When the European Judo Union renewed its partnership with Danrho for 2026, it felt less like a contract signing and more like a continuation of a long-standing friendship. Speaking with Rob Kocheise, CEO of Danrho, it quickly became clear that this relationship goes far beyond logos and banners. It is rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a genuine love for judo.
“It is funny because even though we are competitors, we are friends,” Rob said with a smile as he parted from the seats he shared with other judogi suppliers. “We party together, we sit together, we eat together. It is so nice.” That spirit is something anyone who has spent time around the judo family will recognise. For Rob, that sense of community is one of the sport’s greatest strengths and one of the reasons Danrho continues to invest in it.
Looking back on Danrho’s sponsorship journey with the EJU, Rob was open about what has delivered the most value. “Honestly, I would say the social media exposure,” he explained. “The banner placement everywhere looks wonderful, very well done. When we see highlights of judo competitions and the branding is there, that has been really important for us and we appreciate it.”
Beyond visibility, the partnership has helped Danrho stay closely connected to the heart of European judo. Rob works directly with distributors across Europe and hears first-hand how much they value the exposure and support. “They enjoy it because it helps their business and it helps them sell our products,” he said. “That feedback means a lot to me.”
With the contract renewed for 2026, Rob’s hopes for the coming year are refreshingly straightforward. “I would honestly like to continue the way it is going,” he said. For Rob, this isn’t just about brand exposure, it is about celebrating athletes and telling their stories. “Not just focusing on the brand but on the athletes themselves. Seeing a real ippon, the score, the moment, that kind of social push can help grow the sport, especially for people who don’t do judo yet.”
Corporate social responsibility is another area close to his heart. Danrho, he explained, wants to remain part of judo’s traditional, fair and family-oriented culture. “That is who we are,” he said. “And we want to continue that.” Looking ahead, he sees opportunities to do more, particularly around adaptive support and using sport as a tool for positive development. “Anything we can do to strengthen the already positive image of judo and take it to the next level.”
Rob also spoke candidly about the future of the partnership, suggesting that there is room to think more creatively together. “If there were more opportunities to cooperate on imaging or new ideas, ways to strengthen the brand and strengthen judo as a sport together, that would be advantageous for everybody. We share our pillars and we can all rise up together.”
As the interview came to a close, one question summed it all up: is he happy? Rob didn’t hesitate. “I am very happy,” he said simply. “I love judo.” And that, more than anything, explains why this partnership continues to thrive.
Author: Szandra Szogedi