Galeb Summer Camp 2025: Three Decades Forging Taekwondo Legends
By Carlos Hernandez
August 11, 2025
Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. In the green heart of Serbia, where the forests seem to embrace every step and the air smells of summer, the Galeb Summer Camp celebrated its 30th anniversary with an energy felt not only on the tatamis but throughout every corner of the city.
From July 31 to August 8, 2025, more than 600 competitors, along with 94 coaches, officials, and staff members from 40 countries, gathered to experience something far beyond sport: it was family, tradition, and passion.
A Camp with an Olympic Spirit
From dawn, the halls of Hotel Zepter filled with athletes full of dreams, dressed in their practice gear and ready to perform at their best. The murmur of conversations in multiple languages blended with the sharp sounds of kicks being practiced in the training rooms. There, cadets, juniors, and seniors followed a rigorous schedule of two daily training sessions designed to refine technique and strengthen the mind.
It was reported that athletes or representatives from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Oman, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, AIN, and Venezuela attended the event.
On August 5, one of the most intense moments took place: the Test Match, where athletes put their skills to the test against some of the best in the world. Among them, Olympic medalists Adriana Cerezo (ESP) (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (HUN) (gold in Paris 2024) stood out, as well as world champions like Luana Marton (HUN) and Bozadic. From the Americas, international multi-medalist Andrea Ramírez (Colombia) also made a notable appearance.
The Three-Decade Gala
As night fell, the lights in the main hall announced a historic moment: the 30th Anniversary Gala held on August 6. Senior athletes and honored guests relived memories spanning three decades. There were laughter, applause, long embraces, and tears—testaments to how this camp has transcended sport to become an international brotherhood.
“WE HAD WEEKS OF ACTION, TRAINING, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER NEW TALENTS. OUR COACHES GAVE THEIR BEST, AND THE ATHLETES WERE INSPIRED EVERY DAY TO IMPROVE.”
— Dragan Jovic, taekwondo legend and the soul of the camp, who to this day continues with consecutive extra training days, now in Belgrade.
Training to the Limit
On the mat, the demand was at its highest. Blocks, combinations of kicks to the body and head, and combat simulations were all part of the routine. “The coaches we invite always give their best effort in teaching innovative techniques,” Jovic explained.
“WE WANTED TO GUIDE THE COMPETITORS THROUGH DIFFERENT SITUATIONS SO THEY WOULD LEARN TO THINK LIKE CHAMPIONS.”
The sessions were complemented with private training for those who needed extra attention. The technical team was made up of world-class figures: Dragan Jovic, Seyed Khalifeh Nemat, Reza Imanzadeh, Uroš Todorović, Stevan Rašić, Milan Milovanović, Radomir Samadzic, Nebojša Šakić, and the renowned coaches Jesús Ramal and Suvi Mikkonen.
A special mention goes to Dr. Snežana Banković, whose work and empathy were recognized by the entire team: “She was compassionate with everyone who needed her help; thank you.” — Galeb Team
The presence of double Olympic champion Milica Mandić was also a must, as she, together with her family, brings both warmth and inspiration to the Camp.
A global taekwondo family
"IN THE LAST 30 YEARS, MANY ATHLETES HAVE TRAINED HERE. WE ARE A FAMILY."— SEYED KHALIFEH NEMAT Y REZA IMANZADEH
From the Americas, René Forero, an Olympic coach and president of the Colombian Taekwondo Federation, arrived, stating: 'We fully trust in the vision and energy of this event.'"
Vrnjačka Banja: the perfect stage
The setting was as important as the training itself. Vrnjačka Banja offered lush forests, parks, festivals, an open-air cinema, a wine fair, shops, and restaurants. The Hotel Zepter combined luxury and comfort, making athletes and families feel at home.
An Impact That Crosses Borders
The spirit of the Galeb Summer Camp didn't stay in Serbia. With nearly 5 million online views from the official broadcast, the experience reached Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, connecting the global taekwondo community.
Key Figures
Thirty Years Later…
The Galeb Summer Camp remains what it always dreamed of being: a place where champions are forged not just in combat, but also in values.
In Vrnjačka Banja, taekwondo once again proved that it is more than a sport: it's a family that gathers every summer to celebrate friendship, respect, and the passion for self-improvement.
GALA
Editor's Note: Thanks to the Organizing Committee of the Galeb Summer Camp for recognizing our media outlet, mundotaekwondo.com, which is celebrating four years of working alongside this event. We are proud to be a part of it and wish Dragan and his incredible projects a long life.
Source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/"
By Carlos Hernandez
August 11, 2025
Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia. In the green heart of Serbia, where the forests seem to embrace every step and the air smells of summer, the Galeb Summer Camp celebrated its 30th anniversary with an energy felt not only on the tatamis but throughout every corner of the city.
From July 31 to August 8, 2025, more than 600 competitors, along with 94 coaches, officials, and staff members from 40 countries, gathered to experience something far beyond sport: it was family, tradition, and passion.
A Camp with an Olympic Spirit
From dawn, the halls of Hotel Zepter filled with athletes full of dreams, dressed in their practice gear and ready to perform at their best. The murmur of conversations in multiple languages blended with the sharp sounds of kicks being practiced in the training rooms. There, cadets, juniors, and seniors followed a rigorous schedule of two daily training sessions designed to refine technique and strengthen the mind.
It was reported that athletes or representatives from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Oman, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, AIN, and Venezuela attended the event.
On August 5, one of the most intense moments took place: the Test Match, where athletes put their skills to the test against some of the best in the world. Among them, Olympic medalists Adriana Cerezo (ESP) (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (HUN) (gold in Paris 2024) stood out, as well as world champions like Luana Marton (HUN) and Bozadic. From the Americas, international multi-medalist Andrea Ramírez (Colombia) also made a notable appearance.
The Three-Decade Gala
As night fell, the lights in the main hall announced a historic moment: the 30th Anniversary Gala held on August 6. Senior athletes and honored guests relived memories spanning three decades. There were laughter, applause, long embraces, and tears—testaments to how this camp has transcended sport to become an international brotherhood.
“WE HAD WEEKS OF ACTION, TRAINING, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER NEW TALENTS. OUR COACHES GAVE THEIR BEST, AND THE ATHLETES WERE INSPIRED EVERY DAY TO IMPROVE.”
— Dragan Jovic, taekwondo legend and the soul of the camp, who to this day continues with consecutive extra training days, now in Belgrade.
Training to the Limit
On the mat, the demand was at its highest. Blocks, combinations of kicks to the body and head, and combat simulations were all part of the routine. “The coaches we invite always give their best effort in teaching innovative techniques,” Jovic explained.
“WE WANTED TO GUIDE THE COMPETITORS THROUGH DIFFERENT SITUATIONS SO THEY WOULD LEARN TO THINK LIKE CHAMPIONS.”
The sessions were complemented with private training for those who needed extra attention. The technical team was made up of world-class figures: Dragan Jovic, Seyed Khalifeh Nemat, Reza Imanzadeh, Uroš Todorović, Stevan Rašić, Milan Milovanović, Radomir Samadzic, Nebojša Šakić, and the renowned coaches Jesús Ramal and Suvi Mikkonen.
A special mention goes to Dr. Snežana Banković, whose work and empathy were recognized by the entire team: “She was compassionate with everyone who needed her help; thank you.” — Galeb Team
The presence of double Olympic champion Milica Mandić was also a must, as she, together with her family, brings both warmth and inspiration to the Camp.
A global taekwondo family
"IN THE LAST 30 YEARS, MANY ATHLETES HAVE TRAINED HERE. WE ARE A FAMILY."— SEYED KHALIFEH NEMAT Y REZA IMANZADEH
From the Americas, René Forero, an Olympic coach and president of the Colombian Taekwondo Federation, arrived, stating: 'We fully trust in the vision and energy of this event.'"
Vrnjačka Banja: the perfect stage
The setting was as important as the training itself. Vrnjačka Banja offered lush forests, parks, festivals, an open-air cinema, a wine fair, shops, and restaurants. The Hotel Zepter combined luxury and comfort, making athletes and families feel at home.
An Impact That Crosses Borders
The spirit of the Galeb Summer Camp didn't stay in Serbia. With nearly 5 million online views from the official broadcast, the experience reached Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, connecting the global taekwondo community.
Key Figures
- 600 competitors
- 94 coaches and staff
- 40 countries represented
- 2 daily training sessions per category
- Nearly 5 million online views
- 3 decades of shaping champions
- "In the last 30 years, many athletes have trained here. We are a family." — Seyed Khalifeh Nemat and Reza Imanzadeh
- "Our coaches gave their best, while the athletes were inspired every day to be better." — Dragan Jovic
- "We fully trust in the vision and energy of this event." — René Forero
- "It was wonderful to reunite and feel what the taekwondo family means." — Dragan Jovic
Thirty Years Later…
The Galeb Summer Camp remains what it always dreamed of being: a place where champions are forged not just in combat, but also in values.
In Vrnjačka Banja, taekwondo once again proved that it is more than a sport: it's a family that gathers every summer to celebrate friendship, respect, and the passion for self-improvement.
GALA
Editor's Note: Thanks to the Organizing Committee of the Galeb Summer Camp for recognizing our media outlet, mundotaekwondo.com, which is celebrating four years of working alongside this event. We are proud to be a part of it and wish Dragan and his incredible projects a long life.
Source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/"
