Auckland Uni Judo club Scholarship No.5

Ivica with his eyes shut

As most of you know, living and training in New Zealand is very difficult as a judoka. I very much would like to thank University Judo Club and Rick Littlewood for the chance you have given me with this scholarship. In a sport like judo financial assistance goes a long way and is excruciatingly difficult to find. This scholarship will help me develop into a stronger and better judoka. It will also be useful training before the international events I will be competing in in the latter part of the year.


This will be my fourth time to Japan but by no means similar surroundings. Kyoto is completely new to me as I have spent most of my time in Japan in Osaka and Tokyo. Despite my numerous times in Japan, my Japanese is very limited so I will also attempt to improve that aspect while I am there. But the main purpose of course is judo. To fight and train in the birthplace of judo and the best judo nation in the world. I am looking forward to the challenge...


A bit about me- I was born in Zagreb, Croatia and I emigrated to New Zealand in 1995. I started doing judo when I was seven following my older brother who had already started in Zagreb. You could say I don't really know life without judo. I first started competing internationally for New Zealand in 2005 and since I have competed at Junior World Championships, Kano Cup, Tokyo Grand Slam and other international events.


If all goes to plan this scholarship will improve my judo CV and I once again look forward to the challenges ahead of me. Once again thank you to the University Judo Club and Mr Littlewood.


Ivica