This picture says it all: Varlam Liparteliani and Tengo Zirakashvili surrounded by children that not only look at their medals but can touch them and feel the spirit of judo. Teaching at the Kids Camp at the European Senior Championships Tbilisi 2026 is a lot more than just another training session for the champions.
“It is very inspiring for the children to make friendships from a young age and share cultural values and languages” Liparteliani, a three-time European Champion and Olympic silver medalist, said. “When I was 10, 11 years old I was training only inside Georgia. These kids here are so happy to be here and I am sure a lot of them will become champions.”
Zirakashvili agreed: “This is a great project, because the new generation is the key to success, to have healthy children and successful judoka”, he noted. “It is a big pleasure for me to be part of this. It gives me a lot of energy to watch the kids and I remember my own childhood. I want to pass something on, explain new techniques and show the Georgian style of judo.
“Camps like this are essential for the new generation,” Zirakashvili continued. “The new generation is the fundament of each country.”
Even though Liparteliani is a member of the parliament and works with a youth orgasization, he is a regular at the training center to help and give advice. “Judo is my life”, he shared with a smile. “I had the best time of my life when I was travelling, competing, getting medals. The judo qualities teach you for life.”
Which is especially important in current times. “Social media is a big problem”, Liparteliani pointed out. “The children are just sitting at home on their phones. Judo makes them to go out, become more social, to get into physical shape, live a healthier life.”
While Liparteliani is retired and focuses on passing on his legacy, the 2023 Junior European Champion Zirakashvili is just at the beginning of his career.
“My personal coach Guram Modebadze is like my father and he does the best for me,” the 22-year-old student said. “I am ready to fight for the gold in Los Angeles 2028 with my family, the new member of my family my girlfriend Ani and her family, with Guram and the Georgian Judo Federation an all staff, my friends and supporters from Georgia.”
But Zirakashvili is active not only on the tatami. He studies at university and started his own business, setting another example for the young generation.
Author: Tatjana Flade
Author: EJU Media