The martial art form called jiu-jitsu has had an intense presence in Split since the beginning of 2000 when JJK Uragan, under the leadership of former fighter and trainer Hrvoje Znaor, hit the first foundations of national and international success, reports Dalmacija Danas on February 16, 2019.
Conquering the first medals at official Croatian competitions (thanks to Pave Hazdovac and Hrvoje Znaor), followed by medals at international tournaments such as the European and World Budo Games, and finally at the European and World Championships, primarily under the auspices of the international Genshinkan Federation based in Russia (St. Petersburg), the city of Split is positioned as an inevitable martial arts destination.
On the wings of significant sporting events and organizing competitions from year to year, the city of Split and JJK Uragan (who this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary) hosted the European and World Cups and championships (Genshinkan World Cup, Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Cup) which each time saw hundreds of athletes from over 20 countries around the world.
Over the last six years, the world’s greatest legends of the martial arts scene have visited Split, including Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Ray Sef, Semmy Schilt, Dan Inosanto, Thom Harincck, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Bill Wallace and many other international martial legends, with Croatian warriors such as Damir Škao, Branko Cikatić, Vojislav Vujević, Vjekoslav Šafranić, Goran Borovac, Slaven Planinić, Marko Žaje and more.
Thus, this year, in late July, the city of Split and JJK Uragan, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, and under the auspices of the International Genshinkan Federation, will be the proud host of the Jujitsu World Cup, where over 300 contestants from all over the world are expected to arrive. The highlight of the entire event will be the donor gala dinner “Angels Night” for the Anđeli Association, where special prizes will be given to new laureates in several categories.
This is an excellent example of how sport knows no boundaries and how great fighters and good people show their heart in helping those who need it most.
To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
