The 2014 competitive Judo calendar kicks off this weekend with a Grand Slam event in Paris, France this Saturday and Sunday. Since the wee hours of the morning, going by American clocks, Judokas have been hitting the mats in France, and now we are approaching the medal rounds.

France is a fixture in the Judo community and has been a yearly stop of the international Judo circuit since 1971. And being the first event of the year the top end talent and hot prospects alike are out to get those all important ranking points and start 2014 off on the right foot.

While sadly French Judo superstar Teddy Riner will not be taking part as he is still recovering from an injury, there is still plenty of Judo talent taking the mats. While all eyes are on Sochii and the Winter Olympics, these athletes are thinking ahead to 2014 and the Summer Games.

The weightclasses in action today are as follows:

Women : -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -63kg

Men : -60kg, -66kg, -73kg

So enjoy some truly world class throwing, pinning, choking, and arm twisting this week.

Click here for live brackets (select weight divisions on the left)