Over the course of nearly eight years, Franz Kofler has travelled through 26 European countries and covered close to 100,000 kilometres on a simple but powerful mission: promoting peace, respect and a closer relationship with nature through judo. Among those kilometres, more than 16,000 were completed by bicycle, reflecting the ecological commitment that has accompanied the project from the beginning.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it has been carried out entirely without sponsors and at his own expense, driven solely by a belief in the values he wishes to share. Project 1000 is not about performance or records. It is about encounters.
From local dojos in small villages to larger clubs in major European cities, every visit has created an opportunity for dialogue, friendship and cultural exchange. Along the way, Franz has met thousands of judoka, coaches and young athletes, all united by a common language: judo.
Over the years, his journeys have become a moving symbol of connection in a world often marked by division and uncertainty. Travelling slowly, often by bicycle, allows time for genuine human interaction and for rediscovering the importance of simplicity, solidarity and respect for the environment.
The latest stage of the project took Franz through Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, continuing a journey that has already inspired many across Europe.
Reflecting on the milestone, Franz emphasised that the true value of the project lies not in the numbers but in the experiences gathered along the road. “The experiences I gained on these journeys are immeasurable, from heartfelt encounters to the powerful messages of peace and nature that I was able to experience during my visits.”
His initiative echoes the spirit of the International Judo Federation and its ongoing commitment to peace, education and social development through sport. Through projects such as Judo for Peace, the global judo family continues to demonstrate that judo is much more than competition, it is a tool to build bridges between people and communities.
Project 1000 is a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with one person, one bicycle and one sincere desire to bring people together, and after 700 club visits, the journey is still far from over.
