Soon it was clear that the brand wanted the IJF licence to compete on the big stage of the judo world.
In 2018, IPPONGEAR got approved by the International Judo Federation and released its first IJF model, the IPPONGEAR Legend. Living legend Lukas Krpalek was amongst the first athletes in IPPONGEAR winning the European Championships title in the heavyweight category in Tel Aviv, April 2018. The first major title for the new IJF brand.
The following year, Lukas Krpalek topped his performance in Israel clinching the World Championships title in Tokyo, August 2019. Next to the IPPONGEAR team captain, many prosperous young athletes joined the team. Amongst them, youngster Matthias Casse. Fresh from a European Games Silver medal in Baku, he also collected a first senior World Silver medal in the motherland of Judo.
In 2020, the Covid pandemic hit the judo world as well but short before the lockdown break, Matthias Casse won the prestigous Paris Grand Slam which granted him the #1 spot on the 81kg World Ranking List.
As the #1 seed, Matthias Casse went to Budapest the year after to reach one of his big dreams - becoming the World Champion under 81kg.
He did it together with Barbara Matic and Anna Maria Wagner, two other IPPONGEAR athletes who clinched their first World Championships titles that day. A total of 9 medals went to IPPONGEAR athletes at the last biggest event before the Olypmic Games in Tokyo.
In July 2021, the whole world was longing for the Olypmic Games in Tokyo, the first Olympic Games in IPPONGEAR history. The team was ready and didn't disappoint. A total of 7 medals went to our athletes. The highlight, Lukas Krpalek's historic performance to crown him double Olypmic, double World and double European Champion. He is the first male Judoka in history to win all three major tournaments in two different weight categories.
For the IPPONGEAR brand, the first Olympic Games were the highlight and the closing of the first 5 brand years. We want to use the this moment to to thank all athletes, clubs and federations for the trust in IPPONGEAR. Your loyalty and friendship drives us to reach new goals.
We are ready. READY FOR CHAPTER 2.
