Zagreb ⟷ Ankara

Building Bridges Through Martial Arts

Discover how our unique partnership between Taekwondo Klub Dubrava in Zagreb and Acilim College in Ankara creates transformative cultural connections. Through martial arts, mothers and daughters from Croatia and Turkey forge international friendships that transcend borders.

Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of armsCroatia
Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and starTurkey
European Union flag with circle of twelve gold stars on blue backgroundEU Funded
Two young women in white taekwondo uniforms with colored belts practicing high kicks together in bright training hall

2

Partner Schools

150+

Families Connected

Our Partner Schools

Two exceptional institutions united by a shared vision of empowering women through martial arts and cultural exchange.

Modern taekwondo training facility in Zagreb with wooden floors, mirrored walls, and students practicing forms
Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of arms

Taekwondo Klub Dubrava

Zagreb, Croatia

A leading martial arts institution in Zagreb, dedicated to empowering women and girls through traditional Taekwondo training combined with modern teaching methodologies.

2008

Established

200+

Students

8

Instructors

Program Specialties

Family Training ProgramsWomen's EmpowermentYouth DevelopmentCompetition Preparation
Spacious martial arts training hall in Ankara with high ceilings, traditional Turkish architectural elements, and students in white uniforms
Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and star

Acilim College

Ankara, Turkey

An innovative educational institution in Ankara that integrates martial arts training with academic excellence, fostering cultural exchange and female empowerment.

2012

Established

180+

Students

6

Instructors

Program Specialties

Cultural IntegrationAcademic ExcellenceMother-Daughter ProgramsInternational Exchange

Two Cultures, One Vision

Discover how Croatian and Turkish traditions blend beautifully in our martial arts program, creating a unique cultural fusion that empowers women across borders.

Martial Arts Tradition

Croatian taekwondo student in white uniform performing precise side kick with perfect form in training hall
Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of arms

European Discipline

Croatian martial arts emphasize precision, technical excellence, and structured progression through belt systems.

Turkish martial arts practitioner in traditional uniform meditating in peaceful training space with natural light
Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and star

Eastern Philosophy

Turkish martial arts blend ancient wisdom with modern techniques, focusing on mental strength and spiritual growth.

United Through Martial Arts

Together, we combine technical precision with philosophical depth, creating a holistic approach to martial arts training.

Family Values

Croatian mother and daughter in matching taekwondo uniforms smiling together after training session in bright gym
Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of arms

Community Bonding

Croatian culture values close-knit family units and community support, with emphasis on shared activities and collective growth.

Turkish family of three generations in martial arts uniforms standing together proudly in training facility
Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and star

Generational Respect

Turkish tradition honors intergenerational relationships, with deep respect for elders and nurturing of youth through shared experiences.

United Through Martial Arts

Our program celebrates both cultures' dedication to family, creating spaces where mothers and daughters grow stronger together.

Female Empowerment

Young Croatian woman in blue taekwondo uniform executing powerful high kick with confidence and strength
Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of arms

Progressive Equality

Croatia's modern approach encourages women to pursue any path, breaking traditional barriers through education and sports.

Turkish female martial artist in white uniform demonstrating advanced technique with determination and skill
Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and star

Emerging Strength

Turkey's evolving society increasingly supports women in sports, creating new opportunities for female athletes to excel.

United Through Martial Arts

By sharing our journeys, we inspire each other to challenge stereotypes and redefine what's possible for women in martial arts.

Exchange Program Stories

Real experiences from families who participated in our cultural exchange programs, building international friendships through martial arts.

Group of Turkish and Croatian mothers and daughters in taekwondo uniforms standing together smiling in Zagreb training facility

September 2024

Zagreb, Croatia

24 People

Zagreb Welcome: Turkish Families Visit Croatia

Turkish families traveled to Zagreb for an intensive week of cultural immersion, martial arts training, and friendship building. The program included joint training sessions, cultural workshops, and family bonding activities.

Program Highlights

  • Joint training sessions at Taekwondo Klub Dubrava
  • Croatian language basics workshop
  • Traditional Croatian cuisine cooking class
  • Zagreb city tour and historical sites visit
  • Mother-daughter team building activities
Turkish woman in her thirties with warm smile wearing casual clothing standing in training facility

Meeting Croatian families showed us that despite our different languages, we share the same dreams for our daughters. The martial arts training brought us together in ways words never could.

Ayşe Yılmaz

Mother from Ankara

Croatian and Turkish families in martial arts uniforms practicing together in spacious Ankara training hall with traditional decorations

November 2024

Ankara, Turkey

28 People

Ankara Adventure: Croatian Families Experience Turkey

Croatian families journeyed to Ankara for an unforgettable cultural exchange experience. The visit included intensive martial arts training, Turkish cultural immersion, and lasting friendship formation.

Program Highlights

  • Training at Acilim College facilities
  • Turkish language introduction sessions
  • Traditional Turkish tea ceremony
  • Ankara landmarks and cultural heritage tour
  • International friendship celebration event
Croatian woman in her late thirties with confident expression wearing sports attire in training environment

The warmth of Turkish hospitality amazed us. Our daughters formed friendships that transcend borders, and we mothers learned that empowerment speaks every language.

Marija Kovač

Mother from Zagreb

Language Learning Integration

Break down language barriers and build connections through essential phrases in Croatian, Turkish, and English. Learn the words that unite us in martial arts.

Hello

Greetings

Croatian

Bok

Turkish

Merhaba

Thank you

Greetings

Croatian

Hvala

Turkish

Teşekkür ederim

Good kick!

Training

Croatian

Dobar udarac!

Turkish

İyi tekme!

Let's train together

Training

Croatian

Trenirajmo zajedno

Turkish

Birlikte antrenman yapalım

You are strong

Encouragement

Croatian

Jaka si

Turkish

Güçlüsün

Great job!

Encouragement

Croatian

Odličan posao!

Turkish

Harika iş!

Language Learning Resources

Phrase Guides

Downloadable PDF guides with essential phrases for training and daily conversation.

Video Lessons

Native speakers teaching pronunciation and cultural context for each phrase.

Language Partners

Connect with families from partner schools for language practice and friendship.

Cultural Events Calendar

Join us in celebrating Croatian and Turkish traditions through special events, cultural celebrations, and exchange programs throughout the year.

Croatian families in traditional folk costumes and taekwondo uniforms celebrating together in decorated training hall

8

October

Croatian flag with red, white, and blue horizontal stripes and coat of arms
Cultural CelebrationOpen

Croatian Independence Day Celebration

Join us in celebrating Croatian Independence Day with special training sessions, traditional music, and cultural activities that honor Croatia's heritage.

Turkish families in traditional attire and martial arts uniforms participating in Republic Day celebration with flags and decorations

29

October

Turkish flag with red background, white crescent moon and star
Cultural CelebrationOpen

Turkish Republic Day Festival

Celebrate Turkish Republic Day with our partner families through martial arts demonstrations, traditional Turkish activities, and cultural exchange.

Diverse group of mothers and daughters in taekwondo uniforms standing together in powerful poses celebrating International Women's Day

8

March

European Union flag with circle of twelve gold stars on blue background
Special TrainingOpen

International Women's Day Training

A powerful day dedicated to celebrating female strength and empowerment through martial arts, featuring joint training sessions between Zagreb and Ankara via live stream.

Mixed group of Croatian and Turkish families in summer camp setting with training equipment and cultural decorations

15-22

July

European Union flag with circle of twelve gold stars on blue background
Exchange Program

Summer Cultural Exchange Camp

Week-long intensive cultural exchange program alternating between Zagreb and Ankara, featuring martial arts training, cultural workshops, and friendship building.

Never Miss a Cultural Event

Subscribe to our cultural events calendar and receive notifications about upcoming celebrations, exchange programs, and special training sessions.

Ready to Build International Friendships?

Join our cultural exchange program and connect your family with mothers and daughters across borders. Experience the transformative power of martial arts in breaking down cultural barriers and building lasting friendships.

Cultural Immersion

Experience authentic Croatian and Turkish traditions through martial arts

Language Learning

Develop multilingual skills while building international connections

Lifelong Friendships

Create bonds that transcend borders and last a lifetime

Croatian mother and daughter in white taekwondo uniforms smiling together after successful training session
Turkish family group in martial arts uniforms standing proudly together in training facility
Young women from different cultures practicing high kicks together in synchronized motion
International group of mothers and daughters in taekwondo uniforms celebrating together with flags
European Union flag with circle of twelve gold stars on blue backgroundProudly Funded by the European Union