When Czech judoka Lukáš Krpálek defeated reigning world champion Takamasa Anai in the quarterfinals of the 2010 London Olympics, it marked the beginning of an unprecedented career. Over the next decade, the athlete would go on to claim world and Olympic titles in both the under-100 kilogram division and the sport’s heaviest weight category—a feat no judoka had previously accomplished.
This September, his remarkable journey will reach cinema audiences in Jemný rváč (which translates to Gentle Fighter), a new documentary by Czech director and screenwriter Adolf Zika. Opening in domestic theaters on Sept. 25, the film recounts Krpálek’s rise through the sport’s most competitive ranks, told in part through the voices of his greatest rivals, including Anai and other legends of Japanese judo.
Produced by Zipo Film in co-production with Czech Television and distributed by CinemArt, Jemný rváč offers a rare inside look at the mindset, discipline, and international respect that Krpálek earned throughout his career. A newly released trailer offers glimpses of interviews, competition footage, and the Budókan arena where Krpálek cemented his place in judo history.
From Prague to Tokyo’s Budókan
The documentary follows Krpálek’s path from his early years in the under-100 kilogram category to his eventual dominance in the super heavyweight division. In 2010, his victory over Takamasa Anai at the London Olympics signaled a shift in the balance of judo’s elite ranks. Filmmakers note that Krpálek’s later decision to move into the over-100 kilogram category even influenced the thinking of Japan’s judo masters, traditionally dominant in the lighter classes.
Krpálek’s achievements culminated in historic victories at the World Judo Championships in Tokyo, where he became the first judoka to win titles in both his original and the heaviest weight classes.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, held in the storied Budókan arena, he defeated all four of his opponents on points to secure another gold medal in the super heavyweight division. The victory prompted a rare public tribute from Anai, who expressed respect and humility before Japan’s judo elite.
The film also includes commentary from other icons of the sport, such as French judoka Teddy Riner, a multiple Olympic and world champion who triumphed in the super heavyweight category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Czech Olympian and filmmaker Petr Jákl, along with actor and former competitive judoka Ondřej Vetchý, contribute personal reflections on Krpálek’s career.
A portrait of willpower and respect
While Jemný rváč documents Krpálek’s victories on the tatami, its focus extends beyond the physical demands of the sport. According to the filmmakers, the story is ultimately about mental strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
“True power does not come from the size of muscles or the strength of tendons, but primarily from the mind,” reads the distributor’s statement.
Director Zika, known for his work in both documentary and feature filmmaking, uses a mix of archival footage, candid interviews, and behind-the-scenes material to craft a portrait of a champion who remains active in competition.
Now competing at around 121 kilograms, down from his peak weight of 126.5 kilograms, Krpálek finished seventh at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest earlier this year. The film’s release comes as Krpálek continues to compete, offering audiences a living chapter in Czech sporting history.
