“Season 5 of the Judo Nomad project has officially begun and I could not have hoped for a better start than Croatia, the 55th country on my journey. After spending several weeks in France organising the road ahead, stepping back onto the mats in Croatia felt like a perfect transition.
The journey began in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, where I was invited by Judo Klub Mladost. Arriving in the midst of a heavy snowstorm, the weather initially limited attendance, but also offered a rare and striking view of the city in winter.
The highlight of this first stop was a winter seminar led jointly with special guest Mihael Žgank. Together, we conducted sessions for both young judoka and elite competitors. Meeting Mihael and the Mladost coaching team was an incredible experience. As someone who has travelled the world throughout his career, Miha truly understands the nomadic lifestyle. Discussions even began around possible future collaborations with Žgank’s new academy in Slovenia.
Following the successful sessions in Zagreb, invitations arrived from across the country quickly. The next destination was Rijeka, where I honoured a promise made a year earlier at the IJF Academy to Slaviša Bradić. Reuniting with Mr Bradić and witnessing the impressive structure he has built was a powerful moment. With 11 coaches working within a community recognised as a 'European City of Judo,’ Rijeka stands as a strong example of how deeply judo can be embedded in local culture. Although the visit was brief, the spirit of judo was unmistakably present.
A long ten-hour bus journey, once again through snowy landscapes, led to Vinkovci. Despite the short stay, the programme was intense. I visited the local museum to explore the city’s rich history and even stopped by the fire station to promote judo within the community.
The local club went the extra mile, creating custom T-shirts featuring the Judo Nomad logo. The warmth of the welcome was such that the visit was covered by local media, shining a spotlight on a club that plays an active role in its community.
Travelling south presented logistical challenges and a planned stop in Split had to be cancelled due to lengthy travel times, despite strong contacts established through Olympic champion Barbara Matić.
Arriving in Dubrovnik, however, felt like stepping into another world. Snow gave way to sunshine, palm trees and the city’s iconic medieval surroundings. Hosted by Judo Klub Fortitudo, I spent a full week immersed in club life, building strong connections with members.
One particularly unique experience was leading a judo-based self-defence session for Dubrovnik’s renowned water polo team, which includes several Olympic champions, a powerful example of judo’s relevance beyond the tatami.
As I'm writing I am now in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted by Borsa Judo Klub. Their academy is a dream, exactly what I imagine for my own ‘after-Nomad’ chapter, but that story will come later.
A return to France is next, for the Paris Grand Slam, where I have the honour of being nominated for the IJF Awards. After Paris, one final visit near the Croatian–Italian border will precede the next stage of the journey into Italy, which already promises to be particularly busy.
Season 5 could not have begun better. Just a month ago, the project was facing serious financial challenges but the generosity and support of the Croatian judo community have given the mission the oxygen it needed to continue. With renewed energy and gratitude, the Judo Nomad journey moves forward once again, carrying judo values from one mat to the next.
See you at the Paris Grand Slam."