This event also represented a milestone for the IJF Academy, as it was the first time a parallel practical session was arranged to accommodate a high number of participants. While Kraków welcomed Polish judoka, the other session took place in Belgrade, Serbia, ensuring that no aspiring coaches or officials were left behind.
The Kraków session was hosted at the University of Physical Education (Sports University) of Kraków, offering exceptional facilities and smooth organisation. Vice President of the Polish Judo Federation, Sylwester Gawel, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, "We managed the daily routine of the organisation with huge success. Mark Huizinga and I, we fought three times as competitors, so it was a pleasure to meet him here again, this time as an IJF Academy expert."
IJF Academy experts Tina Trstenjak, Daniela Krukower, Mark Huizinga and Tibor Kozsla, head of the IJF Academy Institute, led the session, sharing their expertise and assessing the candidates’ performances.
Among the participants were some of Poland's most celebrated judoka. Olympic champion, two-time world champion and three-time European champion Paweł Nastula, and Olympic, world, and European medallist Aneta Szczepańska, both took part in the session. Their presence added to the prestige of the event and underscored the depth of judo tradition in Poland.
The Polish students delivered outstanding results, with the group achieving one of the top three highest average scores in the history of IJF Academy practical sessions, a testament to the high standard of Polish judo.
Krzysztof Wilkomirski, President of the Polish Judo Federation, also participated in the practical session and distinguished himself by achieving the highest average examination score, finishing top of the class. His achievement sets an inspiring example for future generations of Polish judo professionals.
This groundbreaking session in Kraków not only showcased the talent and commitment of Poland’s judo community but also set a new benchmark for excellence within the IJF Academy framework.