The EJU is proud to announce the new partnership with ESSIMO. Today the CEO, Patrick van Kalken, signed the new PREMIUM PARTNER contract.
The former Dutch athlete took a bronze medal in the 1999 World Championships and retired from competitive judo following the Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000. However he did not want to lose judo from his life, and instead founded the sport brand company ESSIMO.
“I was not happy with the fit of the judogi in that time and my aim was to create better judo suits. I knew what Judoka needed. So I founded ESSIMO.”
CEO Patrick van Kalken
Essimo has a huge range of combat sports equipment. From judo suits to karate suits and from boxing gloves to puzzle mats. You will find it all at Essimo and also an excellent customer service.
At the moment the Dutch company distributes in more than 30 countries.
“When I heard of the new sponsor and marketing concept of the EJU I was immediately enthusiastic. The new ‘Rescue Plan’ plan sounded impressive especially after one year of the COVID pandemic and difficult economic times. It has been my wish for a long time to be partner of the EJU. Now is the right time to do it.”
“I am confident that together with the European Judo Union we can increase our network and the awareness and visibility of our brand.”
ESSIMO is a brand from Judoka for Judoka. Of course Patrick van Kalken is still a huge fan of the sport and one thing he is missing at the moment.
“I am looking forward to visit judo tournaments, with top judoka but also with a full venue and cheering spectators.”
Author: Sören Starke