A different Georgian route: Rekhviashvili’s reverse seoi nage and European moments

Turning 35 became a moment of reflection for Zebeda Rekhviashvili — a chance to consider a career defined by experimentation and a steady refusal to follow a single template.

He started judo in 2001 at ten years old, despite different wishes from his parents. A state-run dojo introduced him to judo and sambo; the discipline and respect he found there convinced him that this was his path.

His European record stands out: European Open winner in Oberwart (2014) and Minsk (2018), part of Georgia’s European Open team titles in 2012–2014, silver at the Paris Grand Slam 2017 and bronzes in Ekaterinburg in 2017 and 2018. He also celebrated Bundesliga success in Esslingen with TSV Abensberg in 2019 and competed for Fighter Tbilisi during his peak years.

On the tatami he chose a different technical course. Influenced by Choi Min-Ho and Lee Won-Hee, he developed a distinctive reverse seoi nage and adapted tai otoshi; he even performed a flying juji gatame competitively. He grew to value ne waza and studied compatriots like Varlam Liparteliani to broaden his game.

Injuries took a heavy toll — both anterior cruciate ligaments, a badly damaged right shoulder and other recurring problems led to his retirement in 2023 after representing Serbia from 2021. He moved into coaching, working with Robert Mshvidobadze under Jean-Pierre Millon with the Chinese women’s team, reaching the Olympic level with some athletes, and later contributing again to Georgian judo. Married with three children, his legacy is less about following tradition and more about trying, adapting and enduring.