Patrick van Kalken returned to Prague this year not as a competitor, but as a guest of honour. Invited by Pavel Volek, President of the Czech Judo Federation, he came to enjoy the Prague European Open and reconnect with the sport that has shaped his life. For Essimo, the company he now leads, the Czech Republic is a key country: many of its judokas compete in Essimo uniforms, and the nation continues to produce remarkable talent.
When Patrick van Kalken reflects on his judo career, Prague holds a special place in his memory. In 1999, he stood on the top step of the podium at a tournament here, a victory that meant a lot for the foundation not only for his athletic success but also for the business he would later build.
“1999 was a great year and the European title followed in 2000. That win in Prague set me up for the World Championships in Birmingham,” van Kalken recalls. “I finished third in a field of 53 competitors at 66 kilos. Honestly, that was perhaps an even better performance than my fifth place at the Sydney Olympics. The Olympics are seen as the ultimate stage, but in terms of level, Birmingham was tougher. That bronze medal in Birmingham was a real highlight.”
Yet Prague 1999 was memorable for another reason. Among the competitors that day was Jiří Vaněk, a Czech judoka who suffered an early exit while van Kalken went on to win. Years later, their paths crossed again in an unexpected way: Varna became Essimo’s distributor in the Czech Republic.
“Life is funny,” van Kalken says with a smile. “In 1999, I was on top and he was out in the first round. Years later, Jiří Vaněk became one of our most successful salesmen. He built Essimo’s presence in the Czech Republic and made the brand grow there. That’s a story I’m really proud of.” One year later Van Kalken captured the European title in Warsaw followed by his fifth place at the Olympic Games in Sydney.
The bridge between competition and business was built from personal experience. “Already in 1999, I had the idea of making my own judogis. There were decent uniforms available, but it was always about the fit. We tweaked and tailored until we created something that felt natural, a uniform where an athlete could feel at their best.”
That philosophy still drives Essimo today. The company pioneered the “slim fit” judo uniform, designed not just for comfort but also for performance. “If a gi feels like a second skin, it gives the athlete confidence,” van Kalken explains. “We’ve been doing this for 25 years, and we’re very proud of what we’ve built.”
Pride is especially fitting, because Essimo is a true family business. Patrick runs the company together with his wife Jacqueline, who has been involved from the very beginning. Their children have also become part of the journey, ensuring that Essimo is not only a brand with roots in judo, but also in family tradition.
Van Kalken also takes inspiration from today’s athletes. “I really enjoy the judo style of the Azerbaijan judoka,” he says. “It reminds me of Mark Huizinga’s style years ago, unforced, impulsive, judo from the heart, scoring from every angle. We’re proud of our relationship with some of the athletes of the Azerbaijan team, whom we sponsor. Of course, we’d like everyone to wear an Essimo uniform, but we take it step by step.”
Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear. “After 25 years of refining our uniforms, the next step is securing more contracts with national federations,” he notes. “What I want most is for every judoka, from grassroots to elite, to feel proud and comfortable in what they wear. It’s not just about uniforms, it’s about supporting the spirit of judo and finding the best fit for everyone.”
As the Prague European Open once again brings together athletes from across Europe, van Kalken’s story comes full circle. From winning on the mats in Prague to seeing Essimo thrive internationally through partnerships with figures like Jiří Vaněk. With his own family by his side, his journey shows how the values of judo, respect, resilience, and connection, can transcend a successful business in judo.
Author: Hans Van Essen