide bracket start times by 10pm Sept 26th.** |
AWARDS INFO
1st - 2nd - 3rd place Liberty Bell Judo Classic Medals for each Division - Additional Special Awards will be given out!
Prize money is awarded in the Black Belt senior elite divisions- the more people that are in your division, the larger the pot you can take home!
| PRIZE MONEY FOR ELITE DIVISIONS | |||
| # Competitors in Division | 1st Place | 2nd Place | 3rd Place |
| 2-5 people | $100 | ||
| 6-10 people | $250 | ||
| 11-15 people | $450 | $150 | |
| 16+ people | $750 | $250 | $50 |
KATA will unfortunately not be available this year, but will return in 2027!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Liberty Bell 2026?
The tentative schedule lists weigh-ins and a referee meeting on Saturday, Sept 26, and the site opening, meetings, opening ceremony, and competition on Sunday, Sept 27.
When are weigh-ins?
Weigh-ins are scheduled for Saturday, Sept 26 from 4–6 pm at the hotel, room TBD.
What is the Sunday schedule?
On Sunday, Sept 27, the site opens at 8 am, the coaches meeting and referee meeting are at 8:30 am, and the opening ceremony is at 9:00 am followed by competition starting.
When will bracket start times be available?
The goal is to provide bracket start times by 10pm Sept 26th. Competitors should follow Smoothcomp during the event for updates to divisions, brackets, and start times.
How early should competitors arrive?
Competitors should be at the venue at least 1 hour before their initial listed time. The description notes that live changes can occur and that matches may run earlier than estimated.
Can competitors fight in two divisions?
Yes, but competitors fighting multiple divisions must register for both, and discounts are applied for competing in multiple divisions. Specific rules apply by age and category for which additional division may be entered.
What are the rules for entering a second division?
Juniors may fight up a weight category in their age or up an age category in their weight class. Senior Novice, Senior Brown, Senior Elite, and Veterans have listed options to fight up by weight, age, or category depending on eligibility.
What awards are offered?
Liberty Bell Judo Classic medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division, and additional special awards will be given out. Prize money is awarded in Black Belt senior elite divisions based on the number of competitors in the division.
Is kata available at this event?
No. KATA will not be available this year, but the description says it will return in 2027.
Who can I contact with questions or registration issues?
Call Adam with questions at (215) 815-2555. For registration issues, contact libertybelljudo@gmail.com or text Kristin at 215.470.4169.
