From the wind-swept cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the polished tatami of the veteran Europeans (M5, -81kg), Bugvi Poulsen’s journey is anything but ordinary. Though now based in Denmark, the Faroese judoka carries his island identity with pride and a deep love for the sport that has shaped much of his adult life. “I tried a bit of everything, football, swimming but judo was the one that stuck,” – Bugvi recalls with a modest shrug. “I was never very good at football. Maybe that’s why judo clicked.”
That spark ignited when he was just 12 years old, setting him on a path that eventually led to coaching, competition, and most recently, success in the veterans’ circuit. “I started veterans in 2022. It was really exciting for me, I even took gold that year at the Europeans,” – he beams. “That pushed me to keep going.”
Since, he took a silver (2023) and a bronze (2024) at the veteran world championships too. Yet, Bugvi’s story is also one of movement between countries. Born in the Faroe Islands, he lived in Denmark during his youth from 1994 to 2000 before returning home, then eventually resettling in Denmark in 2007. Now a teacher at a craftsman school for carpenters in Horsens, Jutland, he balances professional life with judo, training up to six times a week: “Monday, Wednesday, Friday it’s judo, then I will add some strength training or conditioning work. It keeps me balanced.”
That discipline is essential, especially in veteran-level competitions where age does little to dull the intensity of a contest. Yet Bugvi admits, even with all the preparation, the mental game can be the hardest part. “In my last fight, I thought I had scored a waza-ari, but it was taken away,” – he says, candidly recalling his last contest at the 2025 Europeans. “It frustrated me, and it ruined my match. The mental part didn’t follow, and that’s what I have to work on. At this level, it’s not just about physical strength, the mind must be sharp too.”
Despite the occasional setback, Bugvi’s passion for judo stays firm. Whether he is competing, coaching, or simply training, the sport remains at the core of his life. “Judo has followed me my whole life. Even when I moved around, it was always there.” He now coaches in his local club in Horsens, a small but active hub with around 20 senior judoka and 40 children. “It’s not a big club, but it’s close-knit, and it’s important to keep it going.”
That sense of responsibility extends beyond Denmark. For Bugvi, representing the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of just over 50,000 people, is deeply meaningful. “For me, it’s the most important part to show people back home that we are still doing judo. That it’s a sport you can keep doing your whole life.” With around five clubs across the islands, Faroese judo may be small in scale, but its heartbeat is strong. “They can hold competitions and that’s what matters,” – he says. “If I can inspire some Faroese judoka to keep going, then that’s my goal.”
Joining the veterans’ circuit wasn’t just about rekindling competitive fire, it was also a chance to reconnect, with the sport, and with fellow judoka at the same stage of life. “Some of the guys in my club encouraged me to give it a go,” – Bugvi recalls. “And it’s great. Competing with people your own age is fun. We all know the old tricks, and when we get tired, we laugh and we go back to old-school judo.” Bugvi also notes how the sport has evolved: “It developed a lot since I joined, it is more technical now. You see the difference when you compete with younger people, they are faster, more explosive but veterans’ judo has its own rhythm and richness.”
Outside of judo, Bugvi is a family man. Living in Horsens with his wife and children, he takes pride in watching his eldest son return to the sport. “My kids did judo when they were younger and now my oldest is back on the mat, just for the joy of it. That’s what it should be about.” When not teaching, training, or spending time with family, Bugvi also dabbles in drawing, enjoying quiet moments of creativity.
In many ways, Bugvi represents the enduring spirit of judo: resilience, humility, and a constant hunger to grow. Whether he is mentoring young athletes or standing on the podium at a veterans’ championship, he does so with the quiet pride of someone who never gave up on his sport or his roots. “Competing makes you a better practitioner and training makes you want to compete. It’s a cycle. A good one.” As long as that cycle keeps spinning, the spirit of Faroese judo, through Bugvi Poulsen, will continue to thrive.
Author: Szandra Szogedi