Deutsche Judo-Bund

What Deutsche Judo-Bund does

The Deutsche Judo-Bund (DJB) is the national governing federation for judo in Germany, founded in 1953 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. It operates as a non-profit federation under the Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB) and is affiliated with the European Judo Union (EJU) and the International Judo Federation (IJF), organizing the sport from grassroots to Olympic level. The federation serves approximately 132,000 members organized through 18 state associations (Landesverbände) and around 2,200 clubs, providing competition pathways, coach and referee certification, national team selection, and mass-participation programming including dedicated segments for youth and masters athletes (Ü30).

DJB's product surface combines traditional federation services (event sanctioning, national championships, Olympic preparation) with a growing digital layer. In 2024 it launched DMV/DokuMe, an in-house digital membership management system, alongside the JudoPass digital credential for clubs, members, and coaches, digitizing administrative workflows that historically ran manually across the federated structure. It also produces consumer merchandise, exemplified by a November 2024 children's sticker collection book ("Stickerbuch zum Techniksammeln") priced at 15 EUR, and operates programming recognized externally via awards such as the Breitensportpreis 2024.

The federation's revenue model is the standard German national sport federation model: member dues flow from individual members through clubs and state associations, supplemented by public grants (DOSB and federal/state sport funding), sponsorship income from equipment and apparel partners, event hosting fees, and merchandise sales. Distribution is hierarchical — federation to 18 state associations to ~2,200 clubs — providing established last-mile reach into every German locality with judo activity. In 2024 DJB professionalized its commercial function by establishing a dedicated partnership management team to expand sponsorship ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle.

Name

Deutsche Judo-Bund

Legal name

Deutscher Judo-Bund e.V.

Website

https://judobund.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Deutsche Judo-Bund is the national governing federation for judo in Germany, headquartered in Frankfurt and serving over 132,000 members across 18 state associations and approximately 2,200 clubs, providing competition pathways, coach certification, digital member management, and Olympic-level team representation under DOSB.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

National Sports Federation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Spectator Sports (71121), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Combat Sports Clubs/Teams (MMA Gyms/Teams, Boxing Clubs, Pro Wrestling Stables) (MPAKABAC), Combat Sports Sanctioning Bodies & Commissions (Boxing/MMA/Kickboxing) (MPAKAFAI)

Keywords

• Judo federation
• Martial arts governance
• Coach certification
• Youth sports programs
• Competitive judo

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Revenue from affiliated clubs through state associations. Members pay dues through the federated club structure.
2. Event Hosting: Revenue from organizing national championships, Bundesliga competitions, and the Finals multi-sport event.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sales of branded merchandise including sticker books (15 EUR retail, 10 EUR for DMV-integrated clubs), official DJB products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Deutsche Judo-Bund (DJB) is the national governing body for judo in Germany, operating as a non-profit federation across 18 state associations and approximately 2,200 affiliated clubs serving more than 132,000 members. It delivers a comprehensive judo ecosystem including standardized Kyu/Dan grading, multi-tier coach certification (Trainer C/B/A/Diplomtrainer), organized competition pathways from grassroots to Olympic level, inclusive programs for athletes with disabilities, and a digital member management platform (DMV) with the JudoPass mobile application.

Product overview

The Deutsche Judo-Bund operates a multi-faceted digital and program-based ecosystem. The core digital infrastructure centers on the DokuMe-based DJB Portal and JudoPass App, which together provide the Digital Member Management (DMV) system for over 132,000 members across 18 state associations and nearly 2,200 clubs. The DMV system manages digital judo passes, license tracking, graduation records, SEPA direct debits, QR-code event check-ins, and wallet functionality. Supporting the digital offerings are physical products like the Stickerbuch zum Techniksammeln for children, along with programs including the Judo-Bundesliga league, Judo-Sportabzeichen badge program, DJB Vereinszertifikat club certification, ID Judo/Para Judo for athletes with disabilities, and Taiso fitness programs. The organization also publishes the DJB Magazin and facilitates the Judo Fan Club community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DJB Portal (DokuMe-based) The primary digital platform for the German Judo Federation, providing member management, license tracking, competition organization, and access to digital judo passes through the JudoPass App. Built on the DokuMe platform and provided as a subscription service to clubs and state associations.
• JudoPass App Custom mobile application enabling members to access their digital Judo Pass, manage licenses, view competition accreditations, store badges and achievements, and conduct QR-code event check-in. Replaces traditional paper passports.
• Digitale Mitgliederverwaltung (DMV) Digital member management system handling judo passes, license tracking, graduation records, electronic certificates, SEPA direct debits, QR-code event check-in, and wallet functionality for trainers managing multiple passes at tournaments. Provided on an annual subscription basis.
• Stickerbuch zum Techniksammeln A 72-page sticker book for children accompanying the first four Judo graduation levels (yellow to orange-green belt), featuring the DJB mascot Yoko and techniques demonstrated by Anna-Maria Wagner, with QR codes linking to video demonstrations.
• Judo-Bundesliga The German Judo Bundesliga league system including 1st League Men, Women's Bundesliga, and 2nd League Men, with structured competition schedules and championship finals.
• DJB Vereinszertifikat Club certification program with three tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) evaluating clubs across criteria including child protection, trainer qualifications, youth development, and broad sports offerings.
• Judo-Sportabzeichen Judo sports badge program offering recognition for judo skills and participation across multiple achievement levels.
• ID Judo / Para Judo Specialized judo programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID Judo) and physical disabilities (Para Judo), including adapted competition rules and inclusive training environments.
• Taiso The fourth element of judo, a fitness and gymnastics program offering courses from basic to advanced levels, with emphasis on fascial training and muscle length work.
• DJB Magazin Official monthly Judo magazine of the German Judo Federation providing news, technical content, and coverage of judo events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,200 judo gradings completed in first year
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DokuMe GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationDokuMe provides the digital membership management platform (DMV) and JudoPass app for the DJB's nationwide member administration system. This includes digital judo passes, wallet functionality for trainers, QR code check-in for events, and club management tools.
• IppongearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment sponsor providing judo gear supplies.
• Zebra AthleticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports equipment sponsor.
• FlexvitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResistance bands sponsor for judo training.
• BlackrollminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoam roller and recovery equipment sponsor.
• Deutsche SporthilfecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman Sports Aid foundation supporting elite athletes with financial assistance and career support programs.
• Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMilitary sports promotion program offering dual career opportunities for athletes serving in the armed forces while training for competitions.
• Bundespolizei (Federal Police)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal police sports program offering dual career pathways combining police service with competitive judo.
• Landespolizei (State Police Forces)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerVarious state police forces (Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Berlin, Hessen, Niedersachsen, NRW, Sachsen) offer dual career programs for judo athletes combining police service with sports training.
• sportdeutschland.tvcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSports media platform providing livestreaming services for judo competitions, enabling nationwide audience reach for events.
• TrainersuchportalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJob portal partner for posting coaching and trainer positions within the judo federation and club network.
• DOSB (German Olympic Sports Confederation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization for German sports. DJB is an Olympic federation assigned to DOSB, sharing headquarters facilities and participating in joint initiatives like FINALS multi-sport events.
• International Judo Federation (IJF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal governing body for judo. DJB is affiliated as the national federation for Germany, participating in world championships, Olympic judo events, and following international competition rules.
• European Judo Union (EJU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinental governing body for European judo. DJB is one of 50 member national federations, organizing and participating in European competitions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Nederlandse Judo Bond: Dutch national judo federation, one of the most successful European judo NGBs historically. Comparable to DJB as a neighboring national federation with strong international results and a similar club-and-association membership structure.
• Österreichischer Judoverband: Austrian national judo federation, member of EJU and IJF, and neighbor to DJB's territory. Comparable as a smaller-scale direct counterpart operating a similar Landesverband-style federated model in a different national market.

Broad incumbents

• Deutscher Karate Verband: German national karate federation under DOSB. Comparable to DJB as a peer German martial-arts NGB sharing the same umbrella organization, government funding channels, and club-based grassroots model.

Direct peers

• Judo Canada: National judo federation of Canada and member of the IJF and Pan American Judo Confederation. Direct counterpart to DJB for Canadian judo with similar club-based, regional-association federated structure.
• USA Judo: National governing body for judo in the United States, recognized by the USOPC and IJF. Direct peer to DJB governing clubs, national teams, and international competition participation for U.S. judo.
• British Judo: National governing body for judo across the United Kingdom, member of IJF and EJU. Directly comparable to DJB as a national judo federation governing clubs, competitions, and national teams in a European market.
• All Japan Judo Federation: National judo federation of Japan, the birthplace of judo and home of the largest judo ecosystem globally. Directly comparable to DJB as a national federation, though operating at substantially larger scale and brand recognition.
• Fédération Française de Judo: French national judo federation and one of Europe's largest judo NGBs. Direct counterpart to DJB with comparable federated structure, club network, and elite training pathways; operates the iconic INSEP training center.

Others

• Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund (DOSB): Umbrella organization for German Olympic sport federations, of which DJB is a member and with which it shares the Frankfurt headquarters. Comparable as the broader German sports governance, funding, and political-representation layer enveloping DJB.
• European Judo Union: Continental governing body of which DJB is one of 50 member federations. Comparable as the supranational judo governance layer that sanctions European Cups, championships, and pathways that DJB athletes and events feed into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/judobund
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/deutscherjudobund
• Facebookfacebook.com/Judobund
• Instagraminstagram.com/judo_germany
• TikToktiktok.com/@judo_germany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutscher-judo-bund-e-v

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutsche Judo-Bund