On April 4, the Lithuanian Students' Judo Championship was held in Kaunas, where approximately 90 athletes from across the country participated. The participants competed not only for the top places but also to test their physical and mental limits.
In the weight category up to 63 kilogrammes, a second-year student of the Bachelor’s study programme Economics and Management, Gertrūda Leonavičiūtė, won third place. This victory is impressive because the athlete returned to competition after an injury, and her decision to participate was quite spontaneous.
“I am glad I decided to participate—this victory means a lot to me,” says the student.
Judo philosophy and economics have a lot in common
Judo came into Gertrūda's life quite unexpectedly, after she met a coach at the Kaunas District Sports Centre, Rasa Steponaitytė. The coach’s professionalism and genuine desire to help quickly won the student over. For Gertrūda, training is not just a physical exercise, but also a way to relax, a sense of community, and an opportunity for personal growth.
Gertrūda has to find a way to balance sports and her studies every day. “Motivation can be temporary, so it is crucial to stay disciplined—that is what keeps you moving forward even when things get tough,” she explains.
The student is fascinated by the fact that judo requires more than just physical strength. It is a sport with its own philosophy and clearly defined values—respect, self-control, and discipline. In judo, technique, strategic thinking, and the ability to use an opponent’s strength to one’s advantage are of paramount importance. Gertrūda also observes these connections in her studies.
“As an Economics and Management student, I see how much sports and my studies have in common—strategy, discipline, the ability to plan for the future, and the ability to assess external factors,“ she observes.
According to the student, her chosen field of study is based on a philosophical approach that helps her better understand how the economic world operates, how people make decisions, what their needs are, and what motivates them.
Perseverance makes it possible to realise all ideas
Gertrūda chose Vilnius University for its prestigious status and the opportunities it offered. At the same time, the Kaunas Faculty was a natural choice for her love of her hometown and the community-oriented atmosphere.
“The friendly Faculty community allows you to be yourself, grow, and enjoy your studies,“ says the student.
Gertrūda was drawn to her studies in Economics and Management because of the career opportunities they offered—ranging from jobs in the public sector to leadership roles in the business sector or starting her own business.
Through her active involvement in the activities of Vilnius University Students' Representation in Kaunas Faculty and her role this year as Human Resources Coordinator, Gertrūda has once again come to realise just how important a supportive University community is. When asked how she manages to balance her studies, sports, and community activities, the student replies with a smile: “If you really want to, you can do anything.”