Tinka Easton has brought the Illawarra region success on the opening day of the Judo National Championships at WIN Entertainment Centre.

The Oceania champion collected a swag of medals in the under-52kg division, claiming gold in the under-17s, silver in under-20s and bronze in the seniors.

The bronze medal was Easton's first in senior competition, capping off a brilliant weekend for the 16-year-old.

Easton was the first of many Illawarra athletes competing at the championships, with a host of other competitors taking the floor today.

In a rare experience for athletes, the WIN Entertainment Centre provides a facility like no other on the Australian judo calendar.

"It's been above all expectations," event organiser Ben Broadhead said.

"It's the first time we have had big screens in Australian judo, so we have been able to play the finals out using the WIN Entertainment facilities.

"From a player's perspective it's a perfect venue for the judo."

This year the event grew from 500 to 800 competitors, with organisers hoping to expand on that number again next year.

With two years left on the present agreement, Broadhead is hopeful the successful partnership can continue.

"I'd love to stay in Wollongong beyond [the agreement] if we can come to an arrangement with the venue and the council," he said.

"It has been well supported by people in the local community, and the staff on hand ... have been first class.

"It's been a welcome relief to see it all go to plan, we couldn't have hoped [for] it to go any better."

The four-day championships conclude today.