World silver medallist, Zgank, organised the camp as a launch for his new judo academy, creating an environment for the sharing of knowledge, judo education at the heart of all preparations. Guest coaches 2018 world champion Saeid Mollaei, 2015 world champion Ryunosuke Haga and 2024 Olympic champion Andreja Leski offered tachi-waza and ne-waza nuggets, perfectly delivered to include everyone present.
Perhaps one of the most enlightening moments of the camp was a Q&A, hosted by well known judo writer and videographer Oon Yeo (MAS). The three technical coaches, Mihael Zgank and local double Olympian Kaja Kajzer were open to questions from both Mr Yeo and the camp participants.
Here is just a snippet of the Q&A -
Oon Yeo: “What might you say to a child who wants to be a champion?”
Kajzer: “You need to train with joy!”
Mollaei: “We are in a fighting sport; you must give everything, fight at 100%, always with respect for all of course and off the mat we are a family, but on the mat, no matter who you face, always give all.”
Zgank: “It is important for you to never stop learning. It’s one of the reasons I brought these champions here, to offer new ideas for you to incorporate into your judo. Getting better at judo helps you get better in relationships, in school and in life.”
Haga: “Enjoy judo and have good technique as a goal, always.”
Leski: “You must have both desire and dedication. Always put your all into your training. Knowing you are doing your best is always there as a safety net. Also, believe in yourself, have real belief.”
These three days in Celje were educational, inclusive, valuable and full of connections, between people, clubs and ideas. The second edition is already in the planning stage and if the debut is anything to go by, this is a camp to be locked in the diary. Congratulations to Mihael Zgank and his team of dedicated volunteers.
