Monografija "Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka" by Karate klub "Mladost" Samobor

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijal Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Trg kralja Tomislava 8a 10430 Samobor, Hrvatska T +385 1 3363 280 F +385 1 3363 280 E karateklubmladost.samobor@gmail.com W www.kyokushin-mladost.hr

Udruga veterana SJP “Alfa” Zagreb Remetinečka cesta 77 10020 Zagreb, Hrvatska T +385 1 6523 700 F +385 1 6523 669 E alfa4@zg.t-com.hr W www.uvsjp-alfa.hr

DŠR “Šport za sve” Samobor Trg kralja Tomislava 8a 10430 Samobor, Hrvatska T +385 1 3363 280 F +385 1 3363 280 E dsrsamobor@gmail.com

Branka Bošnjaka

“Onaj koji se u životu nijednom nije istinski borio, ne može sebe smatrati istinskim karate majstorom.” masutatsu oyama

S Istinskom borcu, majstoru, učitelju i branitelju Branku Bošnjaku

“He who has never truly fought, cannot think of himself as a true karate master.” masutatsu oyama

S To Branko Bošnjak, a true fighter, master, teacher and defender

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Predgovor Foreword

olicijska organizacija svugdje u svijetu izaziva velik interes javnosti, o njoj je snimljen ogroman broj filmova i napisano je tisuće romana, a generacije mladih ljudi, pristupanjem u policiju, ostvaruju svoje dječačke, a u novije vrijeme i djevojačke snove (problem često nastaje kad se probude). Specijalna policija, kao što joj sam naziv govori, policija je sa zadaćom i dimenzijom više. Namijenjena je za izvršavanje najzahtjevnijih zadaća iz domene rada policije, a njenim pripadnicima mogu postati i u njoj mogu opstati samo najbolji od najboljih. Upravo takvi su 1991. godine stupali u redove Specijalne policije MUP-a. Ova knjiga posvećena je BRANKU BOŠNJAKU, najboljem od najboljih. Možda sam ovom jednom jedinom rečenicom (neupućeni bi je mogli nazvati patetičnom) mogao otpočeti i završiti predgovor, jer iskreno vjerujem kako je u njoj sadržano ono najvažnije što bih mogao napisati o Branku. Možda. Ali ipak, poštujući pisana i nepisana pravila (uh, Branko nije volio pravila!), stavit ću na papir nekoliko crtica o Branku kako bi ostale trajno zabilježene i bile dostupne svima koji ovu knjigu uzmu u ruke. U policijskoj karijeri, ratnoj i mirnodopskoj, upoznao sam na stotine divnih ljudi čija su se imena, lica, likovi i djela zauvijek urezali u moja sjećanja, ljude uz koje su i zahvaljujući kojima su najteže ratne i druge zadaće “Alfi” izvođene s teško objašnjivom lakoćom. S dužnim poštovanjem prema svima, mrtvima i živima, bivšima i sadašnjima, ne mogu a da ne izdvojim Branka kao egzemplar, kao neponovljivog lika kojeg je bila povlastica poznavati. Upoznao sam ga u ljeto 1991. godine prilikom formiranja Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” u svojstvu kandidata koji je dragovoljno pristupio Jedinici. S njim sam, kao i s većinom drugih kandidata, obavio kratak razgovor (za dulji nije bilo vremena), razgovor koji je na mene ostavio izuzetan dojam. Na pitanje radi čega želi postati pripadnik Jedinice, šeretski se osmjehnuo i s izraženom dozom cinizma odgovorio da mu je pomalo dosadno u plavcima. Rekao sam mu: “Gospodine Bošnjak, a sad ozbiljno!”…, a on je odgovorio kako mu se ozbiljno čini da su “komšije” ozbiljni u namjeri da nas “oslobode” i da osjeća ozbiljnu potrebu da im “sje...” planove te je dodao da zna kako rat samo što nije počeo i da, kad je već tako, u rat želi ići s pravom ekipom. Proročanski, rekao bih, jer rat jest počeo i predugo je trajao, “komšije” su nas pokušale “osloboditi”, postali smo, bili i ostali, prava ekipa… i, bošnjakovski rečeno, “sje...” smo im planove. Nakon tog razgovora nasmiješio sam se i ja. Neke ljude u životu zavolite na prvi pogled, istina, to se događa rijetko, a još rjeđe takva ljubav opstaje nakon drugog, trećeg i više produženih pogleda. Branka, ma koliko vremena proveli s njim, nije bilo moguće ne voljeti. Branko je bio kompleksna i kompletna osoba, individualac koji se sjajno uklapao u kolektiv. Branko je bio iznimno hrabar muškarac, ratnik, ako ne i najhrabriji u Jedinici, onda sigurno jedan od onih čija se vrsta hrabrosti opisuje pridjevom lud. A nije bio luđak.

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Predgovor Foreword

Branko je bio prirodni vođa, naravno, ne i jedini takav u Jedinici, ali vođa kojeg je skup najboljih muškaraca ratnika, formacijskog naziva V. vod, bespogovorno slijedio. Branko je bio majstor karatea i raznih borilačkih improvizacija, možda ne najbolji u Jedinici, ali najefikasniji u primjeni u praksi. Branko je bio vrhunski strijelac. Naravno, u Jedinici je bilo i boljih, ali taj promašivao nije. Branko je bio mjerna jedinica za pouzdanost u izvršavanju borbenih i neborbenih zadaća, pa i onih o kojima se ne govori i ne piše. Niti iz jedne akcije nije se vratio neobavljena posla ili pognute glave. Na žalost, iz jedne se nije vratio. Branko je bio vrhunski zajebant. Neprimjerena riječ, reći će neki. Možda. Ali opisuje ga u njegovoj biti. Osmijeh mu nije silazio s lica i iz svega je radio sprdnju, nije poštovao autoritet snage, ali je cijenio snagu autoriteta. Branko je mogao popiti. O da! Možda ne najviše u Jedinici, ali puno više od Cvrka, Ćentija, Zolote i mene. I dobro je to (pod)nosio. Branko je bio moj prijatelj. Možda ne najbolji, ali prijatelj kojeg se poštuje zauvijek. Branko je bio sin, suprug, otac i brat. O tome ipak neka govore mama Anica, supruga Ljiljana, sestra Mirjana i brat Jurica. A djeca, Josipa i Branko, koji ga nisu imali pored sebe, neka znaju da su imali oca s velikim O. Ako ste pažljivije čitali, nabrojio sam desetak Brankovih osobina i činjenica o njemu. Ne slučajno, jer Branko je bio baš to, desetobojac. Desetoboj je najteže natjecanje. Možda su (ma sigurno su) u pojedinim disciplinama postojali bolji, brži, veći i jači od njega, ali u zbroju svih disciplina… možda, ali ja boljeg upoznao nisam. • slava mu!

Vladimir Faber

ratni zapovjednik Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa”

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Predgovor Foreword

verywhere in the world Police Forces attract great public interest. Huge number of films have been made and thousands of novels written on that subject. Generations of young people make their boys’, and more and more often girls’, dreams come true by joining Police Forces (the problems often occur when they wake up). Special Police Forces, as the name suggests, are Police Forces with an extra dimension and more complex tasks. Their role is to execute the most demanding tasks in the domain of policing, and only the best of the best can become members and survive within. Precisely these kinds of individuals joined the Croatian Special Police Forces in 1991. This book is dedicated to BRANKO BOŠNJAK, the best of the best. With this single sentence I could have (unfamiliar ones might call it pathetic) both started and finished this foreword, because I honestly believe that it contains the most important thing I could ever write about Branko. Maybe. But still, in order to respect the written and unwritten rules (Oh, how Branko did not like the rules!), I will put down on paper a few lines about Branko, so they could remain, more or less, eternally recorded and available to everyone who takes this book into their hands. During my police career, both over the war period and peace-time, I have met hundreds of wonderful people whose names, faces, figures and actions are forever engraved in my memory, people with whom and thanks to whom the most serious war and other Alpha’s tasks were performed with a severely explainable ease. With all due respect to everyone, dead and living, past and present, I cannot escape to single out Branko as exemplary, as a unique character who was a privilege to know. I met him in the summer of 1991, during the formation of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” as a candidate who volunteered to join the Unit. As well as with most other candidates, I conducted a short interview with him (there was no time for a longer one), the conversation that made a remarkable impression upon me. When asked why he wanted to become a member of the Unit he replied, with a cheeky smile and a touch of cynicism, that he was a bit bored within the regular police forces. I told him: “Mr. Bošnjak, now seriously...”, upon which he replied that it seriously seems that our “neighbours” are serious in their intention to “liberate” us and that he feels a serious need to “f... up” their plans, and he added that he knew how the war was just about to start and that, if that was so, he wanted to go to war with a real team. Portentous, I would say, because the war did start and did last for too long. “Neighbours” did try to “liberate” us, we did become, and have remained, a real team...and to paraphrase Branko, we did “f... up” their plans. After the described conversation, I also smiled. There are some people you come to love at first sight. Truthfully, this happens rarely, and even more rarely such love survives after the second, third and more prolonged sights. Branko, no matter how much time you spent with him, was impossible not to love. Branko was a complex and a complete person, an individual who fit in perfectly within the collective. Branko was a very brave man, a warrior, if not the bravest in the Unit, then certainly one of those whose kind of courage could be described with the adjective crazy. And he wasn’t a madman.

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Predgovor Foreword

Branko was a natural leader, of course not the only one in the Unit, but a leader whom the group of extreme line warriors, formation called the 5th platoon, obediently followed. Branko was a master of karate and other martial improvisation, maybe not the best in the Unit, but with the most effective application in practice. Branko was the top shooter. Of course, there were better ones in the Unit, but he never missed a mark. Branko was a criterion for reliability in the execution of combat and non-combat tasks, even those one can not talk or write about. He never returned from the action with unaccomplished business or head bowed. Unfortunately, from one he did not return. Branko was a first-rate prankster. Inappropriate words, some would say. Maybe. But, it describes him in his essence. A smile never got off his face and he made a mockery of everything, he did not respect the authority of power, but he appreciated the power of authority. Branko could drink much. Oh yeah! Maybe not the most in the Unit, but a lot more than Cvrk, Ćenti, Zolota and me. And he could bear it well. Branko was my friend. Maybe not the best one, but a friend you respect forever. Branko was a son, a husband, a father and a brother. But I’ll leave his mom Anica, wife Ljiljana, sister Mirjana and brother Jurica to talk about that. And his children, Josipa and Branko, who did not have him at their side, should know that they had a father with a big F. If you read this carefully, you noticed that I’ve counted about ten of Branko’s traits and facts about him. Not coincidentally, as Branko was just that, decathloner. Decathlon is the toughest competition. Maybe there were (well, there most certainly were) in some disciplines those who were better, faster, bigger and stronger than him, but in the sum of all disciplines...maybe, but I’ve never met anyone better. • praise him!

Vladimir Faber War Commander of the Special Police Unit “Alpha”

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Uvod Introduction

ranko Bošnjak rođen je 22. ožujka 1963. u Klokočevcu pokraj Samobora, od oca Jurja i majke Ankice rođ. Brunović iz Domaslovca, također iz samoborskoga kraja. Bio je drugo od četvero djece u obitelji Bošnjak – brat Josip rođen je 1962., a umro je sa samo osam godina. Sestra Mirjana rođena je 1964., a brat Jurica 1966. godine. Mirjana je već skoro 30 godina u Njemačkoj, a Jurica s obitelji, suprugom i osmero djece, živi u Samoboru. Brankov otac Juraj umro je 7. ožujka 1993., a majka Ankica i danas živi u obiteljskoj kući u Klokočevcu. Osnovnu školu završio je u Bregani, potom je upisao Srednjoškolski centar “Skender Fabković” u Samoboru, a dvije godine kasnije i Obrazovni centar RSUP-a SRH u Zagrebu. Školovanje je kasnije nastavio na Policijskoj akademiji u Zagrebu, što je ujedno bila i priprema za Brankovo buduće zvanje. Nakon završene škole zaposlio se u Kutini te je potom premješten u Zagreb. U vrijeme formiranja hrvatskih redarstvenih snaga bio je jedan od osnivača Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” PU zagrebačke, s kojom je u Domovinskom ratu prošao mnoga bojišta. Tijekom školovanja Branko je trenirao kyokushin karate u Karate klubu “Mladost” Samobor. Bio je i član i trener kluba u kojem je imao ne samo kolege nego i prijatelje, a u klubu je naposljetku upoznao i buduću suprugu. Bio je dobar karatist i još bolji trener i pedagog. Svoje je umijeće i ljubav prema tom sportu prenosio na mlađe naraštaje, a njegov rad s najmlađima u klubu, koji je prekinuo odlaskom na ratište, nastavila je njegova Ljiljana. Branko i Ljiljana vjenčali su se 6. studenoga 1993., u jeku ratnih zbivanja, što se moglo primijetiti i na svadbenoj svečanosti na kojoj je dio gostiju bio u vojnim i policijskim odorama. Šest dana nakon Brankova 31. rođendana, kao najljepši dar, rodila im se kći Josipa. A onda je jedan sretan život naprasno prekinut nesretnim slučajem. Vraćajući se s Južnog bojišta 29. siječnja 1995. godine oko 3 sata na 12. kilometru autoceste Zagreb – Karlovac u prometnoj su nesreći stradala četvorica specijalaca, od kojih dvojica smrtno. Jedan od njih bio je Branko Bošnjak. On, koji je bio spreman svakome pomoći i koji je na bojištu uvijek bio ispred svojih vojnika. On, koji se uvijek posljednji vraćao s prve crte, i te je noći, na povratku s bojišnice, bio u zadnjem vozilu u koloni. No, njegova ga obitelj i njegovi suborci taj put nisu dočekali. Umjesto uvijek veselog Branka, u rano nedjeljno jutro stigla je tužna vijest... No, iako je prerano otišao, Branko je tako živio da ga se i danas, dvadeset godina nakon odlaska u vječnost, rado sjećaju svi koji su ga poznavali, ali i oni koji su ga “upoznali” poslije smrti. Na neki način Branko i danas živi, dio njega zauvijek je sačuvan u njegovoj djeci, u kćeri Josipi i sinu Branku, koji se rodio dva mjeseca nakon njegove pogibije i koji ne samo imenom nego i likom podsjeća na oca kojega, nažalost, nikada nije vidio. Branko Bošnjak bio je dobar sin i dobar suprug, a bio bi i najbolji tata, da mu je sudbina namijenila drugačiji put. Bio je i dobar kolega, i na poslu i u klubu, pouzdan suborac te odlučan i pravedan zapovjednik. Bio je i mnogo više od toga, o čemu najbolje svjedoči Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, koji se iz godine u godinu održava njemu u spomen. Prošlo je 20 godina otkako je poginuo, u pripremi je 20. Memorijal, a tim je povodom nastala i ova monografija koja nosi isti naziv – Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Njemu u spomen, a svima nama kao podsjetnik, kako na dane ponosa i slave, ali i one teške u Domovinskom ratu, tako i na hvalevrijednu sportsku manifestaciju u kakvu je tijekom svih ovih godina Memorijal izrastao. • Marija Alvir Trogrlić

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Uvod Introduction

ranko Bošnjak was born on 22nd March 1963 in Klokočevec near Samobor, to Juraj Bošnjak and Ankica Bošnjak (maiden name Brunović), from Domaslovac, Samobor. He was the second of four children in the Bošnjak family. His brother Josip was born in 1962 and died when he was only eight years old. His sister Mirjana was born in 1964 and his brother Jurica in 1966. Mirjana has been living in Germany for almost 30 years now, and Jurica’s family, his wife and eight children, live in Samobor. Branko’s father Juraj died on 7th March 1993, and his mother Ankica still lives in their family house in Klokočevec. He attended primary school in Bregana, then enrolled into High school Center “Skender Fabković” in Samobor, and two years later the Secondary School of Internal Affairs of the Croatian Republic Secretariat of the Interior in Zagreb. He later continued his education at the Police Academy’s College of Home Affairs in Zagreb, which was the preparation for Branko’s future vocation. After finishing high school he started working in Kutina and then was transferred to Zagreb. When Croatian Police Forces began to form, he was one of the founders of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb Police Department, and together with his Unit he went through many Croatian Homeland War battlefields. During his education Branko started to train kyokushin karate in Karate Club “Mladost” in Samobor. He was the club’s member and coach, there he gained many colleagues and also friends, and finally there he met his future wife. He was a good karate fighter and even better coach and educator. He transferred his knowledge and love for this sport onto younger generations. When the war started, his Ljiljana continued his work with the youngest club members. Branko and Ljiljana got married on 6th November 1993, in the midst of war, which was very evident at the wedding because many of the guests wore military and police uniforms. Six days after Branko’s 31st birthday, their daughter Josipa was born, which was the most beautiful gift. Then a happy life was suddenly interrupted by a terrible accident. Returning from the Southern Battlefield on 29th January 1995, at about 3 am, on the 12th kilometre of the highway Zagreb – Karlovac, four members of Special Police Forces were injured in a car accident, two of them fatally. One of them was Branko Bošnjak. He, who was ready to help everyone and was always in front of his soldiers in the battlefield. He, who was always the last to return from the front lines. That night also, on the way back from the battlefield, he was riding in the last vehicle of the motorcade. But his family and his comrades weren’t able to welcome him back that time. Instead, at early Sunday morning they received the sad news... However, although his life ended too early, Branko lived in such a way that even today, twenty years after leaving for eternity, he is gladly remembered by all who knew him, as well as those who got “acquainted” with him after his death. In a way, Branko still lives, a part of him lives forever in his children, in his daughter Josipa and his son Branko, who was born two months after his death. His son not only carries his name but is a living image of his father whom, unfortunately, he never met. Branko Bošnjak was a good son and a good husband, and would have been the best father, if destiny hadn’t chosen a different path for him. He was a good colleague, both at work and in the club, a reliable comrade as well as determined and just commander. He was also much more than that, which is best demonstrated by Branko Bošnjak Memorial, held every year in his memory. It has been 20 years since he died, the 20th Memorial is in its preparation phase, and to mark this occasion the monograph of the same name was written - Branko Bošnjak Memorial. In his honour, and as a reminder to us all, of the days of pride and glory, of the tough days of Homeland War, but also of this praiseworthy sports event which the Memorial has turned into over the years. •

Marija Alvir Trogrlić

Branko s obitelji, 1970./branko with his family, 1970

Branko Bošnjak – da se ne zaboravi Branko Bošnjak – not to be forgotten

Branko (prvi zdesna), sestra Mirjana, brat Jurica i bratiÄ&#x2021; DraĹžen, 1970./ Branko (first on the right), sister Mirjana, brother Jurica and cousin DraĹžen, 1970

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

Mirjanina priča

Mirjana’s story

drasla sam zajedno s braćom u Klokočevcu, a 1986. godine odselila sam se u Njemačku, gdje i danas živim sa suprugom. Iako sam sada već veći dio života tamo, moje je srce dijelom zauvijek ostalo ovdje, u obitelji iz koje sam potekla. S braćom, starijim Brankom i mlađim Juricom, uvijek sam se dobro slagala. Zbog male razlike u godinama svi troje bili smo bliski i jako smo se voljeli. Branko je već kao dijete bio poseban. Za razliku od mene i mlađeg brata, koji smo bili vrlo živahni i znali raditi svakakve gluposti, on je bio miran, tih i povučen. Ne mogu se sjetiti da je ikada dobio batina, za razliku od mene. Imao je izražen osjećaj odgovornosti i uvijek se brinuo o nama mlađima.

grew up with my brothers in Klokočevac and in 1986 I moved to Germany, where I still live with my husband. Although I have now spent most of my life there, a part of my heart will forever remain here, with the family I grew up in. I always got along very well with my brothers, the older Branko and the younger Jurica. Due to the small difference in age all three of us were close and loved each other very much. Even as a child Branko was unique. Unlike me and our younger brother, who were very spirited and did all kinds of nonsense, he was calm, quiet and shy. I cannot remember if he ever got disciplined by our parents, unlike me. He had clear sense of responsibility and always took care of us, the younger ones.

Bio je iznadprosječno inteligentan, nikada nije učio, zadaću bi napisao za nekoliko minuta, a često je pomagao lošijim učenicima. Tu je do izražaja dolazila njegova “tvrda” strana, morali su ga slušati dok pišu zadatke. Izvana je bio hrabar, jak, odlučan, a u srcu tratinčica. Bio je nevjerojatno osjećajan i stoga sam ga teško mogla zamisliti kao vojnika, čovjeka koji može zapovijedati drugima. U društvu su ga znali kao veseljaka, a kod kuće je znao danima šutjeti, sjediti na kauču i gladiti mačku.

His intelligence was above-average, he never needed to study, he used to finish his homework in a few minutes, and would often help less successful students. It was possible to see his “tougher” side in those moments, they had to listen to him while they did their school assignments. From the outside he looked bold, strong and determined, but in his heart he was “a daisy”. He was incredibly sensitive and therefore it was hard for me to imagine him as a soldier, a man who could command others. His friends knew him as a jolly fellow, and at home he used to be silent for days, just sitting on the couch and cuddling a cat.

Branko s razredom i učiteljem Ivanom Prpićem/Branko with his classmates and teacher Ivan Prpić

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

Cijeli je život bio povezan s obitelji, pogotovo s majkom, ali ne kao “mamin sin”. Nikada nije volio biti u središtu pažnje, bio je jako skroman i uvijek su mu drugi bili važniji nego on sam sebi. Kao brat bio je iznimno osjećajan i nježan. Primjerice, kad mi nije bilo dobro, ja bih ležala, a on brisao pod. Pisao je pjesme, što potvrđuje njegovu nježnu stranu, a volio je i čitati. Nikada se nismo svađali, naprotiv, zajedno smo izlazili, a ponekad je znao usred noći kući dovesti prijatelje na kavu. No, u obitelji je bio više tih i povučen, gotovo da ga drugačijeg i ne poznajemo. Bilo je važno da smo zajedno i činilo se da će sve biti dobro. Branku je pak bilo važno prirediti nam nekakvo veselje. Tako je meni za 18. rođendan darovao plave balerinke, koje sam silno željela. Nismo imali previše novca, ali smo bili sretni zajedno. Bio je nesebičan i požrtvovan. Jednom prilikom smo mlađi brat i ja od tate uzeli cigarete i probali pušiti, a on je poslije rekao tati da smo to učinili on i ja. Iako je zbog toga bio kažnjen, Branko nije odao brata. Egoizam je za njega bio nepoznanica. Obožavao je djecu, Branko (prvi zdesna) sa sestričnom i bratićima/Branko (first on the right) with his cousins

Through his whole life he was very connected to his family, especially to our mother, but not as a “mama’s boy”. He never liked to be the center of attention, he was very humble and others were always more important to him than himself. As a brother he was very sensitive and gentle. For example, when I was not feeling well, I would lie down, and he would wipe the floor. He wrote poems, which showed his tender side, and he also loved to read. We never argued, quite contrary, we went out together, and sometimes he would bring his friends home for coffee in the middle of the night. But to his family he showed his more quiet and shy side, we almost didn’t know him any different. The important thing was being together and then it seemed that all would be well. And Branko found it important to cheer us up and make us happy. Thus, for my 18th birthday he gave me blue ballet flats, which I really wanted. We didn’t have much money, but we were happy together. He was selfless and self-sacrificing. Once, my younger brother and I took my father’s cigarettes and tried to smoke, and later he told our dad that he had been the one to do it. Although he got punished, Branko never told on his brother. Egoism was unknown to

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

Branko i nećakinja Sandra, 1992./Branko and his niece Sandra, 1992

kod nas je uvijek bilo kao u dječjem vrtiću. U njemu kao da su bile dvije osobe, i to suprotnih karaktera: s jedne strane, bio je jak i neustrašiv, s druge pak nježan i emotivan. Zadnji put smo se vidjeli 1993. godine, na njegovoj svadbi. Dočekao me na Autobusnom kolodvoru u Zagrebu i kad je autobus stao, kucno mi je na prozor – to nasmijano lice i vesele oči nikada neću zaboraviti, tu sam si sliku zaključala u srce. Nikada neću zaboraviti ni tu nedjelju kada su mi javili da je poginuo. Isti dan sam došla kući u kojoj su me čekale mama i trudna Ljiljana. Cijelo vrijeme sam bila kao konzerva, bez ikakvih osjećaja. Mislila sam da se od mene očekuje da smirim mamu i Ljiljanu. Od toga dana vjerujem u sudbinu, a Branko svoju kao da je predosjetio – sve je dao u ovom životu. •

him. He loved kids, it was always like a kindergarten at our house. It looked like there were two persons of opposite characters inside him: on the one hand, he was strong and fearless, on the other gentle and emotional. We saw each other for the last time in 1993, at his wedding. He met me at the bus station in Zagreb, and when the bus stopped he knocked on my window – I will never forget that smiling face and those happy eyes, I’ve locked that picture in my heart. I’ll never forget that Sunday when I got the call that he was killed. The same day I returned home where mom and pregnant Ljiljana were waiting for me. The whole time I was like a tin can, without emotion. I thought it was expected from me to calm down mom and Ljiljana. From that day I believe in destiny, and it seems like Branko sensed his own - he gave everything in this life. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

Ljiljanina priča

Ljiljana’s story

ranka sam upoznala u Karate klubu “Mladost” u Samoboru. Kad sam se 1986. godine učlanila u klub, on je već trenirao. Kao žena nisam baš bila dobrodošla u klubu u kojem su trenirali uglavnom muškarci, pa sam iz inata odlučila pokazati što znam i koliko mogu. Ubrzo je sportsko nadmetanje između Branka i mene preraslo u prijateljsko druženje, a potom i u ljubav. Zajedno smo bili od 1987. godine. Zbog razlike u godinama (njemu je bilo 24, a meni 16) u početku je bilo teže, no ubrzo smo se uskladili. Branko se uvijek i svugdje vrlo dobro mogao prilagoditi i uklopiti. Zajedno smo trenirali i družili se poslije treninga, odlazili s ekipom iz kluba na piće, na zimske i ljetne škole, na bazene i na more... U ljeto 1993. godine bili smo u Dramlju, te smo se zime vjenčali, a u proljeće 1994. rodila nam se kći Josipa. Uza sve što smo zajedno doživjeli i proživjeli, najviše sjećanja na Branka vežem

Vjenčanje, 1993./ The wedding, 1993

met Branko at Karate Club “Mladost” in Samobor. When I became a member of the club in 1986, he was already practicing karate. As a woman I have not been fully accepted in a club where mostly men trained, so out of spite I decided to show what I know and what I can. Soon a sporting competition between Branko and I turned into friendship, and then into love. We became a couple in 1987. It was difficult in the beginning because of the age difference (he was 24, and I was 16), but soon we found a way to make it work. Branko could always well adapt to every situation. We trained together and hung out afterwards, went for drinks with the team, attended winter and summer camps, visited pools and travelled to the seaside... In the summer of 1993 we went to Dramalj for our vacation, we got married that same winter, and in the spring of 1994 I gave birth to our daughter Josipa. Along with all that we have experienced and lived through together, most of my

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko Bošnjak – osobna priča Branko Bošnjak – Personal Story

Ljetna škola, Velika, 1988./ Summer camp, Velika, 1988

uz našu djecu. Nekada je bilo važno biti zajedno za doček Nove godine, no nakon rođenja Josipe sve se promijenilo. Naša je ljubav urodila plodom i naš zajednički svijet preselio se u krevetić pokraj našega. No, njegovo je mjesto u našoj postelji često bilo prazno. Odmah na početku rata priključio se “Alfama”. Za njega, kao i za mene, bio je to logičan izbor. Upoznala sam ga kao policajca i nisam ga mogla ni zamisliti drugačije niti sam pomišljala odgovarati ga od te odluke. Za razliku od većine njih koje sam poznavala i sretala, Branko nikada nije “paradirao” u odori. Uvijek je bio u civilu, osim na poslu i na ratištu. Kad je odlazio na teren nisam ni znala kamo ide, činilo se kao da je rat

memories of Branko I connect to our children. It used to be important to be together for New Year’s Eve, but after Josipa was born everything changed. She was the fruit of our love and our world moved to that little crib next to our bed. But his place in our bed was often empty. Right at the beginning of the war he joined the “Alpha” Unit. For him, as for me, it was a logical choice. I met him as a police officer and I could not imagine him differently, nor have I thought to persuade him otherwise. Unlike most of those I knew and met, Branko never “paraded” in uniform. He was always dressed in civilian clothes, except at work and on the battlefield. When he was going away I never even knew

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

miljama daleko od nas, sve dok nije počelo i u Pokupskom, tada se počeo uvlačiti strah. Ipak, na najgore nisam ni pomišljala, mislila sam da se to meni ne može dogoditi, uvijek misliš da se to nekome drugom događa... Rat stvara neke puno žešće emocije, snažno se osjećalo zajedništvo, kuća je uvijek bila puna ljudi, strahovali smo, ali smo se i veselili zajedno. Danas toga više nema... Oboje smo željeli zasnovati obitelj. Branko je jako volio djecu, napose svoje nećake. Sjećam se, dok smo se još zabavljali, kako je previjao nećakinju Sandru, a našu je kćer on prvi okupao, ja sam se bojala. Bio je i na porodu, ravno s terena došao je u bolnicu tijekom noći 28. ožujka 1994., a Josipa se rodila tek u 13.30. Što od umora, što od uzbuđenja, šiknula mu je krv na nos, a u jednom je trenutku zapeo za nekakve kablove i sve aparate isključio. Ipak, uspješno je prerezao pupčanu vrpcu... Bio je to najsretniji trenutak u našem životu, sve su se kockice posložile, to je to, mislila sam... Kad sam drugi put ostala trudna i kad smo saznali da je dečko, nazdravio je s prijateljima prije odlaska na teren – za Josipa,

where he was going, it seemed as if the war was miles away, until it started to happen in Pokupsko. Then the fear began creeping in. However, I never thought about the worst scenario, I never thought it could happen to me, people always think this happens to someone else... The war creates much more intense emotions, we felt strong closeness, our house was always filled with people, we feared but we also rejoiced together. Today it is all gone... We both wanted to start a family. Branko was very fond of children, especially his nephews. I remember, while we were still dating, how he was changing his niece Sandra’s diapers and he was the one to give the first bath to our daughter. I was afraid. He was also present at her birth. He came to the hospital straight from the field during the night of 28th March 1994, and Josipa wasn’t born until 13.30. Was it tiredness, or the excitement, but he got a nosebleed, and at one moment he stumbled over some cables and shut off all the medical instruments. However, he managed to successfully cut the umbilical cord... It was the happiest moment in our lives, everything lined up, that’s it, I thought... The second time I got pregnant and we found out that it was a boy, he toasted with his friends before going away to the field for Josip, as we then planned to call our son, after his late brother. But, as I was 7 months pregnant when he was killed, I decided to give his son his name. Branko was born on 5th April 1995, just two months after his father had died. His whole platoon came to the hospital. It was crowded with members of Special Police Forces. It was a very difficult moment... Branko does not like to talk about his dad, he knows him only from photographs and from the stories. Only once, for St. Nicholas Day he wrote: “I would like to wake up and see my dad sitting on my bed... And some candies...” His teacher commended him, but Branko s kćeri Josipom, 1994./Branko with his daughter Josipa, 1994

Branko Bošnjak – osobna priča Branko Bošnjak – Personal Story

Vrijeme odmora/Resting time

kako smo tada mislili nazvati sina, po njegovom pokojnom bratu. No, kako sam bila u 7. mjesecu trudnoće kad je poginuo, odlučila sam sinu dati njegovo ime. Branko se rodio 5. travnja 1995., samo dva mjeseca nakon što mu je otac poginuo. Cijeli njegov vod došao je u bolnicu, rodilište je bilo puno specijalaca. Bilo je jako teško...

Branko snatched the paper from the notebook so I would not see what he had written. He has never read that to me and has never mentioned his dad in that way. But while watching The Lion King, the scene where Simba is calling his dad, he used to say: “I’m not crying, the tears are falling down all by themselves...”

Branko ne voli pričati o tati, poznaje ga samo s fotografija i iz priča. Samo je jednom za svetog Nikolu napisao: “Želio bih da se probudim i da tata sjedi na mom krevetu... I malo slatkiša...” Učitelj mi ga je pohvalio, a Branko je istrgnuo taj list iz bilježnice da ne vidim što je napisao, nikada mi to nije pročitao i nikada više nije spomenuo tatu na

Josipa doesn’t remember her dad either. She was only 10 months old when he was killed, but she also cannot hide emotions. It was difficult for them to grow up without him, and I have also gone through various phases - from sadness and mourning to frustration and anger. I was angry at myself and everyone around me, at happy couples

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

takav način. No, kada bi gledao Kralja lavova i kako Simba doziva tatu, znao je reći: “Ne plačem, to suze same teku...”

with children, and even at Branko for leaving us alone. I didn’t even have anyone to argue with...

Ni Josipa se ne sjeća tate, imala je samo 10 mjeseci kad je poginuo, no ona ne može sakriti emocije. Teško im je bilo odrastati bez njega, a i sama sam prošla razne faze – od tuge i žalovanja do frustracije i bijesa na sebe samu i sve oko sebe, na sretne parove s djecom, pa i na Branka što nas je ostavio. Nemaš se s kim ni pošteno posvađati...

The day before his death, we talked over the phone and I told him to be careful while driving. “Cook the beans, we’re heading home”, he said, comforting me with the fact that he has a driver. But he never came home... Instead, his comrades knocked on the door that Sunday morning...

Dan prije pogibije čuli smo se i rekla sam mu da pazi kako vozi. “Skuhaj graha, idemo doma”, rekao mi je, tješeći me da ima vozača. Ali doma nije stigao... Umjesto njega, tog su nedjeljnog jutra na vrata pokucali njegovi suborci...

He used to surprise me, to prepare spontaneous and romantic moments. Our wedding anniversary, the first and only we had together, he congratulated to me through an emissary, because he was on Velebit, and there were no phones, let alone a cell phone. During the war we spent little time together, but there was much more positive energy. I

Budimpešta, 1988./Budapest, 1988

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Sjećanja ne blijede Memories do not fade

Znao je iznenaditi me, prirediti neformalne i romantične trenutke. Tako mi je godišnjicu braka, prvu i jedinu zajedničku, čestitao preko posrednika, jer je tada bio na Velebitu, a nije bilo ni telefona, a kamoli mobitela. Tijekom cijelog rata bili smo jako malo zajedno, ali bilo je puno više nekakve pozitivne energije. Nikada nisam imala osjećaj straha ili tjeskobe, sve do toga dana... Kad sam ostala sama s dvoje djece, jednim još nerođenim, mjesecima nisam imala nikakva primanja. Bili smo zaboravljeni od birokracije, ali ne i od “baze”, od obitelji i prijatelja, napose Brankovih suboraca. Svi su ga cijenili i voljeli, kao zapovjednika, kolegu i prijatelja. Ekipa iz Specijalne i njegovog voda pomogla nam je renovirati kuću, a i poslije su uvijek bili spremni pomoći. Taj odnos i danas je takav, naš kum Cvrk i dečki bili su i ostali naša potpora, a lijepo je znati da se imaš na koga osloniti. No, iako pomoć nikada nije bila upitna, bila sam svjesna da se moram uhvatiti u koštac sa životom. Odlučila sam živjeti sama sa svojom djecom. Bilo je teško, pogotovo dok su bili mali. Nedostajao je Branko i meni i njima... I Branko, da se probudi, vjerojatno bi rekao: “To više nije moja Ljiljana!” Ne znam bih li mu se svidjela ovakva... Prije nikada nisam plakala, no s godinama je sve teže kontrolirati emocije. Najteže je kad se nešto slavi, napose djeca – rođendani, pričesti, firme, ili u teškim trenucima, kad su djeca bolesna, a ja sama. Branko je doista jako volio djecu, žao mi je samo što to naša djeca nisu imala priliku osjetiti. No, tješi me što u njima vidim njega. Naš sin ga nikada nije ni vidio, ali se isto smije i šali, pa čak ima i jednako loš rukopis kao tata. Josipa i Branko jako su vezani jedno uz drugo, a ja sam vezana uz njih i uz svoja sjećanja na njihovog tatu. Imao je tisuću mana, ali jednu posebnu vrlinu – bio je karizmatičan. I kao takav nije bio samo moj niti je samo naš – Branko je dio mnogih života, mnogima nedostaje, a nama najviše. Baš zato želim trajno sačuvati uspomenu na njega, da i naši unuci jednoga dana znaju tko je bio Branko Bošnjak. •

had never felt fear or anxiety, until that day... When I was left alone with two children, one unborn, for months I had no income. We were forgotten by the bureaucracy, but not by the “Alpha” Unit, not by family and friends, especially not by Branko’s comrades. All of them respected him and loved him, as a commander, a colleague and a friend. Guys from the Special Police Forces and his platoon helped us renovate our family house, and afterward they were willing to give us a hand whenever needed. That relationship is still the same, our best man Cvrk and other guys have been and still are a big support, and it’s nice to know that you have someone to rely on. But, although getting help was never questionable, I was aware that I have to take things into my own hands. I chose to live alone with my children. It was difficult, especially when they were little. We all missed Branko… And if Branko would wake up, he would probably say: “This is no longer my Ljiljana!” I don’t know whether he would liked me like this... I have never cried before, but over the years it gets more difficult to control emotions. The hardest moments are when we celebrate something, especially children’s birthdays, Communions, Confirmations, or the difficult times, when children are sick, and I’m alone. Branko was really very fond of children and I’m sorry that our children have not had the chance to feel that. But, it comforts me to see him in them. Our son has never even seen him, but he laughs and jokes in the same way and even has the same bad handwriting as his dad. Josipa and Branko are very connected to each other, and I’m connected to them and to my memories of their father. He had a thousand flaws, but one special virtue – he was charismatic. And as such he was not only mine or only ours Branko was a part of many lives, many miss him, but we miss him the most. That is why I want to permanently preserve a memory of him, so that our grandchildren one day also know who Branko Bošnjak was. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

ranko mi je bio susjed i prijatelj, za njega me vežu samo lijepe uspomene. Iako sam bio stariji od njega, dobro smo se slagali. Kao dijete, Branko je uvijek bio dobar, miran i povučen. U mladosti je malo živnuo, ali mislim da se nikada nikome nije zamjerio. Uvijek je bio spreman pomoći drugima i često smo si međusobno pomagali, on meni u poljoprivrednim radovima, a ja njemu kad je gradio kuću... No, o poslu nismo nikada razgovarali. Znao sam da radi u policiji, ja sam bio profesionalni vatrogasac, ali o tome se nikad nije pričalo. Povezivale su nas neke druge stvari... Kad je Branko poginuo, bio sam na poslu i za vijest sam saznao tek kad sam se vratio kući. Kao i svi ostali, bio sam šokiran, a nakon prvotnog šoka i nevjerice uslijedio je stres. To me jako pogodilo. Kad čovjek izgubi nekog tako bliskog, kao da je izgubio dio sebe. Na sahrani sam zajedno s njegovim kolegama i suborcima nosio lijes u kojem smo ga ispratili na posljednje počivalište. Branka više nema, i to već dugih 20 godina, no kad vidim njegovu djecu, znam da na neki način i dalje živi među nama. Drago mi je da je, osim lijepih uspomena, iza njega ipak mnogo više ostalo... • Tomica Kos

ranko was my neighbour and a friend of whom I only have fond memories. Even though I was older than him, we got along well. As a child, Branko was always good, quiet and shy. In his youth, he perked up a bit, but I believe he never did anything wrong to anybody. He was always ready to help others and we often helped each other. He assisted me with agricultural work, and I gave him a hand when he was building his house... But we never spoke about his job. I knew that he was a policeman, I was a professional firefighter, but that was never a subject of our conversations. We had other things connecting us... When Branko was killed, I was at work and heard the news upon returning home. Like everyone else, I was shocked, and that initial shock and disbelief were followed by stress. It hit me very hard. When you lose someone so close, it seems like you have lost a part of yourself. At his funeral, together with his colleagues and comrades, I carried the coffin in which we sent him off to his final resting place. Branko has been gone for long 20 years, but when I see his children, I know that in some way he still lives among us. I am pleased that, in addition to the beautiful memories, he has left behind so much more… • Tomica Kos

Posljednji ispraćaj Branka, Otruševec, 1995./Branko’s funeral, Otruševec, 1995

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

ikada neću zaboraviti riječi Brankove mame koja je jednom rekla da je Branko živio kao da je znao da će rano umrijeti. Jedno je sigurno – on je znao živjeti trenutak, sada i ovdje! Doista je živio “punim gasom”.

’ ll never forget the words of Branko’s mother who once said that Branko lived as if he knew he would die young. One thing is certain - he was able to live in the moment, here and now! Indeed he lived life to the fullest.

Upoznali smo se u klubu u kojem smo obojica trenirali. Počeli smo se družiti, ne samo s ekipom iz kluba nego i šire. Slavili smo rođendane, ali smo znali feštati i bez ikakvog povoda. Bilo je dovoljno da se samo pogledamo i već bi nešto iskrsnulo, nekakva prigodna “koreografija” i slično, čime smo zabavljali cijelu ekipu. Branko je čak osmislio i karate katu na svoj način, onako, više kao parodiju. Sjećam se, volio je slušati grupu Creedence Clearwater Revival... Ako govorimo o druženju i provodima, za njega se ne bi moglo reći da je bio uvijek pouzdan, jer nikada se nije znalo gdje će “zaglaviti”. Ali ako si bio s njim, bio si siguran u svakom pogledu i definitivno te nikada ne bi ostavio na cjedilu. To se pokazalo i u ratu, gdje je očito bio i više nego pouzdan. Branko je bio s obje noge na zemlji, realan te nadasve pošten i pravedan.

We met at the club, where we both trained at the time, and started to hang out with not only our karate friends but with people outside of that circle. We celebrated birthdays, but often we would organize a party without any reason. It was enough to just look at each other and we would immediately come up with something, some kind of “choreography” which would suit the moment and make everybody laugh. Branko even invented his own karate kata, just for fun, more like a parody. I remember, he liked to listen to a band Creedence Clearwater Revival... If we talk about spending time together and having fun, you couldn’t say that he was always reliable, because you could never know where he would “get stuck”. But if you were with him, you were safe in every way and he would definitely never leave you in the lurch. He especially demonstrated this during the war, when he was clearly more than reliable. Branko was a down-to-earth person, realistic and, above all, fair and just.

Iako smo tijekom Domovinskog rata obojica bili na terenu, i to na različitim bojišnicama, cijelo smo vrijeme bili u kontaktu. Bio je od onih koji o svom ratnom iskustvu nisu govorili, no na njemu je to definitivno ostavljalo traga. Kad je dolazio kući, nastojao je o ratu ne govoriti, iako je bio izrazito trezven i realan te potpuno svjestan situ-

Although we were both on the battlefield during the Homeland War, and on different fronts, we stayed in contact the whole time. He was one of those who didn’t talk about his war experience, but it definitely left its mark on him. When he would come home, he tried not to talk about the war, although he was very sober-minded and realistic, and fully aware of the situation. Only sometimes he would tell some war story, as when we were teasing him about the little wound on his lip, so he explained that it didn’t have a romantic cause, but his lip pasted upon a bag he was sleeping in during that winter on the mountain of Velebit. Or, for example, when a Branko (desno) i Vladimir Sekelj, zimska škola, Otočec ob Krki, 1983./ Branko (on the right) and Vladimir Sekelj, Winter camp, Otočec ob Krki, 1983

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

acije. Tek ponekad bi se upustio u kakvu ratnu priču, kao kad smo ga zafrkavali zbog rane na usni, pa nam je pojasnio da njen uzrok nije ljubavne prirode, nego mu se usna zalijepila za vreću u kojoj je te zime spavao na Velebitu. Ili, primjerice, kad ga je karate trener iz Mađarske pitao zna li koliko je ljudi u ratu ubio, Branko je odgovorio da ne zna, a na protupitanje Mađara kako ne zna, pojasnio je da ne gleda dok puca. Iako to možda s vojničke strane baš i nije opravdano, to mnogo govori o čovjeku, a Branko je doista bio pravi čovjek, svijetla točka u mraku... Kad je Branko poginuo, bio sam na terenu na Dinari, javio mi je tu vijest naš zajednički prijatelj. Nisam mogao vjerovati... U ratu je poginulo mnogo znanih i dragih ljudi, ali kada bih mogao samo jednoga vratiti, njega bih vratio. Iako za njega nikad nisam govorio da je moj najbolji prijatelj, kao ni on za mene, niti smo bili svaki dan zajedno. No, nekoga jednostavno doživiš drugačije. Bio je poseban. Bilo je teško doći do njega, jer su mnogi htjeli biti u njegovu društvu, ali kad si bio s njim, bio je s tobom sto posto. Kad bih ga trebao usporediti s nekim poznatim likom, bio bi to Pink Panter – totalna flegma, ležeran, nezainteresiran za sve oko sebe, a opet, uvijek spreman, pogotovo za zafrkanciju. Bil je faca, fakat! •

karate coach from Hungary asked him if he knew how many people he had killed during the war, Branko said that he didn’t know, and to a Hungarian’s counter-question how come he didn’t know, he explained that he was not looking when he was shooting. Although it might not have been justified from the military perspective, it said a lot about the man, and Branko was a man in true sense of the word, a bright spot in the dark... When Branko was killed, I was on the battlefield on the mountain of Dinara, our mutual friend called me and told me the news. I could not believe it... A lot of people dear to me were killed during the war, but if I could bring only one of them back, I would bring him back. Although I never talked about him as my best friend, and neither did he, nor did we spend every day together. But there are some people you just see differently. He was unique. It was hard to get to him, because many people wanted to share his company, but when you were with him, he was with you one hundred percent. If I would compare him to some famous figure, it would be Pink Panther – total phlegmatic, casual, indifferent to everything around him, and yet, always ready, especially to make jokes. He was really something! • Vladimir Sekelj

Vladimir Sekelj

Branko (lijevo) i Vladimir Sekelj, Budimpešta, 1987./ Branko (on the left) and Vladimir Sekelj, Budapest, 1987

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

ranko je u Karate klub “Mladost” došao još kao mladić, u srednjoj školi. S vremenom smo se počeli sve više i više družiti, i ne samo na treninzima. Unatoč razlici u godinama provodili smo puno vremena zajedno, poznanstvo je preraslo u prijateljstvo, a kasnije smo postali i “braća po oružju”. Često smo zajedno izlazili, a nerijetko bismo usred noći, u 2 ili 3 sata ujutro, došli u njegovu kuću na gozbu i druženje do jutra. Ja sam postao dio njegove obitelji, a on moje. Pomagali smo si međusobno. Kad sam si jednom prilikom, radeći kod njega u šumi, pilom ozlijedio nogu, on me vukao do ceste, a onda me odvezao u bolnicu. Prvi je u klubu predložio da se počne raditi s mladima, prvi je oko sebe počeo okupljati djecu i raditi s njom. Bilo je teško, jer je i sam trening takav, ali je ipak uspio pokrenuti program za mlade, u čemu smo ga mi ostali u potpunosti podržavali. U klubu je upoznao i svoju buduću suprugu Ljiljanu. Kad zbog svog posla više nije mogao voditi najmlađe članove, ona je preuzela te treninge.

ranko came to Karate Club “Mladost” as a young man, still in high school. Over time we started hanging out more and more, mainly outside training. Despite the age difference we spent a lot of time together, our acquaintance grew into friendship, and later we also became “brothers in arms”. We used to go out together and after, in the middle of the night, at 2-3 o’clock in the morning, went to his house for a feast and hung out till the morning. I became a part of his family, and he a part of mine. We also used to help each other in various types of work, so I once worked with him in the woods and cut my leg with a saw, and he dragged me to the road and took me to the hospital. He was the first to propose that we should begin to work with young people in the club, the first who began to gather children around and to work with them. It was hard because the training was hard by itself, but he, nevertheless, managed to launch a program for young people, in which he was fully supported by all of us. He also met his future wife Ljiljana in the club. As he was no longer able to train our youngest members because of his job obligations, she took over the training of his young karate pupils. When the war began we separated, everyone went their own way, but we tried to keep in touch and occasionally met each other. He was killed one Sunday, and my old men informed me about it. At first I did not believe it, especially as there were no combat activi-

Branko i Milan Garašić, ljetna škola, Otočec ob Krki, 1983./Branko and Milan Garašić, Summer camp, Otočec ob Krki, 1983

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

Na početku rata smo se razdvojili, svatko je otišao svojim putem, no bili smo stalno u kontaktu i povremeno smo se viđali. Poginuo je jedne nedjelje, tu mi je vijest prenio moj stari. Znao sam da je sa specijalcima na Prevlaci, ali tada više nije bilo borbenih djelovanja, pa u prvi mah nisam povjerovao. No, kad sam nazvao njegove, potvrdili su mi vijest. Otišao sam odmah na mjesto nesreće i vidio prizor koji se ne zaboravlja. Kad vidiš mjesto na kojem su poginuli, moraš početi vjerovati u sudbinu. Da su samo dva metra prije ili poslije skrenuli, to se ne bi dogodilo. To je doista kao da te prst sudbine vuče... Već mjesec-dva kasnije odlučili smo u klubu organizirati turnir za Branka. Nismo imali ništa, samo dobru volju i ideju. Odmah smo kontaktirali Mađare, a budući da je u klubu trenirao i jedan Slovenac, organizirali smo međunarodni turnir pod nazivom Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Tako smo na 1. Memorijalu imali 16 natjecatelja u apsolutnoj kategoriji. Iduće smo se godine pitali da li da ga opet organiziramo, pa smo odlučili

ties at that time, even though I knew that he was in Prevlaka with his Special Police Unit. But when I called his home, they confirmed it. I immediately went to the crash site and saw a scene that cannot be forgotten. When you see the place where they died, you have to believe in fate. If only they had bounced off the road two meters before or after, it would not have happened. It’s really as if destiny pulls you... Only a month or two after that we decided the club would organize a tournament in memory of Branko. We had nothing but good will and an idea. We immediately contacted the Hungarians, and considering that we had a Slovenian training in the club, we organized an international tournament named Branko Bošnjak Memorial. At this first Memorial tournament 16 competitors fought in the open category. Next year we wondered if we should do it again and decided to try. Our invitation was answered by some 30 fighters from Hungary. Soon the fighters from other countries, namely Ro-

Branko (prvi slijeva, sjedi), Damir Jelić, Milan Garašić i Jurica Bošnjak, splavarenje po Savi, 1980./Branko (first on the left, sitting) Damir Jelić, Milan Garašić and Jurica Bošnjak, rafting on the river Sava, 1980

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

Trening Milana Garašića i Branka/Milan Garašić and Branko during training

pokušati. Našem se pozivu odavalo 30-ak boraca iz Mađarske.

mania, France, Bulgaria, Greece, have joined the tournament...

Ubrzo su nam se priključili i borci iz drugih država, Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Rumunjske...

During the first few years we organized everything ourselves, and then we started to get help from the guys from the “Alpha” Unit. Milijan Brkić, Zoran Cvrk and Vladimir Faber joined us and have really helped a lot, as well as the other guys. We met each other and started to work together at the Memorial. The hardest thing was to bring competitors from outside, since the war in Croatia had just finished, and we managed in all sorts of ways regarding financial costs. We were even prepared to use our own credit cards if it was needed, but we never gave up, even when it seemed impossible. Meanwhile, the Memorial became a tradition that is still ongoing, just like the memory of Branko... •

Prvih nekoliko godina sve smo organizirali sami, a onda su nam počeli pomagati i dečki iz “Alfi”. Pridružili su nam se Milijan Brkić, Zoran Cvrk i Vladimir Faber, koji su nam doista puno pomogli, ali i ostali dečki. Najteže je bilo dovesti natjecatelje izvana, budući da je rat u Hrvatskoj tek završio. Financijski smo se svakako snalazili. “Peglali” bismo i vlastite kartice da je trebalo, ali nikad ne bismo odustali, čak i kad se to činilo kao nemoguća misija. Danas je već Memorijal tradicija koja još uvijek traje, baš kao i uspomena na Branka... •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

ranko je u KK “Mladost” Samobor došao kao srednjoškolac, ujesen 1979. godine. Već sljedeće godine tijekom tjedna je bio u Zagrebu u policijskoj školi, a vikendom je trenirao u klubu. U početku se nismo previše družili, najviše zbog razlike u godinama, no zbližili smo se boraveći zajedno na ljetnim i zimskim školama te na raznim seminarima i drugim događanjima u organizaciji kluba – u Otočcu, Crikvenici, Novom Vinodolskom, kao i na kampovima u Mađarskoj. Drugi vid druženja i suradnje odvijao se u Društvu za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor, nekoć “Sokol” pa onda “Partizan”, koje je klubu omogućilo korištenje dvorane za svoje treninge. Zauzvrat su članovi kluba sudjelovali u organizaciji pješačkih pohoda “U susret zdravlju”

ranko came to KC “Mladost” as a high school kid, somewhere in the autumn of 1979. During the week he was at the Police Academy, which he attended at the time, and on the weekends he trained at the club. At the beginning, we did not socialize much, primarily because of the age difference, but in time we became closer during our stays at summer and winter camps and at various seminars we attended together. Thus we were together in Otočac, Crikvenica, Novi Vinodolski, as well as in camps in Hungary and other places where we went in the organization of the club.

Another aspect of our friendship and cooperation took place in the Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for All” in Samobor, once called “Sokol” and “Partisan”, which allowed the club to use its sports hall for training. Considering that cooperation the club Branko i sudionici pješačkog pohoda "U susret zdravlju", LD “Srndać”, members participated in the organization Plešivica/Branko and the participants of pedestrian hikes “Towards health” and of the pedestrian hike “Towards cycling tours, where Branko was engaged in Health”, Hunting Lodge “Srndać”, his full capacity. In the club everyone did evPlešivica

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Prijatelji o Branku Friends about Branko

Branko (treći slijeva), ljetna škola, 1984./Branko (third on the left), Summer camp, 1984

i biciklističkih tura, u čemu se Branko maksimalno angažirao. U klubu smo svi radili sve, pa je tako i Branko od člana postao trener te je neposredno prije Domovinskog rata trenirao najmlađe članove. Kad je počeo rat, zbog njegova angažmana u Specijalnoj jedinici policije, više nije dolazio u klub. No i dalje smo se viđali i družili, kada god se za to pružila prilika. Branko je zbilja bio poseban tip, koga god bi upoznao, na prvu bi ga osvojio. Iz njega je zračila mirnoća, djelovao je flegma, pa iako je uvijek bio spreman na zafrkanciju, nikad nisi znao kad se šali, a kad je ozbiljan. S njim nikad nije bilo dosadno. I danas, kad ga se prisjećamo, činimo to s tugom, ali i s osmjehom. • Ivan Bezjak

erything, so Branko soon became a coach and immediately prior to the Homeland War he trained our youngest members. When the war started, due to his involvement in the Special Police Forces, Branko did not come to the club anymore. However, we still saw each other and hung out whenever we got the opportunity. Branko was really a special guy, he immediately won over everyone he met. A certain calmness, or even coolness, shined out of him, but he was always ready to joke so one could never tell when he was joking and when he was serious. It was never boring with him around. Even today, when we remember him, we do so with sorrow, but also with a smile. • Ivan Bezjak

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

Specijalna jedinica Special Police Unit policije “Alfa’’ “Alpha” of Zagreb PU zagrebačke Police Department

akon prvih demokratskih izbora 1990. i proglašenja neovisnosti početkom ljeta 1991. godine, kada je uslijedila oružana agresija na Republiku Hrvatsku, upravo su se specijalne snage Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova Republike Hrvatske pokazale efikasnim i odlučujućim čimbenikom u izvršenju najsloženijih operacija i akcija kojima se uspostavila cjelovitost Republike Hrvatske i zaustavila velikosrpska agresija (Milković 2013). Narušavanje javnoga reda i mira u Hrvatskoj na dijelu teritorija gdje je srpsko pučanstvo imalo većinu ili barem znatan udio među stanovništvom, zabrinulo je hrvatsko vodstvo. Posebice s obzirom na upitnu odanost dijela tadašnjih milicajaca legalno izabranoj hrvatskoj vlasti i nacionalnu strukturu zaposlenih u Ministarstvu unutarnjih poslova RH (krajem rujna 1990. godine u MUP-u RH bilo je 50,3 % Hrvata, 30,1 % Srba, 15,6 % Jugoslavena i 4 % ostalih, a u ukupnom broju stanovnika Hrvatske tada je bilo 78 % Hrvata). Zbog toga se nametnula potreba za ustrojavanjem i naoružavanjem većeg broja ljudi spremnih za obranu Hrvatske, dakako, u skladu s tada važećim republičkim i saveznim zakonima, uzimajući pritom u obzir da bi otpuštanje “viška” djelatnog osoblja srpske nacionalnosti moglo poslužiti srpskim ekstremistima kao povod za sukobe. Tako je 5. kolovoza 1990. godine na Policijskoj akademiji u Zagrebu započeo prvi Tečaj za obuku policijskih službenika (Prvi hrvatski redarstvenik). Na tečaj je primljeno oko 1700 kandidata, od kojih je formirana brigada policije, kao prva hrvatska oružana postrojba na koju je novoizabrana hrvatska vlast mogla potpuno računati (Ćurak 2006: 52). Prvim hrvatskim redar-

fter the first democratic elections in 1990 and the declaration of independence at the beginning of the summer of 1991, when the armed aggression against the Republic of Croatia started, the Special Forces of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia proved themselves to be an effective and decisive factor in carrying out the most complex operations and actions which led to the establishment of the territorial integrity of Croatia and the end of the Serbian aggression (Milković 2013). Croatian leadership was worried about the disturbances of the public order and peace in a part of the Croatian territory where Serbs were in a majority or at least had a significant portion in the population. Especially considering the questionable loyalty of one part of the Police Forces to the legally elected Croatian government and also the questionable ethnic structure of employees of the Ministry of the Interior (in late September of 1990 there was 50.3% of Croats, 30.1% of Serbs, 15.6% of Yugoslavs and 4% of other nationalities working in the Ministry of the Interior, and at the same time 78% of people living in Croatia declared as Croats). Therefore, there was a need to organize and arm significant number of people willing to defend Croatia, of course in accordance with the then valid republican and federal laws, but also taking into account that discharging the “surplus” of the active police personnel of Serbian nationality could serve the Serbian extremists as an excuse for further conflicts. Thus, the first training course for police officers began on 5th August 1990 at the Police Academy in Zagreb (First Croatian Policeman). Around 1,700 candidates attended it and later became members of the newly formed Police Brigade, the first Croatian

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

stvenicima popunjena je 7. rujna 1990. godine Antiteroristička jedinica Lučko, a potom i jedinice za posebnu namjenu MUP-a i ZNG-a RH, te posebne jedinice policije (u daljnjem tekstu: PJP), kasnije nazvane specijalne jedinice policije (u daljnjem tekstu: SJP), pri policijskim upravama (u daljnjem tekstu: PU). Slijedom općeg stanja sigurnosti u Republici Hrvatskoj, a na temelju odredbe stavka 1. članka 24. Zakona o unutrašnjim poslovima, tadašnji ministar unutarnjih poslova Josip Boljkovac donio je odluku o osnivanju posebnih jedinica policije. Budući da je prilikom organizacijskog ustrojavanja Zbora narodne garde (u daljnjem tekstu: ZNG) veći broj djelatnika iz jedinica prešao u ZNG, trebalo je PJP ponovno ustrojiti. Stoga se odmah pristupilo ustrojavanju i formiranju jedinica od aktivnih policajaca, tako da policijske uprave u Rijeci, Gospiću, Karlovcu, Sisku, Zagrebu, Bjelovaru, Kutini, Slavonskom Brodu, Osijeku, Vinkovcima, Vukovaru, Zadru, Šibeniku i Splitu formiraju jedinice od stotinu dvadeset (120), a uprave u Puli, Zaboku, Varaždinu i Dubrovniku od osamdeset (80) policajaca po kriterijima opće psihofizičke sposobnosti i dragovoljnosti. Unutar utvrđenoga broja jesu zapovjednik, dva pomoćnika, komandiri vodova i odjeljenja. Primjenom novih vojnopolicijskih programa temeljenih na dugogodišnjim iskustvima sličnih svjetski poznatih specijalnih postrojbi, u kratkom vremenu stvoreni su visokoprofesionalni hrvatski specijalci koji su postali elitni i nezaobilazni dio hrvatskih oružanih snaga. Hrabrost, psihološka stabilnost, iznadprosječna tjelesna kondicija, visoka obrazovanost, odlučnost, odgovornost, nepokolebljivost, snalažljivost, sposobnost za brzo reagiranje i procjenu situacije za mnogobrojne borbene djelatnosti, spremnost i izdržljivost na najrazličitije zemljopisne i meteorološke uvjete, samo je dio karakteristika koje opisuju hrvatskog specijalca (Milković 2013: 336). Ustrojavanjem Specijalne policije MUP-a RH stvorena je naoružana jezgra prijeko

armed unit which the new Croatian government could fully count on (Ćurak 2006: 52). First Croatian Policemen became members of the Antiterrorist Unit “Lučko” on 7th September 1990, and after that members of the Units for Special Purposes of the Ministry of the Interior and of the National Guard Forces, as well as the Special Police Units (hereinafter: SPU) established within different territorial Police Departments (hereinafter: PD). Following the general security situation in the Republic of Croatia, based on the provisions of paragraph 1 Article 24 of the Law on Internal Affairs, former Minister of the Interior Josip Boljkovac made a decision to establish Special Police Units. During the process of establishment of the National Guard Forces (hereinafter: NGF) a larger number of Special Police Unit members transferred to the National Guard, so the SPU had to re-established. Therefore, the re-formation of these units started immediately from the ranks of active police officers, so the Police Departments in Rijeka, Gospić, Karlovac, Sisak, Zagreb, Bjelovar, Kutina, Slavonski Brod, Osijek, Vinkovci, Vukovar, Zadar, Šibenik and Split formed the units of one hundred and twenty (120), and Departments in Pula, Zabok, Dubrovnik and Varaždin the units of eighty (80) police officers, using the general mental and physical abilities and willingness as selecting criteria. Within the fortified number were also the commander, two assistant commanders, platoon leaders and squad leaders. In a short time, by applying new military and police programs based on years of experience of similar world famous Special Forces, a highly professional Croatian Special Police Forces were established and its members have become an elite and indispensable part of the Croatian Armed Forces. Courage, psychological stability, above average physical fitness, higher education, determination, responsibility, constancy, resourcefulness, ability to quickly assess and respond to the situation during numerous combat activities, readiness and endurance in various geographical and meteorological conditions, are only a part of the character-

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

potrebna za stvaranje slobodne i suverene Hrvatske, koja je ujedno bila i začetak stvaranja suvremene Hrvatske vojske. Naredbom od 21. srpnja 1991. godine, imajući u vidu složenost sigurnosnog stanja u Republici Hrvatskoj i na području PU Zagreb te činjenicu da je bivša Posebna jedinica PU Zagreb prešla u sastav ZNG-a, bilo je potrebno hitno formirati posebnu jedinicu policije pri Policijskoj upravi Zagreb. Već 23. srpnja 1991. godine, što je ujedno datum osnivanja “Alfi”, sastavljen je prvi popis djelatnika koji su iz organizacijskih jedinica PU Zagreb određeni u Posebnu jedinicu policije Policijske uprave Zagreb, uz napomenu da se na popisu nalazi ukupno 100 djelatnika, dok će broj od 120 djelatnika biti popunjen u što kraćem roku.1 Prvo borbeno djelovanje “Alfi” bilo je u Akciji “Topusko” 26. kolovoza 1991. godine, s ciljem izvlačenja civilnog pučanstva iz Do određenih promjena došlo je u studenome 1991., kada su Naredbom ministra unutarnjih poslova Ivana Vekića od 15. studenoga 1991. godine posebne jedinice policije (PJP) preustrojene u specijalne jedinice policije (SJP), koje su “radi posebnih razloga sigurnosti” predviđene u svakoj policijskoj upravi (PU). Specijalne jedinice formirane su na “kadrovskim i materijalnotehničkim osnovama dotadašnjih Posebnih jedinica policije”. Naredbom je određeno da će se u Policijskoj upravi Karlovac, Policijskoj upravi Gospić, Policijskoj upravi Osijek, Policijskoj upravi Slavonski Brod i Policijskoj upravi Zagreb formirati jedinice jačine 180 djelatnika; u Policijskoj upravi Sisak, Policijskoj upravi Bjelovar, Policijskoj upravi Rijeka i Policijskoj upravi Šibenik jačine 150 djelatnika; u Policijskoj upravi Split, Policijskoj upravi Zadar, Policijskoj upravi Kutina, Policijskoj upravi Vinkovci, Policijskoj upravi Županja i Policijskoj upravi Vukovar jačine 120 djelatnika; u Policijskoj upravi Varaždin, Policijskoj upravi Pula, Policijskoj upravi Zabok i Policijskoj upravi Dubrovnik jačine 100 djelatnika (sveukupno oko 2620 djelatnika). U specijalnim jedinicama jačine do 150 djelatnika, uz zapovjednika, predviđena su dva pomoćnika zapovjednika, a u jedinicama s više od 150 djelatnika, uz zapovjednika predviđena su tri pomoćnika zapovjednika. Prema spomenutoj Naredbi svaka specijalna jedinica trebala je imati rezervni sastav, jednako brojan kao i aktivni sastav te jedinice, a takva jedinica rezervnoga sastava formirala se od pripadnika rezervnog sastava policije, prema kriterijima utvrđenim za aktivne djelatnike specijalne policije (Nazor, 2007: 103–106). 1

istics that describe the members of Croatian Special Police Forces (Milković 2013: 336). Special Police Forces of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia became an armed nucleus indispensable during the process of establishing free and sovereign Croatia, and it was also the beginning of forming the contemporary Croatian Army. Bearing in mind the complexity of the security situation in the Republic of Croatia and within the territory of Zagreb Police Department as well as the fact that the former Special Police Unit of Zagreb PD became part of the National Guard, it was necessary to urgently form a new SPU within Zagreb PD, which was formally done by the Command of 21st July 1991. Already on 23rd July 1991, which is the date of the establishment of the “Alpha” Unit, the initial list of police officers to be assigned to the new SPU from different organizational units of Zagreb PD was compiled, noting that there was a total of 100 police officers on that list, while the number of 120 officers was expected to be filled as soon as possible.1 1 Certain changes occurred during November of 1991, when the Units for Special Purposes, based upon the Command of the Minister of the Interior Ivan Vekić of 15th November 1991, were reorganized into Special Police Units, formed within each Police Department (PD) “for specific security reasons”. The core of new special units was the “personnel, material and technical resources of former Units for Special Purposes”. The Command determined that units of 180 police officers would be formed in Karlovac PD, Gospić PD, Osijek PD, Slavonski Brod PD and Zagreb PD, units of 150 police officers in Sisak PD, Bjelovar PD, Rijeka PD and Šibenik PD, units of 120 police officers in Split PD, Zadar PD, Kutina PD, Vinkovci PD, Županja PD and Vukovar PD, and units of 100 police officers in Varaždin PD, Pula PD, Zabok PD and Dubrovnik PD (a total of around 2.620 police officers). The Special Police Units with force up to 150 officers, in addition to the commander, had two assistant commanders, and units with more than 150 officers, in addition to the commander, had three assistant commanders. According to the mentioned Command, each Special Unit was obliged to form a reserve force, as numerous as an active force of the same units, and these reserve force was formed out of regular Police Reserve Force, using the same criteria valid for active members of Special Police Forces (Nazor 2007: 103-106).

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

Željko Mihaljević, Goran Maretić, Zlatko Pukšec, Oliver Sviben, Branko Bošnjak, Ivan Pranjić (iznad), "Alfe" prije odlaska u akciju, 1991./ Željko Mihaljević, Goran Maretić, Zlatko Pukšec, Oliver Sviben, Branko Bošnjak, Ivan Pranjić (up), the Alphas before going into action, 1991

četničkog okruženja, kao i uspostavljanje crte obrane te onemogućavanje daljnjeg prodora neprijatelja. Tijekom proboja neprijateljskih crta 30. kolovoza 1991. poginuo je djelatnik Pero Perčević, a 13 je djelatnika ranjeno. U akciji zauzimanja vojarne u Velikoj Buni 6. listopada 1991., “Alfe” su još jednom dokazale da su se transformirale u visokoprofesionalnu postrojbu na koju se može računati u izvršenju najsloženijih borbenih zadaća. Tijekom zauzimanja vojarne korištena je vatrena podrška minobacača 82 mm netom osnovane topničke grupe, a u akciji je život izgubilo osam vojnika JNA, dok su ranjena naša dva djelatnika. Nakon akcije u Topuskom, “Alfe” se 6. studenoga 1991. upućuje u pravcu mjesta Pokupsko sa zadaćom konsolidacije obrane

The “Alpha” Unit gained their first combat experience on 26th August 1991 during the Action “Topusko”, which aimed at bringing out civilians from encirclement of Serbian forces, as well as to establishing a line of defence and preventing further penetration of the enemy. During the breach of the enemy lines on 30th August 1991 officer Pero Perčević was killed and 13 other officers were injured. On 6th October 1991, during the action of taking over the army barracks in Velika Buna, the Alphas proved once again that they had managed to transform themselves into a highly professional unit which one could depend on to execute the most complex combat missions. During this action, the fire support of 82 mm mine-throwers, given by the newly formed artillery group, was used. Eight soldiers of the former Yugo-

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

i onemogućavanja daljnjeg probijanja neprijatelja, gdje su tijekom borbenih djelovanja također ranjena dva djelatnika. Tijekom mjeseca studenog 1991. godine cjelokupni sastav Jedinice nalazi se u stalnoj borbenoj pripremi za oslobađanje Vukovara. Kada su početkom 1992. godine hrvatske oružane snage počele pretragu (tzv. češljanje) terena, u šumi iznad mjesta Sažije zarobili su skupinu četnika koja se skrivala u unaprijed pripremljenim zemunicama, opremljenim velikom količinom hrane i oružja. Kako se radilo o šumovitom i neprohodnom terenu, iskazala se potreba za dodatnim angažiranjem snaga Specijalne policije MUP-a RH, pa su se na temelju zapovijedi Odjela specijalne policije od 15. siječnja 1992. “Alfe” u vojnom smislu uključile u Akciju “Trokut”, odnosno pretragu terena na području Zvečeva i djelomično Papuka. Krajem 1992. godine jedinica se upućuje na Velebit po akciji “Poskok 1”, gdje na planini Visočica izvršava zadaće održavanja crte razgraničenja, pri čemu je 3. veljače 1993. prilikom operativnog izviđanja poginuo pripadnik pričuvnog sastava jedinice, Miroslav Fabečić. U vojno-redarstvenu operaciju (u daljnjem tekstu: VRO) “Maslenica” (“Gusar”), pripadnici SJP “Alfa” PU zagrebačke (tri voda – II., V. i VI.) uključuju se od 18. siječnja 1993. te uspješno izvršavaju sve dobivene zadaće, a posebno se ističu tijekom zasjede na komunikaciji Sveti Rok, kada su uništena dva neprijateljska interventna voda. Zasjeda koju su izvele “Alfe” i pripadnici SJP “Barun” iz Zaboka zasigurno je s obzirom na meteo i zemljišne uvjete bila najteže izvediva zasjedna akcija u Domovinskom ratu, a po nanesenim gubicima neprijatelju i jedna od najuspješnijih (Milković 2013: 107). Pored usmene pohvale prvog hrvatskog predsjednika dr. Franje Tuđmana, topništvo je dobilo pismenu pohvalu ministra unutarnjih poslova Ivana Jarnjaka zbog visokog stupnja uvježbanosti i izvršenja borbenih zadaća. Prilikom izvršavanja borbenih zadaća u akciji “Maslenica” poginuo je hrvatski vitez Ivica Drmić, dok su četiri djelatnika ranjena.

slav Army lost their lives, and two of our officers were wounded. After the action in Topusko, on 6th November 1991 the “Alpha” Unit was relocated in the direction of the village Pokupsko, with the task to consolidate defence and disable further penetration of the enemy, where two of our officers were wounded in combat. During November of 1991 the full composition of the Unit was in constant combat preparation for the liberation of Vukovar. In early 1992, when Croatian armed forces started searching the field (so-called combing) in the woods above the village Sažije, they arrested a group of rebelled Serbs who were hiding in pre-prepared pits, equipped with a large amount of food and weapons. As it was a wooded and rugged terrain, there was a need for additional deployment of Croatian Special Police Forces. So, based upon the Command of the Department of Special Police of 15th January 1992, the “Alpha” Unit was militarily included within the Action “Triangle”, regarding the search of the terrain in the mountain area of Zvečevo and partially Papuk. At the end of 1992, the Unit was deployed to the mountain of Velebit to take part in the Action “Viper 1”, where they performed tasks of maintaining the demarcation line on the mountain of Visočica. On 3rd February 1993, during the operational reconnaissance of the terrain, a member of the reserve part of the Unit Miroslav Fabečić was killed. On 18th January 1993 members of the SPU “Alpha” of Zagreb PD (three platoons – 2nd, 5th and 6th) were included in the Military-Police Operation (hereinafter: MPO) “Maslenica” (“Pirate”) and they successfully carried out all the entrusted tasks. They especially distinguished themselves during an ambush on communication point Sveti Rok, when they destroyed two enemy intervention platoons. This ambush, carried out by the Alphas and members of SPU “Baron” from Zabok, was certainly, due to the weather and soil conditions, the most difficultly executable ambush action during the Homeland War, and

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

Tijekom 1993. godine “Alfe” kontinuirano sudjeluju u akcijama “Poskok 1” i “Poskok 2” sve do 7. rujna 1993., kada dio jedinice (grupa za PZO) sudjeluje u akciji “Medački džep 93”, dok veći dio jedinice drži crtu razgraničenja na Velebitu. Početkom 1994. pa sve do svibnja 1995. godine “Alfe” su provele na izvršenju zadaća osiguranja crta razgraničenja prema neprijatelju, i to u sljedećim akcijama: “Krug – Požega” i “Krug – Dubrovnik” te “Poskok 2” kontinuirano, kao i “Kocka”, u kojoj je jedinica uključena cjelokupnim sastavom nakon podmuklog ubojstva petorice hrvatskih državljana u području Zaštićene zone Ujedinjenih naroda – Sektor zapad (United Nations Protected Areas – UNPA područje). Već 30. travnja 1995. godine “Alfe” u punom sastavu odlaze na izvršenje VRO “Bljesak” i daju svoj doprinos u akcijama oslobađanja zapadne Slavonije. Tijekom proboja neprijateljske crte obrane poginuli su djelatnici

by inflicted losses to the enemy, one of the most successful ones (Milković, 2013: 107). In addition to verbal praise of the first Croatian president Franjo Tuđjman, the artillery group also received a written commendation of Minister of the Interior Ivan Jarnjak due to the high degree of proficiency and effective execution of combat missions. Croatian knight Ivica Drmić was killed in combat during the Action “Maslenica”, while four of our officers were wounded. During 1993 the “Alpha” Unit continuously participated in Actions “Viper 1” and “Viper 2” until 7th September, and after that a part of the Unit (group for air defence) took part in the Action “Medački džep 93”, while majority of the Unit held the demarcation line on the mountain of Velebit. From the beginning of 1994 until May of 1995, the Alphas carried out tasks of protecting the demarcation line towards the enemy during the following actions - “Circle-

V. vod na Senjaku nakon "Oluje", 1995./ 5th platoon at Senjak after the operation “Storm”, 1995

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

Vladimir Deščak i Miroslav Flegar, dok je jedan djelatnik ranjen. “Alfe” u lipnju i srpnju 1995. godine sudjeluju u akcijama pretraga terena i neutralizaciji zaostalih pripadnika te razbijanju neprijateljskih formacija. Jedinica se ujedno aktivno priprema za naredne zadaće sve do 30. srpnja 1995., kada zajedno s drugim jedinicama zaokružuje svoj borbeni put sudjelovanjem u VRO “Oluja”, gdje se definitivno potvrđuju opravdanima sva ulaganja u djelatnike i ovu jedinicu, koja krajnjom motiviranošću i profesionalnošću, zajedno s drugim jedinicama Specijalne policije MUP-a RH, dolazi na državnu granicu naše domovine. Tijekom akcije VRO “Oluja” ranjen je jedan djelatnik jedinice. Nakon završetka akcije VRO “Oluja”, “Alfe” su sudjelovale u izvršavanju zadaća čišćenja i pretrage terena na oslobođenim područjima od zaostalih neprijateljskih grupacija u akcijama “Oluja – Obruč Petrova Gora”, “ Oluja – Obruč Gračac” i “ Oluja – Obruč Plitvička jezera”. Od 1. studenoga 1996. jedinica se nalazila u punoj borbenoj pripravnosti, kao i u više navrata tijekom studenog iste godine za oslobađanje istočne Slavonije. Osim iznimnog borbenog puta u Domovinskom ratu, “Alfe” sudjeluju u gotovo svim redarstvenim akcijama MUP-a RH, od akcije “Dvor” 1991. godine pa do akcija “Alan” i “Pauk” te “Sar”, za koje je jedinica kontinuirano provodila pripreme kako bi se sigurnost Zračne luke Zagreb uvijek držala na zadovoljavajućoj visokoj razini, a davala je djelatnike i za akciju “Skok”. Isto tako, “Alfe” su odradile velik broj radnih sati u akcijama “Mrav”, “Krug”, “Češalj” i “Ravo”. U akciji “Valuta” jedinica je izvršavala zadaće u Virju i Splitu, a zbog uspjeha u provedbi i krajnjih rezultata akcije, pohvaljena je od svih vodećih struktura MUP-a. Kontinuirana uključenost “Alfi” u pratnje specijalnih tereta i posebnih pošiljki, izuzetno velikih novčanih sredstava Hrvatske narodne banke i Zagrebačke banke, samo je jedan od dokaza koliko je svaki pripadnik “Alfi” ulijevao povjerenje profesionalnim i nesebičnim pristupom prilikom izvršenja svakog

Požega”, “Circle-Dubrovnik” and “Viper 2” continuously, as well as during the Action “Cube”, in which the complete unit was included after the treacherous murder of five Croatian citizens in the West Sector of the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA). Already on 30th April 1995 the Alphas were in full capacity engaged in the execution of MPO “Flash” and made their contribution to the liberation of Western Slavonia. During the breach of enemy defence lines, officers Vladimir Deščak and Miroslav Flegar were killed, while one officer was wounded. During June and July of 1995 the Alphas participated in the actions of searching the field and breaking up the enemy formations as well as of neutralization of their residual members. The Unit was also actively preparing for the following tasks until 30th July 1995, when, by taking part in MPO “Storm”, together with other units, it rounded up its-own battle way. During this action all the investment in the staff and the Unit in general was definitely confirmed as justified, due to their ultimate motivation and professionalism. Together with other Croatian Special Police Units, they managed to get to the state border of our country. During the MPO “Storm” one member of the unit was wounded. After finalization of the MPO “Storm”, the Alphas were involved in executing the tasks of searching and cleaning the field of the remaining enemy groups in the liberated areas, within the Actions “Storm - Ring Petrova Gora”, “Storm - Ring Gračac” and “Storm - Ring Plitvice Lakes “. Until 1st November 1996 the Unit was in full combat readiness, as well as in numerous occasions during November that same year, for the liberation of Eastern Slavonia. In addition to exceptional combat actions in the Homeland War, the “Alpha” Unit participated in virtually all police actions of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, from the Action “Dvor” in 1991 to the Actions “Alan”, “Spider” and “Sar”, during which the Unit was continuously preparing in order to keep the security of the Zagreb Airport at a satisfactory high level,

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

postavljenog policijskog zadatka. Djelatnici jedinice bili su i okosnica stožer snaga specijalne policije te su postigli izuzetne rezultate u akcijama “Štibra – Osijek”, “Štibra – Split”, “Štibra – Čakovec”, “Štibra – Varaždin” i “Štibra – Zagreb”. Na području PU karlovačke “Alfe” su bile angažirane na izvršenju zadaća po akciji “Tu – ka”, kao i tijekom 1995. i 1996. godine po akciji “Nauk”. Vrhunska stručnost, kao i iskustvo ove jedinice u osiguranjima javnih skupova (više od 500 javnih okupljanja, kako na području PU zagrebačke tako i na gotovo svim policijskim upravama u državi), kulminirala je sudjelovanjem u planiranju i neposrednom vođenju te izvršenju zadaća u prioritetnoj akciji MUP-a RH tijekom 1994. godine, a to je bilo osiguranje Svetog Oca, pape Ivana Pavla II., koja se vodila pod imenom “Pastir 900”. Pripadnici “Alfi” lišili su slobode više desetaka počinitelja teških krivičnih djela, a posebice ističemo lišenje slobode na području PU požeško-slavonske osobe koja je bila počinitelj dvostrukog ubojstva ko-

and at the same time its officers were involved in the action “Jump”. Likewise, the Alphas worked a great number of hours within the Actions “Ant”, “Circle”, “Comb” and “Ravo”. In the Action “Valuta” the Unit executed tasks in the areas of Virje and Split, and due to success in the fulfilment of their tasks and aims of the actions, it was praised by all the leading structures of the Ministry of the Interior. The “Alpha” Unit was continuously involved in accompanying special cargos and special packages, particularly those with extremely large amounts of money of the Croatian National Bank and the Bank of Zagreb, which is just one proof of how each member of the “Alpha” Unit instilled confidence by their professionalism and selfless approach during the execution of every police task placed in front of them. Members of the Unit were also the backbone of Special Police Forces Headquarters and achieved outstanding results in Actions “ŠtibraOsijek”, “Štibra-Split”, “Štibra-Čakovec”, “Štibra-Varaždin” and “Štibra-Zagreb”. In the area of Karlovac PD the Alphas were engaged in the execution of the tasks within Action “Tu-ka”, as well as within the Action “Nauk” during 1995 and 1996. This Unit’s superior expertise and experience regarding the protection of public gatherings (more than 500 public gatherings, both within the area of Zagreb PD and areas of almost all other Police Departments in the country) culminated in participation in the planning, leading and conducting the tasks within a 1994 prioritized Action of Croatian Ministry of the Interior, undertaken to secure the Holy Father Pope John Paul II, which was carried out under the name “Shepherd 900”. Members of the “Alpha” Unit arrested dozens of perpetrators of serious crimes, and the deprivation of liberty of the person who was the perpetrator of the double murder of fellow officer in the area of Požeško-Slavonska PD should be particularly emphasized. The Unit successfully resolved several hostage situations, such as the release of an American citizen upon the alert of the American Embassy in

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

lega policajaca. Jedinica je uspješno riješila više talačkih situacija, kao što je oslobađanje američkog državljanina po dojavi Veleposlanstava SAD-a u lipnju 1993. godine, kao i stvaranje svih potrebnih preduvjeta (blokada prostora, snajpersko pokrivanje) kako bi se uspješno mogla riješiti talačka situacija. Osim već naprijed navedenog osiguranja, u više od 500 javnih skupova SJP “Alfa” PU zagrebačke sudjelovala je u osiguranju više desetaka osoba i objekata visokog sigurnosnog značenja (Milković 2013: 134). Specijalna jedinica policije “Alfa” PU zagrebačke izvršavala je najsloženije vojnopolicijske zadaće tijekom Domovinskog rata te je izrasla u elitnu i jednu od najobučenijih specijalnih postrojbi MUP-a RH. To dokazuje pismena pohvala predsjednika RH dr. Franje Tuđmana za sudjelovanje jedinice u oslobađanju vojarne Velika Buna, priznanje Grada Zagreba – Grb Grada koji je jedinica primila 1995. godine, zatim Medalja Grada Zagreba iz 2006. godine u povodu 15. godišnjice ustrojavanja ratnih zapovjedništava, za iskazano junaštvo njezinih pripadnika u Domovinskom ratu jedinicu je 30. studenoga 2012. godine Redom Nikole Šubića Zrinskog odlikovao predsjednik Ivo Josipović, a dobivena su i brojna pojedinačna visoka odličja za sudjelovanje u svim borbenim akcijama i operacijama tijekom Domovinskog rata. • Stjepan Milković

Zagreb in June of 1993, as well as taking all the necessary requirements (blockage of the area, sniper cover) to successfully resolve the hostage situation committed by Aleksandar Milas. Besides the already aforementioned safeguarding tasks related to more than 500 public gatherings, the SPU “Alpha” of Zagreb PD took part in securing dozens of people and objects of high security importance (Milković, 2013: 134). Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb PD executed the most complex military and police duties during the Homeland War and grew into one of the elite and most proficient special police units within Croatian Ministry of the Interior. This was also proven by many praises - written commendation of the Croatian President Franjo Tuđman for participating in the liberation of the military barracks in Velika Buna; Praise of City of Zagreb - Coat of Arms of the City, which the Unit received in 1995; Medal of the City of Zagreb received in 2006 on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of establishing the war headquarters; on 30th November 2012 the Unit was honoured by Croatian President Ivo Josipović by an Order of Nikola Šubic Zrinski for expressed heroism of its members during the war; as well as numerous individual high praises obtained for participating in all combat actions and operations during the Homeland War. • Stjepan Milković

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

Hrvatski vitez Branko Bošnjak

Croatian knight Branko Bošnjak

Rođen je 22. ožujka 1963. godine u Samoboru. Nakon što je 1980. godine s odličnim uspjehom završio Školski centar “Skender Fabković” u Samoboru, upisao je Obrazovni centar Republičkog sekretarijata za unutrašnje poslove Socijalističke Republike Hrvatske u Zagrebu. Tijekom obrazovanja, budući da je trenirao kyokushin karte, pokazao se kao vrlo dobar i perspektivan “pitomac”. Pedagoško vijeće škole pohvalilo je Branka 22. siječnja 1982. godine za “vrlo dobar uspjeh, primjereno vladanje i vannastavne aktivnosti”. Završni ispit 10. lipnja

He was born on 22nd March 1963 in Samobor. After graduating from Samobor High School “Skender Fabković” in 1980 with honours, Branko enrolled in the Secondary School of Internal Affairs of the Croatian Republic Secretariat of the Interior in Zagreb. During his police education, since he practised kyokushin karate, he proved to be a very good and promising cadet. On 22nd January 1982 Branko was praised by the Pedagogical Council of Secondary School for Internal Affairs in Zagreb “for a very good success, appropriate behaviour and extracurricular activities”. Branko passed his final exam with honours on 10th June 1982, and already from 1st July of that year he started internship as a police officer in the Police Unit for the Control and Regulation of Traffic in Kutina of the former Republic Secretariat of the Interior (hereinafter: the

Branko (drugi slijeva, stoji) s kolegama, školovanje na Policijskoj akademiji, 1981./ Branko (second on the right, standing) with his classmates from the police academy, 1981

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

1982. Branko je položio s odličnim uspjehom te je već 1. srpnja iste godine započeo s pripravničkim stažem na radnome mjestu milicionar pripravnik u Jedinici za kontrolu i regulaciju prometa Kutina, tadašnjeg Republičkog sekretarijata unutrašnjih poslova (u daljnjem tekstu: RSUP). Nakon završenog vježbeničkog staža, od 31. prosinca 1982. g. radio je na mjestu operativnog radnika u Jedinici Kutina sve do novog rasporeda s 1. listopadom 1984., kada je prešao u tadašnji Gradski sekretarijat unutrašnjih poslova Zagreb na radno mjesto operativnog radnika za osiguranja u Jedinici milicije za osiguranja. Nakon prvih demokratskih izbora 1990. i proglašenja neovisnosti početkom ljeta 1991. godine, uslijedila je oružana agresija na Republiku Hrvatsku. Događaji u Pakracu i na Plitvicama početkom i krajem ožujka 1991. te prijetnja uporabe JNA radi očuvanja SFRJ, nametnuli su hrvatskom vodstvu potrebu za ustrojavanjem vlastitih oružanih snaga. Kako je policija u to vrijeme bila jedina ob-

RSI). After completing his internship on 31st December 1982, Branko remained working as a police officer in Kutina Unit until a new schedule from 1st October 1984, when he was reassigned to the then Municipal Secretariat of Internal Affairs in Zagreb as a police officer within the Police Unit for Safeguarding Tasks. After the first democratic elections in 1990 and the declaration of independence at the beginning of the summer of 1991, the armed aggression against the Republic of Croatia started. Events in Pakrac and Plitvice at the beginning and the end of March of 1991 as well as the threat of using the then Yugoslav Army in order to preserve former Yugoslavia, imposed to the Croatian leadership the need to establish its own armed forces. As the police was the only defensive force in the Republic of Croatia at that moment, the establishment of Special Police Forces and Special Units within the Police Departments began upon the Command of the Minister of the Interior. Without any calculations, selflessly and self-effacingly, on 23rd July 1991 Branko voluntarily transferred from the post of the police officer at the Operational Centar of the Unit for the Detention, Retention and Safeguarding in Zagreb to the then Department of Police Affairs of

Branko (čuči) s kolegama, školovanje na Policijskoj akademiji, 1981./Branko (squatting) with his classmates from the police academy, 1981

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

rambena snaga u Republici Hrvatskoj, naredbom ministra unutarnjih poslova počelo se s ustrojavanjem posebnih, odnosno specijalnih jedinica policije pri policijskim upravama. Bez imalo kalkuliranja, nesebično i samozatajno, s radnog mjesta operativnog radnika za zadržavanje, preprate i osiguranje Operativnog dežurstva Jedinice za zadržavanje, preprate i osiguranje u Zagrebu, 23. srpnja 1991. Branko je dragovoljno prešao u tadašnji Odjel za poslove policije PJP PU Zagreb na radno mjesto operativni radnik – komandir odjeljenja. Dolaskom u PJP PU Zagreb Branko se smatra i jednim od osnivača legendarnih “Alfi”, odnosno Specijalne jedinice policije PU zagrebačke. U Specijalnoj policiji MUP-a RH naročito su došle do izražaja Brankove sposobnosti, što je vidljivo i kroz njegovo brzo napredovanje u službi. Tako je Odlukom ministra unutarnjih poslova na temelju članka 62. Zakona o unutarnjim poslovima (“NN” 29/91) već u mjesecu prosincu 1991. godine raspoređen na radno mjesto komandira voda, a sa 1. listopadom 1992. na radno mjesto policijski službenik – instruktor specijalističke obuke. Pomoćnik zapovjednika Specijalne jedinice policije PU zagrebačke postao je 15. lipnja 1993. godine. Kako je tadašnjim Rješenjem o rasporedu bilo regulirano da u određenom vremenskom roku mora steći višu školsku spremu, a budući da je već bio upisan na Visokoj školi za unutarnje poslove u Zagrebu te je odslušao predviđena četiri semestra i položio sve ispite u roku, diplomirao je 8. srpnja 1993. godine te je stekao stručnu spremu VI. stupnja i stručni naziv kriminalist. Početkom agresije na Republiku Hrvatsku Branko je s “Alfama” dragovoljno sudjelovao u svim borbenim zadaćama. Tako je već tijekom 1991. godine sudjelovao u akcijama “Topusko” i “Pokupsko”, krajem 1992. u akciji “Poskok I”, a tijekom 1993. godine u operaciji “Maslenica” te u akcijama na državnom nivou “Poskok II”, “Kocka” i “Krug – Dubrovnik”. Tijekom svih akcija dokazao se kao iznimno hrabar, odlučan i smiren

Special Police Unit of Zagreb PD to the post of squad commander. Upon his transfer to the SPU of Zagreb PD Branko is considered one of the founders of the legendary “Alpha” Unit or the Special Police Unit of Zagreb PD. Within the Special Police Forces of Croatian Ministry of the Interior Branko’s competences came particularly to the fore, which is evident in his rapid career advancement. Thus, already in December of 1991, upon the decision of the Minister of the Interior on the basis of Article 62 of the Law on Internal Affairs (“Official Gazette” 29/91), Branko was appointed to the position of platoon commander, and on 1st October 1992 to the post of the instructor for special training. He was appointed as assistant commander of the Special Police Unit of Zagreb PD on 15th June 1993. One of the requirements for being appointed to this duty was a higher education level, and since Branko was enrolled at the College of Home Affairs in Zagreb, where he, at that point, had already attended four required semesters and passed all the exams, he graduated on 8th July 1993 gaining the 6th degree educational level and professional title criminalist. At the beginning of the aggression against Croatia Branko voluntarily participated with the Alphas in all combat missions. Thus, already during 1991 he participated in the Actions “Topusko” and “Pokupsko”, in the late 1992 in the Action “Viper I”, and during 1993 in Operation “Maslenica”, as well in the Actions at the state level – “Viper II”, “Cube” and “Circle – Dubrovnik”. During all these actions he proved himself to be extremely courageous, resolute and calm member of the Special Forces, who instilled confidence and continuously passed his life experience and extensive knowledge to the members of Croatian Special Police Forces while executing the most complex police and combat missions. All that energy and wisdom, gained during his professional engagement in kyokushin karate (martial art), Branko, as an exceptional warrior and leader, very thoughtfully

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

V. vod s Brankom, Senjak/5th platoon with Branko, Senjak

specijalac koji je ulijevao povjerenje, a svoje životno iskustvo i veliko znanje prenosio je na pripadnike Specijalne policije MUP-a RH u svakom trenutku prilikom izvršenja najsloženijih policijskih i borbenih zadaća. Svu tu energiju i mudrost koju je stekao tijekom profesionalnog bavljenja sportom, borilačkim vještinama – kyokushin karateom, Branko je kao izniman ratnik i vođa vrlo promišljeno prenosio na pripadnike specijalne policije. Uvijek je naglasak stavljao na zajedništvo, isticao je da uvijek treba djelovati u skladu sa situacijom te je smatrao da se svakoj zadaći mora pristupiti racionalno, a ne emocionalno, odnosno da samo razumijevanjem sukoba možemo doći do njegova razrješenja. Što znači da je Branko vrlo promišljeno znao prepoznati psihologiju određene situacije te je, kao u karate borbi, uočio da je svaki korak protivnika odmah viđen i da se treba prilagoditi situaciji kako bi sukob razriješili uz minimum napora i štetnih posljedica. Nikad nije srljao i žurio u izvršenje zadaća, iako se to od specijalaca često zahtijevalo, da se uz zvuk sirena i veliku buku u “tren oka” pojave na mjestu događaja. Možda kod neiskusnih rukovoditelja da, ali kod Branka to nikad nije prolazilo. Sustav veze često je divljao: “Trebamo hitnu intervenciju specijalne policije! Jeste li krenuli?” Branko je uvijek znao “stati

passed on to the members of Special Police Forces. He always put emphasis on the fellowship and stressed out that one should always act according to the situation. He considered that each task must be approached rationally, not emotionally, and that only by understanding the conflict one can come to its dismissal. That means that Branko could very thoughtfully identify the psychology of a certain situation and was aware, the same as in karate fighting, of the importance of immediate notice of every step of the opponents in order to adapt to the situation and resolve the conflict with the minimum of effort and damage. He never hurried or rushed into carrying out tasks, although it was often required of the members of Special Forces to make an appearance on the scene in the “blink of an eye”, accompanied by the sound of sirens and a lot of noise. Perhaps the inexperienced police commanders could be pressured by these expectations, but that could never happen to Branko. Police radio would often scream: “We need immediate intervention of the Special Police! Are you on your way?” But Branko always knew how to “cool down the game” and respond appropriately and calmly without panic: “The members of the Special Police Forces are moving towards the position.” One can never be late for an intervention,

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

na loptu” odgovarajući smireno i bez panike: “Pripadnici specijalne policije krenuli su na poziciju.” Nikad se ne može zakasniti na intervenciju, a u žurbi može doći do ugrožavanja sigurnosti u prometu – često je Branko znao ponoviti. Prilikom realizacije intervencije Brankova smirenost i hladnokrvnost te procjena situacije najviše su dolazili do izražaja, što je uvelike djelovalo na samopouzdanje specijalaca koji su izravno izvršavali najsloženije vojnopolicijske zadaće. Branko je bio omiljen, jer je imao dobar smisao za šalu, pa je često, kada se od njega očekivalo da bude ozbiljan, jer ipak je bio rukovoditelj elitnim specijalcima, znao dobaciti i pokoju šalu. Tako se na sastancima neposredno prije izvršenja neke od tajnih zadaća “Alfi” s drugim ustrojstvenim cjelinama policije često na kraju znalo reći: “Sve što je izrečeno, nikako ne smije izaći iz ove prostorije!” te “Ima li kakvih pitanja?”. Na jednom takvom sastanku nakon tih

but in a hurry may jeopardize traffic safety - Branko often repeated. Branko’s calmness and cool-headed assessment of the situation especially came to the fore during the interventions, which had a big impact on the confidence of the members of Special Forces who were directly carrying out the most complex military and police tasks. Branko was popular because he had a good sense of humour and very often he would throw in a joke when he was expected to be serious, because he was the commander within an elite Special Police Unit. Thus, at the meetings with other police organizational units, held immediately prior to execution of some of the Alphas secret mission, at the end someone would often say: “Everything said cannot get out of this room!” and “Are there any questions?”. After these warnings at one such meeting Branko asked - “Can I use the phone?”. He had thrown it in his own style – cold-bloodedly, just to “break the ice” and

Alfe na pripremi za akciju “Pokupsko” 1992./ The Alphas preparing for the Action “Pokupsko”, 1992

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

upozorenja Branko je upitao: “Mogu li telefonirati?” Dobacio je to u svom stilu – hladnokrvno, onako za razbijanje “leda” i nervoze, ali ne kod specijalaca, već nadređenih, koji su izdavali naloge za izvršenje zadaće. U prvom poglavlju knjige “Umijeće ratovanja”, posvećenom strategiji, Sun Tzu je napisao: “Vodstvo je stvar inteligencije, pouzdanosti, čovječnosti, hrabrosti i strogosti.” Du Mu, poznat kao “vitez postojanog poštenja i iznimne časnosti” slijedio je učenje Sun Tzuova klasika te je napisao komentar: “Put drevnih kraljeva je bio da prije svega drže do čovječnosti, dočim su oni umješni u borilaštvo smatrali inteligenciju prvom. To je zbog toga što inteligencija uključuje sposobnost planiranja i znanja kad učinkovito izvrši primjenu. Pouzdanost znači da su ljudi sigurni da će za nešto biti kažnjeni, a za nešto nagrađeni. Čovječnost znači ljubav i suosjećanje za ljude, kao i biti svjestan njegova truda. Hrabrost znači zgrabiti bez oklijevanja priliku za sigurnu pobjedu. Strogost znači uspostaviti stegu u vojnim redovima putem oštrih kazni.” To su samo neke od vrlina koje je Branko imao. Osim strogosti, njegov autoritet bio je dovoljan za uspostavljanje stege, stoga “treniranje strogoće” nije bilo potrebno. Mnogi suradnici i kolege koji su imali priliku surađivati s Brankom veoma su ga poštivali kao osobu i vođu koji je suosjećao s njihovim potrebama, a iznad svega znao je prepoznati njihove radne kvalitete. Nije volio “folirante”, tzv. velike specijalce bez pokrića, hvalisavce kojima je specijalna policija služila samo za osobni imidž. Kaljenje i selekcija pripadnika specijalne policije bila je dosta surova, zbog složenosti situacije izravno su upućivani u “vatru” po načelu “ili jesi ili nisi specijalac”, stoga nije bilo mjesta za “instant specijalce”. U američkim središtima za specijalno ratovanje već desetljećima instruktori se prilikom izobrazbe drže pravila: “Specijalac mora biti brz kao komarac noću, pokretljiv kao leptir u prostoru, neuhvatljiv kao jegulja u vodi i hitar kao izgladnjeli tigar.” Hrvatski specijalac zadovoljava sve odrednice i shvaćanja koja su prihvaćena u većini za-

nervousness, but not to his subordinated officers, but to his superiors, who issued orders for the execution of tasks. In the first chapter of his book “The Art of War”, dedicated to strategy, Sun Tzu wrote: “Leadership is a matter of intelligence, trustworthiness, humaneness, courage, and sternness.” Du Mu, known as a “knight of unflinching honesty and extraordinary honour”, followed Sun Tzu’s classic study and wrote the comment: “The Way of the ancient kings was to consider humaneness foremost, while the martial artists considered intelligence foremost. This is because intelligence involves ability to plan and to know when to change effectively. Trustworthiness means to make people sure of punishment or reward. Humaneness means love and compassion for people, being aware of their toils. Courage means to seize opportunities to make certain of victory, without vacillation. Sternness means to establish discipline in the ranks by strict punishments.” These are just some of the virtues that Branko had. In addition to strictness, his authority was sufficient to establish discipline, so any kind of rigorous approach was not necessary. Many co-workers and colleagues who had the opportunity to work with Branko highly respected him, both as a person and as a leader who sympathized with their needs, and above all as someone who knew how to recognize their work qualities. He didn’t like “phonies”, so called elite members of Special Forces without any coverage, boasters who used Special Police Forces only for their personal image. Selection and hardening of Special Police Forces members was quite harsh, because of the complexity of the situation they were being sent directly to the line of fire under the principle “you either are or aren’t a member of Special Forces”, so there was no place for “instant members of Special Forces”. For decades the instructors within U.S. Special Warfare Centres during training use the rule: “A member of Special Forces must be as fast as a mosquito at night, agile as a butterfly in space, slippery as an eel in the water and fast as a starving tiger.”

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

padnih zemalja. Specijalci su najčešće dragovoljci, fizički su snažni, okretni, izdržljivi, odvažni, smjeli i psihofizički stabilni, inteligentni, besprijekorno vješti u uporabi vatrenog i hladnog oružja te eksplozivnih sredstava. Uz to, hrvatski specijalac mora biti, zbog zadaća izravne akcije, pribrana ličnost, dok je snalaženje na terenu koje nadzire neprijatelj jedinstven zahtjev (Višnar 1995.). Najbliži suradnici i djelatnici, ponajviše pripadnici V. voda kojima je u jednom periodu Branko izravno zapovijedao, često su znali reći kako jedva čekaju da dođu na posao. Malo čudno, pogotovo ako govorimo o vremenu Domovinskog rata, kada su se izmjenjivale vojnopolicijske zadaće kao na traci, kada je u opisu poslova pripadnika specijalne policije pisalo “veoma opasno”.

Visočica, 1993./ Visočica, 1993

Members of Croatian Special Forces meet all requirements and requests also accepted in most Western countries. They are usually volunteers, physically strong, agile, hardy, courageous, bold, and psychophysically stable, intelligent, and impeccably skilful in the use of firearms, cold weapons and explosive devices. In addition, a member of Croatian Special Forces must have, because of his involvement in the direct action, a self-collected personality, while getting around in the field controlled by the enemy is an fundamental request (Višnar 1995). Closest associates and subordinated officers, mostly members of the 5th platoon, which was at one time under Branko’s direct command, often used to say that they can hardly wait to come to work. A little bit strange, especially if we are talking about the time of war, when military and police tasks were constantly lining up one after the other, and when job description of the

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

members of Special Forces was considered “very dangerous”. Having in mind all the requests and tasks that the “Alpha” Unit carried out during the Homeland War, we can safely conclude that at the time it was the only Special Police Unit in the country capable to parallely conduct both military and police tasks. This meant that after the execution of some of the combat missions, upon their return to Zagreb, the Unit was immediately being sent to carry out some of the customary police tasks. Branko’s sense of humour and fellowship, together with his organizational skills, made getting through it all much easier.

Sagledavajući činjenice i opis zadaća koje su “Alfe” izvršavale tijekom Domovinskog rata, sa sigurnošću možemo konstatirati da su tada bili jedina specijalna postrojba u državi koja je mogla paralelno izvršavati vojne i policijske zadaće. Naime, nakon izvršenja neke od borbenih zadaća (većinom su se paralelno izvršavale vojnopolicijske zadaće), već povratkom u Zagreb jedinica je upućivana ne neke od policijskih zadaća. Uz Brankov smisao za šalu i zajedništvo te njegove organizacijske sposobnosti, bilo je puno lakše sve to prebroditi. Ima mnogo primjera iz Brankove prošlosti u kojima je primjenjivao svoja životna načela u izvršenju najsloženijih vojnih zadaća. Tako je bilo, primjerice, i u VRO “Maslenica”, u koju su se “Alfe” uključile 18. siječnja 1993. borbenom uzbunom tri voda jedinice – II., V. i VI., koji su istog dana u ranim jutarnjim satima krenuli u smjeru baze u Lukovom Šugarju. Branko je tada bio na dužnosti zapovjednika V. voda, a s obzirom na zahtjevnost zadaće, svojom je odlučnošću i smirenošću, kao i sposobnošću motivacije, vješto koristeći autoritet vođe, od suboraca izvukao i zadnji atom snage. “Alfe” su tada pod punom ratnom opremom prepješačile cijeli Velebit u teškim zimskim uvjetima kako bi zaustavile i onemogućile brzi prodor neprijateljskih srpskih snaga te osiguranje izolacije Masleničkog ždrila. Umor i krva-

There are many examples from Branko’s past when he applied his life principles onto the execution of the most complex military tasks. For example, on 18th January 1993 the Alphas were included in the MPO “Maslenica” by deployment of three platoons – 2nd, 5th and 6th, whose members headed towards the base in Lukovo Šugarje early in the morning of that day. As the commander of the 5th platoon, bearing in mind the complexity of the tasks, Branko managed to squeeze the last atom of energy out of his fellow soldiers by virtue of his determination, tranquillity and the ability to motivate others, as well as skilfully using the authority of the leader. The Alphas walked trough the entire mountain of Velebit, in harsh winter conditions and under their full war equipment, in order to stop and hamper rapid penetration of hostile Serbian forces aimed at ensuring the isolation of Masleničko ždrilo. Even fatigue and bloody blisters gained after five days of continuous walking didn’t stop the Alphas from going back to Zagreb to attend a funeral of the Croatian knight Ivica Drmić. Having said goodbye to their colleague, members of the 2nd and 5th platoon returned to Velebit with the aim of preserving the conquered lines. There, Branko’s determination was on its peak once again and probably saved the members of the 5th platoon from potential losses. Namely, the position of the 5th platoon was deep under Lišćani bunari, in the part of the mountain of Velebit

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

vi žuljevi nakon petodnevnog neprekidnog pješačenja nisu zaustavili “Alfe” da se upute prema Zagrebu na dostojan posljednji ispraćaj hrvatskog viteza Ivice Drmića. Nakon što su se oprostili s kolegom, pripadnici II. i V. voda ponovno su se vratili na Velebit s ciljem održavanja zaposjednute linije. Tada je Brankova odlučnost opet dosegnula vrhunac i vjerojatno spasila pripadnike V. voda od mogućih gubitaka. Naime, pozicija V. voda bila je duboko ispod Lišćanih bunara, u dijelu Velebita koji je bio dominantan s pozicije prema planinarskim stazama, ali ne

which was dominant from the position towards the hiking trails, but not towards the forest road. Precisely this forest road was critical, because it was partially rounding the conquered position of the “Alpha” Unit and there was a possibility that members of the 5th platoon would find themselves surrounded by the enemy. Freezing rain, fog and very low temperature were typical for a winter on Velebit, and improvised shelters made of wood and tent wings were the only protection from such weather conditions. When the 5th platoon took over the position

Zoran Cvrk (zapovjednik i kum) s Brankom/ Zoran Cvrk (commander and best man) with Branko

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

i prema šumskom putu. Upravo je taj šumski put bio kritičan, jer je dijelom zaokruživao zaposjednutu poziciju “Alfi” te je postojala mogućnost da pripadnici V. voda ostanu u okruženju. Ledena kiša, magla i vrlo niska temperatura, uvjeti karakteristični za Velebit zimi, a improvizirana skloništa od drveta i šatorskih krila bila su jedina zaštita od takvih vremenskih uvjeta. Kad su preuzeli poziciju od pripadnika II. voda, tad kao da je sve krenulo nizbrdo. Neprijatelj koji je taj dio Velebita poznavao bolje, potpomognut s dva tenka i artiljerijskom vatrom, počeo se približavati dijelu ceste koji bi mogao, ako ga zauzme, biti presudan za pripadnike V. voda. Zapovijed je bila da se ne napuštaju pozicije, ali kako se Branko znao vješto suprotstaviti autoritetima, donio je presudnu odluku da se prodor neprijatelja zaustavi na cesti. Taktičkim prebacivanjem snaga ispod Lišćanih bunara zaustavljen je prodor neprijateljskih snaga. Pripadnici V. voda ostali su cijelu noć na poziciji pod vedrim nebom, temperatura je dostizala i do -30 °C, šumom su odjekivale glasne detonacije, jer su bukve pucale pod pritiskom leda. Tek oko dva-tri sata ujutro iz pravca Dušica kolege iz II. voda dopremili su im deke kako se ne bi smrznuli. Pozicija koju su tada hrabri i odvažni specijalci obranili Brankovom je odlučnošću zadržana sve do VRO “Oluja” i upravo su se s te iste pozicije “Alfe” uključile u VRO “Oluja” 1995. godine te pridonijele velikoj, povijesnoj pobjedi hrvatske vojske i policije. Nažalost, prilikom povratka s izvršenja zadaće “Krug – Dubrovnik” 29. siječnja 1995. godine nesretnim slučajem hrvatski vitez Branko Bošnjak izgubio je život. Predsjednik RH u prigodi Dana državnosti i 5. obljetnice samostalne i suverene hrvatske države donio je Odluku (od 26. svibnja 1995.) kojom je Branko Bošnjak odlikovan Redom Petra Zrinskog i Frana Krste Frankopana s pozlaćenim pleterom kao časnim znakom vječnog spomena poginulima u ratu za hrvatsku državu, a posmrtno je odlikovan i Redom kneza Domagoja s ogrlicom (od 28. svibnja 1995.). Za zasluge u Domovinskom

from the members of the 2nd platoon everything went downhill. The enemy, who knew that part of Velebit better, backed up by two tanks and artillery fire, began approaching the part of the road that could, if they would have taken it over, became crucial for members of the 5th platoon. The order was issued not to leave the position, but because Branko knew how to skilfully confront the superiors, he made a crucial decision to stop the enemy on that road. The penetration of the enemy was stopped by the tactical shifting of forces under Lišćani bunari. Members of the 5th platoon remained in position under the open sky all through the night. The temperature reached up to -30 °C, the woods echoed with loud detonations because the beech trees were cracking under the pressure of ice. It was already around 2 or 3 am when their colleagues from the 2nd platoon were able to come from the direction of Dušica and bring them blankets, saving them from freezing to death. This position, defended by brave and courageous members of Special Forces and thanks to Branko’s determination, remained under their control until the MPO “Storm”. Precisely from that same place the Alphas engaged the MPO “Storm” in 1995 and contributed to this great, historic victory of the Croatian Army and Police. Unfortunately, when returning from the execution of the task within the Action “Circle – Dubrovnik”, a Croatian knight Branko Bošnjak lost his life in a tragic accident on 29th January 1995. On the occasion of the Croatian National Day and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia, on 26th May 1995 the Croatian President made the decision to honour Branko Bošnjak by the Order of Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan with a golden braid, as a symbol of eternal memory of those who were killed in the Homeland War. He was also posthumously honoured by the Order of Duke Domagoj with Necklace on 28th May 1995, as well as by the Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko i Alfe žive vječno! Branko and the Alphas live forever!

ratu Branko je odlikovan i Redom Nikole Šubića Zrinskog te Spomenicom Domovinskog rata.

and Homeland War Memorial Medal for his service during the war.

U skladu s člankom 5. Odluke o reguliranju statusa ranjenih i obitelji poginulih djelatnog i pričuvnog sastava Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova Republike Hrvatske od 18. kolovoza 1995. godine Branko Bošnjak unaprijeđen je u zvanje viši inspektor.

According to the Article 5 of the Decision on the regulation of the status of the wounded and the families of deceased active and reserve officers of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior, dated 18th August 1995, Branko Bošnjak was promoted to the title of senior inspector.

Novinarka Marija Alvir, za potrebe knjige “Alfe žive vječno!” – prilozi za ratni put Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” PU zagrebačke u Domovinskom ratu 1991. – 1995., napisala je stihove koji najbolje opisuju lik i djelo Branka Bošnjaka:

Journalist Marija Alvir, for the purpose of the book “Alphas live forever!” – Contributions to the War Path of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb PD in the Homeland War 1991 – 1995, wrote verses that best describe the person and work of Branko Bošnjak:

život s brankom bio je toliko sretan, da i sjećanje na njega, uz beskrajnu tugu što smo ga prerano izgubili, budi neizmjernu radost što smo ga imali... Stjepan Milković

life with branko was so happy, that the memory of him, with infinite sadness that we have lost him too soon, brings the immense joy that we had him... Stjepan Milković

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ad sam se u rujnu 1991. pridružio Specijalnoj jedinici policije “Alfa”, rasporedili su me u V. vod kojim je zapovijedao Branko Bošnjak. Odlučnost i smirenost najbolje opisuju mog zapovjednika još od prvog našeg razgovora. Onako staložen, sabran, hladnokrvan, ali nipošto ne i hladan, ulijevao je povjerenje. Kolikogod mogao biti uznemiren, čovjek se u njegovom društvu osjećao sigurno. U to nas vrijeme nije bilo mnogo u Jedinici, uvježbavali smo se, pripremali za svoju svetu zadaću – obranu Domovine. Branko je i tijekom obuke uvijek bio ispred nas, a mi smo ga slijedili, premda se nikada nije pozivao na autoritet dužnosti koju je obnašao. Bio je pravi vođa i uživao je golem autoritet. Nije puno pričao, ali kad je govorio, svi su ga slušali. Nikada nitko nije niti pomislio ne ga poslušati. Nakon nekog vremena i bez ikakve najave, Branko me odabrao za zapovjednika odjeljenja V. voda. Zahvalio sam mu se na ukazanom povjerenju i odgovorio da smatram da ima puno kvalificiranijih, sposobnijih i zaslužnijih od mene za tu čast. No on mi je spremno uzvratio: “Kad budeš ti odlučivao, biraj koga hoćeš, a sad odlučujem ja. I bit će tako.” Smireno, bez povišenog tona, ali odlučno. Bilo mi je teško i zamisliti kako

hen I joined the Special Police Unit “Alpha” in September 1991, I was assigned to the 5th platoon, commanded by Branko Bošnjak. Even since our first conversation I saw determination and calmness as his key attributes. So poised, tranquil, coldblooded, but not at all cold, he instilled confidence. No matter how upset one was, in his company he would feel safe. At that time, there were not many of us in the Unit, we trained and prepared ourselves for our sacred duty – defending our Homeland. Even during training Branko was always ahead of us, and we followed him, although he never referred to the authority of his position. He was a true leader who enjoyed enormous authority. He didn’t talk much, but when he spoke, everyone listened. No one ever thought not to obey him. After a while and without any notice, Branko selected me for squad commander within the 5th platoon. I thanked him for having confidence in me and replied that I think there were those much more qualified, more competent and worthier than me to be given this honour. He promptly answered: „When you are the one to decide, choose whoever you want, but now I’m deciding and it will be as I say.” Calmly, without raising his voice, but with much deter-

V. vod u opuštajućoj atmosferi (Stjepan Šantek, Branko Bošnjak, Dražen Hadžić, Ivica Stanić, Željko Branković, Milijan Brkić i ostali)/5th platoon in a relaxing atmosphere (Stjepan Šantek, Branko Bošnjak, Dražen Hadžić, Ivica Stanić, Željko Branković, Milijan Brkić and others)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ću zapovijedati svojim dojučerašnjim kolegama, no ubrzo sam shvatio da moram biti odlučan, baš kao što je to bio i naš Branko. Tijekom Domovinskog rata, u kojem je naša postrojba prošla brojna bojišta, nailazili smo na svakakve izazove, a Branko je i dalje, kao i uvijek, oko sebe širio tu svoju legendarnu smirenost u odlučnosti. Sam njegov pogled govorio je – s vama sam, ne bojte se – što je meni osobno ulijevalo i povjerenje i snagu. Bio je zaista čovjek od iznimnog autoriteta, ljudskog i profesionalnog, kako u vodu kojim je zapovijedao tako i u cijeloj Jedinici. Uvijek je nalazio vremena za razgovor sa svima nama, obraćali smo mu se i zbog privatnih razloga, a on je uvijek nastojao pomoći. I pomagao je. I uvijek je integrirao ljude, okupljao ih, potičući na zajedništvo – nas, braću po oružju. Branko je jedan od rijetkih ljudi koji mi je, uz pokojnog oca, moralni i ljudski uzor. Bio mi je, bez ikakvog pretjerivanja, i inspiracija i vodilja, a i danas ga se često sjetim u raznim životnim situacijama. Kad je stradao, bio je to istinski šok za sve nas. I kao što skrbimo o obiteljima svih naših poginulih, tako smo bili i uz Brankovu suprugu i djecu. No, o tome trebaju govoriti djela, a ne riječi. Jedno je od takvih djela i tradicionalni Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, koji se ove godine održava jubilarni, 20. put, i u čijoj organizaciji svi mi, njegovi kolege i suborci, rado pomažemo. I ne mislim pritom da radimo nešto posebno: to je naša moralna obveza, kako prema Branku tako i prema njegovoj obitelji te, na kraju krajeva, i prema našoj djeci, kojoj na taj način šaljemo poruku o tome kako se moramo odnositi prema ljudima koji su nas zadužili. Branko je doista bio poseban čovjek i zato zaslužuje poseban odnos, a Memorijal i ova monografija samo su dio našeg duga prema njemu. Ostavio je uistinu neizbrisiv trag, na ponos svojoj majci, supruzi i djeci, te svima nama koji smo ga poznavali, poštovali i voljeli. Daj Bože da Hrvatska ima više takvih ljudi! • Milijan Brkić

mination. It was hard for me to imagine that I will have to command my yesterday’s colleagues, but soon I realized that I need to be as determined as Branko. During the Homeland War, our Unit went through numerous battlefields and we found ourselves in all kinds of situations, but Branko was the one who always spread his legendary calmness and determination around him. His look was saying – I’m with you, don’t be afraid. Personally, that gave me confidence and strength. He was really a man of great authority, personal and professional, within the platoon he commanded as well as within the whole Unit. He always found time to talk to all of us, we would turn to him both professionally and privately, and he always tried to help. And he did help. He always integrated people, gathered them, encouraging us to comradeship – us, brothers in arms. Branko was my moral and human role-model, one of the few I had along with my late father. He was, without any exaggeration, my inspiration and guidance in life, and even today I often remember him in various life situations. When he got killed it was a shock to all of us. And as we took care of families of all our killed colleagues, we were there for Branko’s wife and children also. But we need to let deeds and not words speak of that. One such deed is Branko Bošnjak Memorial. This year, the 20th jubilee Memorial will take place and all of us, Branko’s colleagues and comrades, gladly help in its organization. And thereby, I don’t think that we are doing something special, it is our moral obligation to Branko and his family, and in the end to our children whom we are sending a message how to treat people who have indebted us. Branko was a really unique man, so he deserves a special treatment. The Memorial and this monograph are just a small part of what we owe him. He truly left an indelible mark, he can be a pride to his mother, wife and children, and to all of us who knew him, honoured him and loved him. Lord, let Croatia have more of such people! • Milijan Brkić

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

vijek se rado sjetim dragog prijatelja, suborca i vođe mog voda. Kad sam primljen u ondašnju Posebnu jedinicu milicije PU zagrebačke (1991.), bio sam dodijeljen odjeljenju starijih milicajaca, a komandir odjeljenja tada je bio Stevo Živčić. Odlaskom Živčića na novu funkciju, komandir je postao Branko Bošnjak, koji je iz drugog dijela jedinice raspoređen k nama u grupaciju. Budući da je završio Višu kriminalističku školu, bio je logičan izbor. Skužili smo se, odnekud se znamo, a bilo je to iz Kostajnice za vrijeme borbi, davno prije okupacije. Vidjeli smo se nekoliko puta u tamošnjoj stanici.

’m always happy to think of my dear friend, my fellow soldier and the leader of my platoon. When I was first admitted to the Special Police Unit of Zagreb Police Department (in 1991), I was assigned to a squad of experienced officers, and my platoon commander at the time was Stevo Živčić. Upon his departure to a new post, Branko Bošnjak was appointed as a new platoon commander, assigned to our group from another part of the Unit. He had already completed the Higher School of Criminalistics, so he was the logical choice. We realized that we knew each other from somewhere – we’ve meet during the armed fighting in

U rad moje grupacije uvodio je treninge za povećanje kondicije karate kyokushin načinom, priznajem, za umrijeti od napora, zatim opake ophodnje – trčanja s opremom po Maksimiru, Žumberku i Sljemenu. I to sve još 1991. godine, između borbenih aktivnosti

Ante Jurišić, Stjepan Milković, Stjepan Šantek, Ivan Barišić (dolje), Velebit, Mali Javornik, 1994./Ante Jurišić, Stjepan Milković, Stjepan Šantek, Ivan Barišić (down), Velebit Mountain, Mali Javornik, 1994

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

i opservacija u Zagrebu i raznolikih intervencija. Zatim po igralištu TPK u Sveticama, gdje je tada bila baza, pa u dvorani Peščenica, a i u Vatrogasnoj školi na Ksaveru. Bilo je to primijećeno, pa je uvedeno kao obavezna obuka za cijelu jedinicu. Interesantno, meni je posvećivao puno pažnje u tim treninzima i ophodnjama, stalno me bodrio i poticao na sve veće napore. A ja sam ponosno nosio punu opremu, ali i više od toga, obvezno snajpersku pušku i ‘falovku’ zajedno, što je bilo lijepo opterećenje. Čak me baš on odgovorio da 1992. godine odem u Legiju stranaca. Htio sam otići, jer sam kod nas osjećao sve veću frustraciju – bilo je proglašeno, kao, primirje. Branku je bilo drago da nam svima može pomoći da napredujemo u fizičkim sposobnostima i snazi volje. Razinu koju smo s njim postigli, ranije nam je bila teško zamisliva. Iako sam imao solidnu podlogu u borilačkim sportovima, nisam ga mogao

Kostajnica, long before the occupation. We’d seen each other a few times at the premises of the local Police Station. He introduced a new way of training in the platoon’s routine in order to improve our physical form - kyokushin karate, which, I admit, was to die of strain, and it was at the same time combined with gruelling patrols – running tours with heavy equipment on our backs in Maksimir, Žumberak and Sljeme. And all of this took place in 1991, between combat activities, patrols in Zagreb and various other interventions. We trained at the playground in Svetice, where our base was stationed at the time, in the sports hall in Peščenica, and at the premises of the Firefighters School in Ksaver. This was noticed and was introduced as a mandatory training for the entire Unit. Interestingly, he gave me a lot of attention during these trainings and patrols, and he constantly urged me and encouraged my efforts. And I proudly wore my full combat gear, and even more than that, both sniper and assault rifle were mandatory. All that combined made a pretty nice load. It was he who discouraged me in 1992 to leave to join the French Foreign Legion, and I wanted to leave because I felt a growing frustration. Apparently, a truce was declared. Branko was glad he could help us improve our physical abilities and strength of will. The level we managed to achieve under his guidance was until then hardly imaginable to all of us. Even though I had a solid background in martial arts, I couldn’t beat him in his extraordinary karate, during the training of standing sparring, but I’d managed to beat him using the wrestling techniques. His style of communication and transmission of received orders was exceptional, so there was never a problem with accepting any of them. He showed great strength in completing his tasks. To mention one example from Zagreb: a general riot occurred in the Police Station in Dubrava - a shooting occurred between citizens followed by an attempt to extract a participant of the shooting out of the station. We were called

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

pobijediti u njegovom čudnom karateu, u treningu stojećeg sparinga, ali bih ga uspio savladati hrvačkim tehnikama. Njegov stil komuniciranja i prijenosa dobivenih zapovijedi bio je izuzetan, tako da nikada nije bilo problema s prihvaćanjem niti jedne od njih. Pokazivao je veliku čvrstinu u izvršavanju zadataka. Da spomenem jedan “zagrebački”… U Dubravi je došlo do općeg nereda u policijskoj stanici, pucalo se među građanima, a jedan se sudionik pucnjave pokušao silom izvući iz stanice. Pozvali su nas tamo, Branko se obratio gomili građana, koji su automobilima blokirali stanicu i ulični promet, moleći ih da se “raziđu”, svatko svojim putem. Gomila nas je izviždala, turirali su automobile i čak su nas njima pokušali “gurati”. A Branko je na to udario AP M70 AB2 (‘kaljom’) sklopljenog kundaka po haubi jednog Mercedesa, tako da se u limu lijepo vidio otisak sanduka puške! Rulja se zaprepastila i lako smo ih razjurili, oslobodili promet i nastavili raditi svoj posao po propisima. Moja se ekipa oduševila ovakvim potezom izvan pravila službe! No Branko je često pokazivao smisao za humor, a i hrabrost. Evo i zgode s pokupskog terena: poslani smo spriječiti potpuni prodor neprijatelja preko Kupe te spriječiti povlačenje svih naoružanih branitelja iz Pokupskog do dolaska novog pojačanja, pa smo se premjestili na cestovni čvor prema Cvetnić brdu kako bismo imali kontrolu prolaska. U jednom je trenutku Branko rekao da ide obaviti nuždu u šumu, normalna stvar, kad za nekoliko minuta prozuji granata iz smjera s druge strane Kupe točno u dio šume gdje je obavljao nuždu. Zabrinuli smo se i krenuli prema šumi, kad vidjesmo Branka kako izlazi iz šume i nosi rasprsnute ostatke granate. Smješka se i kaže da je pala tako blizu da je skoro ‘sel na rit da se nije držal za grabić’. Krepali smo od smijeha, dobro je ispalo. Nije za knjigu, ali je čovjek stvarno bio hrabar, čak i na “šekretu”. U bezbroj je prilika pokazao svoju snalažljivost. Postao je i pomoćnik zapovjedniku Zoranu Cvrku, dobrim dijelom i većinu vremena nosio je rad Jedinice. Puno njih

to the scene, Branko addressed the crowd, which had blocked the station and the traffic with their cars, and asked them to leave peacefully. The crowd booed us, revved their cars and even tried to push us with the cars. Branko hit a folded stock of his rifle APM70-AB2 on the hood of a parked Mercedes, so that the print created by the rifle could be seen in the car’s sheet. The mob was stunned and we were able to disperse them easily, unblock the traffic and continue to do our job according to regulations. My team was thrilled by this move outside the rules! However, Branko often showed a sense of humour, but also courage. Here’s an event that took place in Pokupsko: we were sent to prevent the complete penetration of enemies over the Kupa river, as well as the withdrawal of all armed defenders of Pokupsko until the arrival of new reinforcements, so we moved onto the road junction near Cvetnić Hill in order to have the control of passage. Branko at one point said that he had to go to the bathroom in the woods, a normal thing, when a couple of minutes later a grenade whizzed from the other side of the Kupa river and fell exactly in the part of the forest where Branko went. That had us worried and we went towards him, when Branko emerged from the forest, carrying the remnants of the exploded shells. He was laughing and said that the grenade fell so close that it almost sat him down on his ass if he hadn’t been holding onto a bush. We burst out laughing, it turned out well. It’s not something you write about in a book, but the man was really brave, even on the toilette. On countless occasions he showed his resourcefulness. He became the assistant to the Unit’s commander Zoran Cvrk, and largely handled the Unit’s operations. Many wanted to exploit his kindness, so it was not easy for him to weigh everything right. It was during the combat action in Maslenica, when our forces retreated into the mountains of Velebit, that Branko had a conversation with me because I volunteered to go back and find three of our colleagues

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

htjelo je iskoristiti njegovu dobrotu, nije mu bilo lako sve odvagati kako treba. Kod akcije Maslenica naše su se snage povukle na Velebit, a Branko je popričao sa mnom, jer sam se javio da idem po trojicu naših djelatnika (Pezera, Budoša i Dedića), koji nisu znali da smo se svi popeli gore, a Pezer je još i isključio vezu. Branko je vjerovao u mene, znao je da se znam kretati po šumi i mraku, pa je bio siguran da ću ih pronaći. Rekao je da će mene i sve one koje pronađem on osobno čekati dva sata, a poslije toga na Dušicama, ako bude sreće. Stvarno, pronašao sam naše, prije toga sam u oko dobio šrapnel zrna PKT s tenkovskog mitraljeza, a bio sam i sav izmoren. Branko je pokazao veliku brigu dočekavši nas u mraku planine, pitao me osobne stvari kako bi utvrdio tko uopće dolazi. Vidio je da sam ranjen i strašno umoran, pa mi je čak pomagao nositi moj teret streljiva, kao da je njegovo bilo lagano. Snaga volje. Cvrka je 1994. g. nagovorio da me postavi na mjesto instruktora za gađanje i naoružanje, mislim da je uvidio moje kvalitete. Jako sam to cijenio kod njega. Kad je na terenu u šumama oko Pakraca Rostohar stao na minu koja je grunula, zabranio mi je da odjurim do njega, jer se bojao da i ja ne naletim na minu. Znao je da smo bili dobri prijatelji, pa je brzo reagirao spriječivši da možda i ja nastradam zbog brige i brzopletosti. Zaista mudro od njega. A nakon nekoliko terena u Konavlima, na posljednjem smo bili cimeri, dogodio se najstrašniji trenutak u mom životu. U fatalnoj prometnoj nesreći bili smo svi zajedno: Fuš, Branko, Sučić i ja. Fuš je vozio, izgleda da je zaspao, i sletjeli smo s ceste, a Fuš i Branko su poginuli. Eto tragedije. A u Karlovcu smo još kave pili na kolodvoru, bilo je oko pola 3 u noći, 29. siječnja 1995. godine. Umro je na mjestu. U autu sam čak ja, ateist, molio Boga da uzme mene, a ne njega, jer nije pravedno. Eto. Izniman čovjek! • Stjepan Šantek

who did not know that we all climbed up the hill (Pezer, Budoš, Dedić), and Pezer had also turned off the communication radio. Branko believed in me, I knew how to move around the woods and in the dark, so he expected I would surly find them. He said that he would personally wait at the spot for me and those I find during the next two hours, and after that at Dušice, if we had enough luck. Indeed, I managed to find our colleagues, but prior to finding them my eye was injured by tank machine gun bullet shrapnel, and I was pretty exhausted too. Branko showed great concern waiting for us in the dark of the mountains, and when he saw that I was wounded and terribly tired he even helped me carry the equipment, as his was light. Willpower! In 1994 he proposed to Cvrk to appoint me to the post of instructor for shooting and weapons. I believe he saw my qualities, and I appreciated that a lot. When, in the woods around Pakrac, while we were in the field, Rostohar stepped on a mine that exploded, he forbade me to rush to him. He knew that Rostohar and I were good friends so he reacted quickly and prevented me to possibly also get hurt due to concern and rashness. That was really wise of him. And after a few tasks in the field in Konavle, during the last one we were also roommates, the most horrible moment of my life happened. Even in the fatal traffic accident we were together: Fuš, Branko, Sučić and I. Fuš was driving and probably fell asleep, so we ran off the road. Fuš and Branko died. And yet in Karlovac, at the terminal, we were drinking coffee... It was half past three in the morning, 29th January 1995. He died on the spot. In the car, despite being an atheist, I begged God to take me instead of him because it was not fair. A great tragedy. And he was truly a remarkable man... • Stjepan Šantek

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ranka Bošnjaka prvi sam put vidio 1991. godine, kad sam već bio u Specijalnoj jedinici policije. Nismo bili u istom vodu, tako da se baš nismo često susretali. Moj V. vod bio je drugačiji od ostalih. Prvo, bilo nas je desetak, svi smo bili pomalo “divlji”, svi smo se bavili borilačkim sportovima, a disciplina nam nije bila jača strana. No, bili smo ljudi od akcije. Kad je trebalo učiniti najteže i najgore zadaće, birao se V. vod, jer se znalo da će ono što se traži biti obavljeno. U V. vodu uvijek smo se šalili, zabavljali i radili nepodopštine. Nakon nekoliko mjeseci Branko je postao zapovjednik tog našeg V. voda. Ne znam je li nas trebao dovesti u red ili je zbog nekog drugog razloga postao naš zapovjednik, ali, nije nam baš bilo drago… Branko je bio mlad, ali je imao policijskog iskustva od prije rata. Kad je trebalo, bio je strog i nepopustljiv, do granica tvrdoglavosti, ali je isto tako bio od pomoći kad je pomoć bila potrebna. Uvijek je dobro organizirao i uspješno obavio svaku zadaću, bio je lukav i uvijek je dobro predviđao svaki sljedeći korak. Bio mi je drag prijatelj i puno sam o policijskom poslu naučio od njega. Pomagao mi je svojim iskustvom, a znao je iskoristiti i moje potencijale. Kad je jednom bio odsutan, izabrao me da budem na čelu našeg voda, što mi je bila velika čast. Ako su Branka izabrali da kontrolira nepodopštine V. voda, prevarili su se, jer je on nepodopštinama dao jednu drugu dimen-

met Branko Bošnjak for the first time in 1991 when I was already a member of the Special Police Unit. He was assigned to another platoon, so we didn’t have much contact. I was assigned to the 5th platoon, which was different from the others. First, there were only ten of us. We were all a little bit wild, we all practiced some kind of martial art and discipline was not our stronger side. But we were all men of action and when the hardest and the worst tasks needed to be done, the 5th platoon was chosen, because they knew that what is demanded will be carried out. In our platoon, we always joked around, had fun and made pranks. After a few months, Branko was appointed our platoon commander. I don’t know if it was done on purpose in order to get our act together or for some other reason, but we were not exactly pleased about it... He was young, but had police experience from before the war. When it was necessary he could be strict and resolute to the limits of obstinacy, but at the same time he was always ready to help. He always envisioned and carried out the task as required and when required, he was cunning and always looked a step ahead. He was my dear friend and I’ve learned a lot about police work from him. He helped me a lot with his experience, and he knew how to best exploit my potential. Once he chos me to lead the platoon while he was away, and that was a great honour. If Branko was chosen to control the mischief of the 5th platoon, they fooled themselves, because he brought a new dimension to the name “mischief”. War and proximity to danger are terrible by itself, and humour, making jokes and various pranks is a daily ritual of all Special

Branko (lijevo) i Dean Rostohar, 1992./Branko (on the left) and Dean Rostohar, 1992

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ziju. Rat i blizina pogibelji sami su po sebi strašni, pa su humor, šala i nepodopštine svakodnevni ritual svih specijalnih postrojbi u svijetu, kako bi se što lakše preživjeli teški trenuci. I u V. vodu bilo je puno smiješnih situacija, a neke su mi posebno ostale u sjećanju. Jednom prilikom, bilo je to negdje u ljeto 1992., svi su vodovi trebali održati vježbu, ali i odraditi tzv. “preživljavanje” od tjedan dana na Žumberku. Osim raznih vježbi prikrivanja, taktike i preživljavanja te snalaženja u prirodi, vodovi su trebali spremni dočekati napad pripadnika nekih drugih vodova. Slušali smo priče onih koji su već prošli vježbe, pa smo tako čuli da je zapravo glavni problem bila hrana. Jer, da bi se prehranili, neki su čak znali ubili srndaća. Branka to nije zabrinjavalo, no nismo shvaćali zašto. On se samo zagonetno smiješio. Naime, Branko je živio u blizini Žumberačkoga gorja, a kao policajac, služio je i u Samoboru, tako da je jako dobro poznavao i okolicu i ljude. Predvečer, dok smo završavali logor, najednom smo začuli zvuk motora. Mislili smo da je to napad koji smo očekivali, no Branko je rekao da ostanemo gdje jesmo. Do logora je lagano klizeći poljskim putem stigao bijeli furgon. Iz njega je izašao poveći čovjek, koji se srdačno pozdravio s Brankom, a on ga je predstavio kao svog prijatelja, mesara. Čovjek se široko nasmijao i rekao: “No, dečki, hoćete li istovariti stvari za preživljavanje!?” Kad sam prišao furgonu, vidio sam najveći lonac u svom životu, imao je promjer jedan metar. Bio je pun mesa – kobasica, odrezaka, ćevapa, pljeskavica i koječega. Lonac je bio dostatan za “preživljavanje” cijelog tjedna. Branko se uvijek brinuo za sve nas. Drugom smo prilikom bili u tzv. “pripremi”. Pripreme su uvijek bile dosadne i frustrirajuće. Morali smo biti u bazi, “na čekanju”, jer smo svakog trenutka mogli krenuti u akciju, a isto tako, i nakon čekanja od čak nekoliko dana, sve je moglo biti otkazano. Čekanje je uvijek bilo najgore i to je bilo vrijeme kada smo bili nervozni, ali i pravo vrijeme za spačke.

Forces in the world, to make it easier to survive these difficult times. We made a lot of jokes and were constantly doing pranks in the 5th platoon, but some of them in particular stayed in my mind. On one occasion, I think it was sometime in the summer of 1992, all platoons were supposed to conduct an exercise and work off a survivor week in the Žumberak Mountains, near Samobor. Platoons were supposed to, in addition to a variety of exercises of concealment, tactics, survival and orientation in nature, be ready for an attack, conducted by other platoons. We listened to the stories of the platoons that have previously undergone the exercise and thus we’ve heard that the main problem was food. In order to feed themselves some of them even killed a buck. But Branko was not worried about that, although we didn’t understand why. He just smiled mysteriously. In fact, Branko lived near Žumberak Mountains, and had previously served as an officer in Samobor, so he was very well acquainted with the surroundings and the people. In the evening, while we were finishing our base camp, suddenly we heard the sound of a car engine. We thought that this was the attack we had been expecting, but Branko told us to stay where we were. On a country road a white van was slowly approaching the camp. A pretty big man came out of it and he warmly greeted Branko. Branko introduced him as a friend, a butcher. The man smiled broadly and said: “Well guys, will you unload the things you need for survival!?” When we approached the van, there was the biggest pot I’ve ever seen in my life, at least one meter wide. It was full of meat - sausages, chops, kebabs, burgers and much more. The pot was sufficient for us to “survive” the whole week. Branko was always, even then, taking care of us all. On another occasion we were “in preparation”. This was always boring and frustrating. We had to be in our base on a “standby” because at any moment we could take off into action, but also even after waiting a period of several days everything could

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

Branko i V. vod, Visočica, 1993./Branko and the 5th platoon, Visočica, 1993

have been cancelled. Waiting was always the worst, we were all nervous, but it was also the right time for pranks.

Budući da tada nismo imali svoju bazu, bili smo u prostorijama nekog malog nogometnog kluba. Zapravo, svi su vodovi bili u jednoj većoj prostoriji, samo si je V. vod “priskrbio” zasebnu prostoriju. Sjedili smo tako u toj našoj “sobi V. voda”, koja je ustvari bila kotlovnica.

Since at that time we did not have our own base, we used the premises of a small football club, and all the platoons were in one larger room, but only the 5th platoon managed to “provide” a separate room for themselves. So one time we were sitting in our room, which was actually a boiler room.

U malenoj kotlovnici naguralo se nas nekoliko, zajedno s Brankom. Zezali smo se, a u jednom je trenutku Branko izvukao bombu govoreći: “Ajmo nekog zajebati!” Otvorio je bombu i iz nje izvukao upaljač, tako da je bila neaktivna i onesposobljena. Gledali smo u Branka i nismo mogli vjerovati. “Evo plana!” rekao je, dodajući: “Dovedite nekoga od zapovjednika, a mi ćemo se praviti da se svađamo.” Otišao sam u kancelariju i pronašao pomoćnika zapovjednika. Rekao sam mu da se dečki svađaju i da dođe riješiti situaciju. Kad je stigao, situacija je već bila vrlo napeta, zakuhala se, padale su psovke, teške riječi i prijetnje… Pomoćnik je pokušavao smiriti situaciju moleći nas: “Dečki, nemojte…!” A onda je u jednom trenutku Branko izvukao bombu govoreći: “Što

In a small boiler room a few of us crammed with Branko and were joking around. At one point Branko pulled out a bomb and said: “Come on, lets punk someone!” He opened the bomb and removed the detonator, so it was inactive and disabled. We watched Branko and we could not believe it. “Here’s the plan”, said Branko and added: “Bring one of the commanders, and we will pretend that we are all arguing.” I went to the office, found the assistant commander and urged him to come, saying that there was an argument going on and that he had to resolve the situation. When the assistant commander arrived, the situation was already very tense and was boiling up, swearing, harsh words and threats could be heard. The assistant commander tried to calm the situation by

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

nemojte?! Sad ću vas sve pobiti!” Svi smo navalili na Branka, naravno, znajući da je izvukao osigurač iz bombe… “Nemoj Branko, nisi normalan!” govorili smo, a Branko je rekao: “Nemojte me više zajebavati!” pokušavajući istovremeno vratiti osigurač u bombu. Činio je to pomalo nespretno, nervozno, nesigurno, ruke su mu se tresle od bijesa. U jednom mu je trenutku bomba bez osigurača “slučajno” ispala i ručica je odskočila… Pravili smo se kao da smo se silno uplašili pa smo iz te prostorije, od tek nekoliko kvadrata, od straha svi istovremeno pohrlili van. Pomoćnik zapovjednika, koji nije uspio prekinuti “svađu”, a vidjevši bombu koja je pala, sve nas je povukao u stranu kako bi prvi izletio iz sobe. Njemu je vjerojatno bilo “najstrašnije”, budući da nije znao da je cijela ta šala njemu namijenjena … Kad je istrčao iz sobe na hodnik, desetak metara dalje, mi smo se grohotom smijali i jedva zaustavljali suze. Pomoćnik zapovjednika nije mogao vjerovati, bio je zaprepašten događajem. Na licu su mu se vidjele zbunjenost i nevjerica. Otišao je u kancelariju, pomalo ljut. Mi smo se još uvijek smijali i prepričavali događaj. A onda je došao zapovjednik Vladimir Faber i rekao: “Dečki, vi niste normalni! Nemojte to više raditi!” pritom jedva zaustavljajući osmijeh na svome licu. Imam samo lijepa sjećanja na Branka. S njime nikad nije bilo dosadno. Pri pomisli na njega uvijek se nasmijem, jer ga se moje srce sjeća kao osobe koja se voljela šaliti i raditi spačke, ali kad je trebalo raditi, obavio bi posao stručno, hrabro i ljudski. Falit ćeš mi, dragi prijatelju, uvijek! • Dean Rostohar

saying: “Guys, don’t!” At one point Branko pulled out a bomb and said: “Don’t what?! Now, I will kill you all!” We all rushed to Branko who pulled the safety pin of a bomb. “Branko don’t, you’re crazy!”, we were saying and Branko replied: “Don’t fuck with me anymore!” He tried to put the safety pin back into a bomb, but he was doing it as if he was nervous, his hands were shaking with rage and were unsure. At one moment he “accidentally” dropped the bomb without a safety pin and a safety lever bounced of. We all pretended that we were greatly alarmed in a small room of several square meters and we all at once rushed out in fear and panic. When the assistant commander, who failed to stop the “argument”, saw the bomb drop he pulled all of us aside to be the first to get out of the room. He was scared the most because the whole joke was intended for him. When he ran a good ten meters down the hall from the room, we who stopped behind him were laughing so hard we could barely stop the tears. He was appalled. We could see the confusion and disbelief on his face. He went to the office, at that moment already a little angry. We were still laughing and telling the story when the commander Vladimir Faber came and said: “Guys, you’re insane! Don’t do that anymore!”, but he was also barely suppressing a giggle. I have only fond memories of Branko. You could never be bored around him. When I think of him, I always laugh because in my heart and mind he will always remain someone who liked to tease and make pranks, but when he needed to conduct a task, he would have done it professionally, courageously and humanly. My dear friend, I’ll miss you forever! • Dean Rostohar

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ranka sam upoznao sredinom 80-ih godina u Karate klubu “Mladost” Samobor, u koji sam kao 15-godišnjak došao na svoj prvi trening. Iako osam godina stariji i već iskusan sportaš, na nas mlađe nije gledao s visine. Ubrzo smo postali prijatelji, postao mi je uzor i biti s njim u društvu bila je privilegija. Svojim osebujnim smislom za humor privlačio je ljude k sebi. S guštom smo trenirali, odlazili na ljetne i zimske škole gdje se naporno radilo, ali i dobro zabavljalo. Na mene je prenosio samo dobru energiju. Jednom smo zgodom, nakon neprospavane noći, otišli trčati maraton u Zagorje. Taj dan mi se to činilo kao skoro nemoguća misija – pogled na pripremljene profesionalce u, za ono vrijeme, skupim tenisicama, i njihove “priče” o težini pothvata, nisu zvučale ohrabrujuće. No, dovoljno je bilo pogledati Branka i njegov izraz lica, njega se to nije ticalo. On je došao otrčati maraton i tako je i bilo. Zajedno, u tenisicama u kojima danas ne bismo išli ni u šetnju, razgovarali smo o sitnim stvarima, smijali se glupostima i meni ni jednom nije palo na pamet pitanje mogu li ja to. Da je Branko nastavio dalje kao Forest Gump, vjerojatno bih išao s njim. Pored njega se čovjek nije niti mogao niti smio osjećati loše. Nije me nimalo čudilo što se u “Alfama” odmah prometnuo u vođu. Badava su svi činovi, zvanja i završene škole ako vas ljudi ne cijene. U ono vrijeme nije bilo lako steći poštovanje i povjerenje. Bjesnio je rat, gubili su se životi, a najbolji među nama nisu mogli ostati u nečijoj sjeni kao što se to događa u miru. Sa suborcima je u svemu bio ravnopravan, ali njegova se riječ bespogovorno slušala, jer nitko nije sumnjao u njenu ispravnost. Bila je privilegija imati ga uz sebe na terenima od Velebita do Dubrovnika, jer nam je pristupao nenametljivo, a mi smo ga prihvaćali dragovoljno, iz poštovanja i po vlastitom izboru. Netko je jednom rekao da ljudi umiru tek onda kada ih svi zaborave. Branko se pobrinuo da tako ne bude. • Robert Koletić - Grba

met Branko in the mid-eighties in the Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor, where, as a fifteen year old kid, I came to my first training. Although eight years older and already an experienced athlete, he never looked down at us. We quickly became friends, he was a role-model and it was a privilege to be in his company because he simply drew people toward him with his peculiar sense of humour. We trained with great pleasure, went to summer and winter karate camps where we worked hard, but also had great fun. He transferred only good energy to me. On one occasion, after a sleepless night, we went to run a marathon in Zagorje. That day it seemed as mission impossible – one look at prepared professionals wearing at the time expensive sports shoes and their “stories” about the severity of this venture didn’t sound encouraging. But it was enough to see Branko and the look on his face, it did not bother him at all. He came to run a marathon and so he did. Together, wearing sneakers which today we would not even wear for a walk, we had small talk, laughed and the thought of not being able to do it never crossed my mind. If Branko continued on as Forest Gump did, I’d probably follow him. Beside him a man couldn’t nor was allowed to feel bad. I was not surprised that within the “Alpha” Unit he instantly transformed into a natural leader. Ranks, titles and school education are of no use if people don’t appreciate you. At that time it was not easy to gain respect and trust. War was raging, lives were being lost, and the best among us could not stay in someone’s shadow as it happens in peacetime. With his comrades he was equal in everything, but his word was obeyed unquestionably because no one doubted its validity. It was a privilege to have him with you in the field, from the mountain of Velebit to Dubrovnik, because he approached us without imposing himself and we accepted him willingly, out of respect and out of our free choice. Someone once said that people die only when they are forgotten. Branko made sure that it did not happen. • Robert Koletić - Grba

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

"Alfe" tijekom VRO "Bljesak", 1995./ The Alphas during the operation “Flash”, 1995

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ranka sam upoznao 1991. godine, kad sam se priključio Specijalnoj jedinici policije “Alfa”. Bio je tada zapovjednik V. voda, dok sam ja bio raspodijeljen u jedan drugi vod. Uvijek je bio nasmijan i raspoložen za šalu, no istovremeno i vrlo ozbiljan i odgovoran kad se radilo o poslu. Svi u jedinici, a i šire, jako su ga cijenili, jednostavno, bio je čovjek kojem se moglo vjerovati i zapovjednik kojeg se poštovalo. Posebno me se dojmio u jednom teškom trenutku moje profesionalne karijere, nakon ratne operacije Maslenica. Bio sam razočaran s nekim ljudima i načinom na koji su neke stvari funkcionirale. Razočaran do te mjere da sam želio napustiti jedinicu. Branko mi je tada pristupio s namjerom da mi pomogne donijeti najbolju odluku, iako mi u tom trenutku nije bio neposredno nadređen i nije postojao nikakav poseban razlog zbog kojeg bi se u to miješao. Ponudio mi je da prijeđem u njegov vod i uvjerio me da trebam ostati u jedinici te da će se stvari popraviti. Brojni tereni na Velebitu samo su potvrdili ono što sam već znao, a to je da je Branko rođeni vođa. Bio je pošten, pravedan i cijenio je svačiji rad i zalaganje. I u najtežim i najopasnijim situacijama ulijevao je povjerenje i sigurnost. Znao nas je naučiti i usmjeriti u našem poslu, uvijek je bio pozitivan i smiren, svodio je stvari na pravu mjeru, a za svaki je problem i naizgled bezizlaznu situaciju pronalazio najbolje rješenje. Znali smo da na njega uvijek možemo računati. Bio je tu za svakoga od nas, znao je svakome pristupiti na pravi način i iz svakoga od nas izvući ono najbolje. Zauzvrat, svi koji su ga poznavali su ga voljeli i bili su mu uvijek spremni pomoći. Nikome nije bilo teško odlaziti pomagati mu u izgradnji kuće, biti cijeli dan na gradilištu i nakon toga otići na posao u bazu. Bio je najbolji zapovjednik kojeg sam ikad imao, no bio je i više od zapovjednika, čovjek u svakom smislu riječi, daleko iznad drugih, po svemu. • Robert Hasija

met Branko in 1991 when I joined the Special Police Unit “Alpha”. He was the 5th platoon commander, while I was assigned to another platoon at that time. A smile never got of his face and he was always in the mood for joking, but at the same time he was very serious and responsible when it came down to our professional tasks. Everyone within the Unit and beyond greatly appreciated him, simply because he was a man who could be trusted and a commander who was respected. I was particularly impressed at one difficult moment of my professional career, after the war Operation „Maslenica“. I was disappointed with some people and the way things were functioning. I was disappointed to the point that I wanted to leave the Unit. At that moment Branko approached me with the intention to help me make the best decision, although he wasn’t my first superior then, and there was no special reason for him to interfere. He offered me a transfer to his platoon and convinced me that I should stay in the Unit and that things would improve. Numerous field tasks on the mountain of Velebit only confirmed what I already knew, that Branko was a born leader. He was honest, fair and appreciated everyone’s work and dedication. Even in the most difficult and dangerous situations he instilled confidence and security. He knew how to teach us and guide us in doing our job, he was always positive and calm, moderating things, and finding the best solution for every problem and seemingly every hopeless situation. We knew that we could always count on him. He was there for all of us, he knew how to approach everyone in the right way and bring the best out of each one of us. In return, everyone who knew him loved him and was always willing to help him. No one had a problem helping him build his house, to spend the whole day at the building site, and afterwards go to work to our base. He was the best commander I’ve ever had, but he was much more then a commander, he was a man in every sense of the word, by far above everyone else. • Robert Hasija

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

Branko i V. vod, obnova obiteljske kuće, 1994./ Branko and the 5thplatoon, reconstruction of the family house, 1994

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

vi mi u životu trebamo prijatelje, i onda kad sve ide dobro, ali i onda kad ništa ne ide kako treba. Prijatelj je zaista potreban, posebno u ratu, koji obično dugo traje, pa ljudi provode puno vremena zajedno u specifičnim okolnostima. S nekim možeš biti dobar godinama, a da ne znaš kakav je zaista, sve dok se ne pokaže u stresnoj situaciji. Branko je bio najbolji prijatelj kojeg se u ratu moglo imati. I najbolji zapovjednik. Njegovoj odluci smo uvijek vjerovali, toliko povjerenje je uživao. U pojedinim situacijama nitko od nas ne bi reagirao onako kako bi to on učinio, a naposljetku bi se pokazalo da su upravo njegova odluka i reakcija bile najbolje. Bilo je mnogo primjera u kojima je svojom hladnokrvnošću smirivao najnapetije situacije i time spašavao živote. Jednom je prilikom potencijalnu talačku situaciju riješio tako da je jednostavno pokucao na vrata i zamolio osobu koja je unutra prijetila oružjem da izađe, što je ona i učinila. Za razliku od njega, svi ostali prisutni policijski službenici u tom su trenutku vjerojatno pomišljali na sve druge opcije, osim na ovu, koja se pokazala najboljom. Kad bi netko u nečemu pogriješio, Branko ga ne bi ukorio ili mu se ružno obratio, već bi ga kaznio na svoj način, primjerice rasporedom za držanje straže. Ipak, najgora nam je kazna bila kad bi se našalio na naš račun, no iz tih je šala svatko od nas izvlačio najbolje pouke. Takav je pristup bio učinkovit, jer nitko nije želio da Branko o njemu misli loše, nismo ga htjeli razočarati pa smo se trudili biti najbolji što smo mogli biti. Poštovali smo ga i voljeli i na tome se temeljio njegov neupitan autoritet. S druge strane, pamtim ga kao osobu koja je oko sebe širila pozitivnu atmosferu i smijeh. Često se sjetim trenutaka predaha od posla koje smo provodili uz nogometnu loptu. Redovito smo tada umirali od smijeha. Naime, Branko je kao karatist imao posve specifičnu tehniku igranja nogometa, a svojom je urođenom duhovitošću i takve uobičajene stvari činio nezaboravnima. Jednostavno, bio je najposebniji čovjek kojeg sam ikad upoznao. • Goran Maretić - Paraga

e all need friends in life, when things are going well, but also when nothing seems to be going right. A friend is especially needed during the war, which usually lasts a long time, and people spend a lot of time together in specific circumstances. You can know someone for years, but not know what they are really like, as long as you don’t see their reaction in a stressful situation. Branko was the best friend one could have in war time. And the best commander. We always believed his decision, that’s how much confidence he enjoyed. In certain situations, none of us would have reacted the way he did, and at the end it was obvious that precisely his decision and reaction were the best. There are many examples when he sorted out the most intense situations using his coolness and thus saved lives. On one occasion he resolved a potential hostage situation by simply knocking on the door and asking the person inside threatening with weapons to come out, which he did. Unlike him, all other police officers present at the scene were probably thinking about all other possible options, except this one, which showed to be the best. If someone made a mistake, Branko would not reprimand him or address him in an unpleasant way, instead he would punish him in his own way, such as to schedule him to stand guard. However, the worst of all punishments was when he would make a joke at our expense, but from such joke everyone would learn the best lessons. This approach was effective, because no one wanted Branko to think bad of them, we did not want to disappoint him so we tried to be the best we could be. We respected him and loved him and that’s what his unquestioned authority was based upon. On the other hand, I remember him as a person who spread positive atmosphere and laughter all around him. I often recall moments we spent playing football in our spare time. We were regularly laughing our heads off. Namely, Branko as karateka had a very specific football technique, and his innate wit could make even such common things as football unforgettable. He was simply the most unique man I have ever met. • Goran Maretić - Paraga

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

Gordan Radielović, Branko Bošnjak, Krešimir Švajcer, Ivan Uremović (stoje), Goran Maretić, Ivan Pranjić, Željko Mihaljević (čuče), prije akcije "Topusko", 1991./Gordan Radielović, Branko Bošnjak, Krešimir Švajcer, Ivan Uremović (standing), Goran Maretić, Ivan Pranjić, Željko Mihaljević (squatting) before the action “Topusko”, 1991

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ranka sam upoznao sredinom 1992. godine prilikom dolaska u Specijalnu jedinicu policije “Alfa”. Bio je vrhunski profesionalac i vođa V. voda kojem sam i ja pripadao. U sebi je nosio veliku snagu, hrabrost i mirnoću, koju je pokazivao kako na ratištu tako i u izvršavanju svih drugih zadataka.

met Branko in mid-1992 upon arrival to the Special Police Unit “Alpha”. He was a top professional and the 5th platoon commander, where I was assigned. Inside him he had great strength, courage and calmness, which he displayed both on the battlefield as well as conducting all other tasks.

Sjećam ga se prije svega kao prijatelja, uvijek spremnog pomoći, a ujedno uvijek raspoloženog za šalu i druženje. Jedan od mnogih događaja po kojem ću ga posebno pamtiti dogodio se na dan mog vjenčanja. Branko se tom prilikom popeo na binu te je uz pratnju benda zapjevao pjesmu ‘’Na malenom brijegu’’. U jednom dijelu pjesme spomenuo je moje ime, ali se imena moje supruge nije mogao sjetiti. No, nije se dao smesti te je nju oslovio s “ona druga’’, a to je učinio na tako duhovit način da je stvorio pravu pozitivnu atmosferu i do suza nasmijao sve prisutne.

I remember him first and foremost as a friend, always ready to help, and at the same time always in the mood for joking and socializing. One of the many events I will particularly remember him for happened on my wedding day. On that occasion Branko climbed on the stage and started singing a song “On the small hill” accompanied by the band. In one part of the songs he mentioned my name, but he couldn’t remember my wife’s name. Either way, he kept his cool and addressed her as “this other one”, which he had done in such humorous way that he created a real positive atmosphere and made everyone laugh their heads of.

Pamtit ću ga samo po najboljem. Da se iznova vratim u to vrijeme, ne bih dvojio ni trenutka nego bih sve ponovio uz Branka i ekipu. • Dražen Hadžić

I will remember him only by best of things. And if I would go back to that time, I would not doubt for a moment, but repeat everything with Branko and the guys. • Dražen Hadžić

Dražen Hadžić na terenu/ Dražen Hadžić, in the field

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

ilo je to krajem 1991. ili početkom 1992. godine u Žajinoj ulici, gdje je bila baza “Alfi”, mala sobica, ne veća od desetak četvornih metara. Vaso i Stole se kao svađaju na nacionalnoj osnovi (Stole je Srbin), a svima je jasno da je to zajebancija. Stole vadi nož i kao… zaklat će Vasu Rvatinu, a ovaj uzima bombu iz ormara i prijeti da će je baciti... U tom naguravanju Vaso slučajno izvadi osigurač iz bombe... i glasno, da svi čuju, kaže: ‘’Čekaj, čekaj, stani, izvukao sam osigurač!’’ (Sad u sobici nastaje muk, jer to više nije zajebancija!) Svi stanu, prekidaju s onim što su dotad radili i gledaju prema njima dvojici... Vaso pokušava mirno vratiti osigurač, ali mu u nespretnosti bomba ispada iz ruku. Vaso i Stole bježe, jedan kolega se baca kroz prozor, ja sam preskočio sigurno tri stola (mogao sam već tada srušiti svjetski rekord u skoku u dalj, da je netko mjerio), ostali su polijegali iza stolica i stolova (naravno da nam to ne bi ništa pomoglo, jer je prostor premali)... A Branko? E, Branko je prema tom mrskom neprijatelju, bombi M75, zauzeo karate kyokushin obrambeno-napadački stav, spreman se boriti s ljutim neprijateljem... • Dragutin Miklečić - Gec

t happened in the late 1991 or early 1992 in Žaja street, where the “Alpha” Unit’s base was, a small room, not bigger than ten square meters. Vaso and Stole were pretending to fight on a national basis (Stole was a Serb, but they were clearly fooling around). Stole took out his knife and pretended to want to slay Vaso the Croat who took out a bomb from the closet and threatened to throw it to Stole. In this confusion Vaso accidentally pulled out the safety pin from the bomb and loudly, for everyone to hear, interrupted the fuss saying: “Wait, wait, stop! I pulled out the safety pin!” Everyone went silent, because it was no longer a “joke”. Everyone stopped, left what ever they were doing and turned toward the two of them... Vaso calmly tried to put the safety pin back into the bomb, but in his clumsiness the bomb fell down to the floor...Vaso and Stole fleeted, one of the colleagues threw himself out of the window, I jumped over about three tables (I probably could have broken the world record in long jump, if someone measured it), others laid down and hid behind chairs and tables, although this would not have helped anyone because the room was too small... And Branko? Well, Branko took up the kyokushin karate defensive-offensive stance toward the “ferocious rival”, the M75 grenade, ready to fight the bitter enemy... • Dragutin Miklečić - Gec

"Alfe" na odmoru nakon iscrpljujuće obuke, 1991./ The Alphas resting after an exhausting training, 1991

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

Branko Bošnjak, Željko Branković, Dean Matohanac, Željko Šurbek, Robert Kučas (stoji), teren, 1991./ Branko Bošnjak, Željko Branković, Dean Matohanac, Željko Šurbek, Robert Kučas (standing), in the field, 1991

ebu nam ni lepe ni grde, al falil nam bu, rekao je svojevremeno Branko. Sjetim se tih riječi često, a i prigode u kojoj ih je izgovorio. Naime, kad je naš zajednički prijatelj Dean silom prilika morao napustiti naš V. vod, i Branko i ja bili smo pomalo tužni. Rekao sam mu tada: “Bu nam grdo bez Deana!” na što je Branko dodao: “Nebu nam ni lepe ni grde, al falil nam bu!” Bio je to tek jedan od mnogih trenutaka koji i danas pokazuju kakav je Branko bio čovjek. Gotovo da i nije bilo situacije u kojoj se ne bi snašao, uvijek je na sve imao spreman odgovor ili rješenje, uvijek je bio spreman pružiti pomoć, uputiti riječi utjehe bilo kome od nas iz V. voda, a i šire. I dandanas potvrđuju mi to susreti s “našima” pri spomenu na Branka. Bio je nekoliko godina stariji od nas, ali se prema nama često odnosio očinski, bio je savršen vođa, šef, prijatelj zbog kojeg sam se veselio odlasku u službu. U početku sam mislio da je to zbog opće atmosfere i nabrijanosti, jer je zemlja bila u ratu, ali ubrzo sam uvidio da je svemu tome pridonio Branko Bošnjak, hrvatski vitez. Čast mi je što sam jedno vrijeme proveo s njim. Na kraju mogu reći: “Branko, nije nam ni lepe ni grde, al fališ nam puno!” • Robert Kučas

t will neither be nice nor nasty, but he will be missed! These are the words I often remember when I think of our Branko, and they were uttered in a conversation conducted when our friend Dean had to leave our 5th platoon. At the farewell, both Branko and I felt a bit sad, and I told him: “It will be nasty without Dean!”, and Branko instantly replied: “It will be neither nice nor nasty, but he will be missed!” This is just one of many situations showing what kind of a man Branko was. There was hardly any situation to which Branko didn’t have an answer, a solution, or offered a helping hand and comfort to any of us from the 5th platoon, and beyond, on which I get a confirmation every time I meet one of us, and we mention Branko. He was only a few years older than us, but was often a father figure, a perfect leader, a commander, a friend, and because of him I looked forward to going into service. At first I thought it was the general atmosphere and adrenaline rush because the country was at war, but I soon realized that Branko Bošnjak, a Croatian knight, contributed to all of that. I am honoured that I was able to spend some time with him and at the end I can only say: “Branko! It’s neither nice nor nasty, but we miss you so much!” • Robert Kučas

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Braća po oružju Brothers in arms

Obitelj Bošnjak i Brankovi suborci, 1997./ Bošnjak Family with Branko’s comrades, 1997

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

“Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – to je naša moralna, ljudska obveza. Branko je to zaslužio svojim radom i odnosom prema ljudima, i kao zapovjednik i kao čovjek.” “Branko Bošnjak Memorial – this is our moral, human responsibility. Branko deserved it with his work and his attitude towards people, as a commander and as a man.“ Milijan Brkić

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Branko Bošnjak Memorial

arate Club “Mladost” from Samobor was active even during the Homeland War, and when a club’s long-time member and trainer Branko Bošnjak got killed at the end of the war, the Memorial was founded in his memory - an international tournament Kao vrstan borac i pedagog, Branko je in kyokushin karate. svoje znanje i ljubav prema kyokushin karaAs an accomplished fighter and pedagogue, teu nesebično prenosio na mlađe naraštaje, Branko selflessly passed his knowledge and a oni su uzvratili na najbolji mogući način, love of kyokushin karate onto younger genvraćajući se s brojnih natjecanja u zemlji i erations, and they responded in the best inozemstvu s osvojenim medaljama i pe- possible way, returning from the numerous harima, a nakon njegove pogibije, sudjelujući competitions at home and abroad with medu čuvanju uspomene na njega. als and trophies, and after his death, particiNa Memorijalu, koji je u proteklih 19 go- pating in preserving his memory. tijekom Domovinskog rata KK “Mladost” Samobor aktivno je djelovao, a kada je potkraj rata poginuo dugogodišnji član i trener Branko Bošnjak, njemu u spomen utemeljen je Memorijal – međunarodni turnir u kyokushin karateu.

dina stekao značajnu reputaciju u zemlji i inozemstvu, sudjelovale su brojne europske države sa svojim najboljim borcima u kyokushin karateu i svake ih je godine bilo sve više i više, a članovi hrvatske reprezentacije i samoborski “mladostaši” također su postizali zapažene rezultate. Osim u izvrsnim te iznimno teškim borbama, publika je imala priliku uživati i u skupnim nastupima članova KK “Mladost”, među kojima su bili i oni najmlađi, kao i u atraktivnim demonstracijama pripadnika interventne i specijalne policije, a sudeći prema dosadašnjem odazivu i reakcijama publike i sudionika tog međunarodnog karate turnira, Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka nastavit će svoju hvalevrijednu tradiciju i ubuduće. Dakako, to možemo zahvaliti ponajprije entuzijazmu članova KK “Mladost” i Udruge VSJP “Alfa” Zagreb, koji su inicijatori i organizatori Memorijala. Uz Brankovu obitelj i prijatelje te suborce i kolege, potporu Memorijalu pružali su i sponzori te pokrovitelji, koji su prepoznali vrijednost tog najznačajnijeg kyokushin karate turnira u Hrvatskoj. •

Best kyokushin karate fighters from numerous European countries participated at the Memorial which gained considerable reputation at home and abroad during the last 19 years. Every year more and more fighters participated at the tournament and members of the Croatian national team and Samobor’s club have also achieved remarkable results. Apart from the excellent and very heavy fighting, the audience had the opportunity to enjoy the joint performances of Karate Club “Mladost” members, among who were the clubs youngest ones, as well as in the attractive demonstrations of Intervention and Special Police Forces. Judging by the so far response and the reactions of the audience and participants of this international karate tournament, Branko Bošnjak Memorial will continue its praiseworthy tradition in the future. Of course, this can be attributed primarily to the enthusiasm of the members of Karate Club “Mladost” and the Zagreb’s Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association, who are the initiators and organizers of the Memorial. In addition to Branko’s family, friends, comrades and colleagues, the Memorial is also supported by the sponsors and patrons, who have recognized the value of this most significant kyokushin karate tournament in Croatia. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

1. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 15. travnja 1995. 1st Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 15th April 1995 Na prvom Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka, održanom dva i pol mjeseca nakon Brankove pogibije, u dvorani samoborske OŠ “Bogumil Toni” nastupilo je 16 natjecatelja iz Mađarske, Slovenije i Hrvatske. Tada vjerojatno nitko nije ni slutio u što će prerasti inicijativa Brankovih klupskih kolega i prijatelja. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS MUŠKARCI / MEN Apsolutna kategorija / Open category I. Ferenc Fris (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Otvorenje Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka/ the Opening ceremony of Branko Bošnjak Memorial

The 1st Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held two months after Branko’s death, in the sports hall of Primary School “Bogumil Toni” in Samobor, and 16 competitors from Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia participated at the tournament. At that moment no one probably had the slightest idea what this initiative of Branko’s club colleagues and friends would grow into. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Dodjela medalja/ the medal ceremony: I. Ferenc Fris (Mađarska/Hungary), II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia), III. Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Borba Vladimira Sekelja (Hrvatska)/ Vladimir Sekelj’s fight (Croatia)

Borba Nikole Banjeglava (Hrvatska)/Nikola Banjeglav’s fight (Croatia)

Borba Marjana Štampeka (Slovenija)/Marjan Štampek’s fight (Slovenia)

Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Ferenc Fris (Mađarska/Hungary)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Borba Krunoslava Garašića (Hrvatska)/Krunoslav Garašić’s fight (Croatia)

Pobjednik 1. Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka – Ferenc Fris (Mađarska)/ Winner of 1st Branko Bošnjak Memorial – Ferenc Fris (Hungary)

Borba Tome Fabekovca (Hrvatska)/ Tomo Fabekovec’s fight (Croatia)

Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborski list – 28. travnja 1995.

Ferenc Fris najbolji Za kyokushinkai karate kažu da je najjači na svijetu. Nakon turnira održanog u Samoboru u organizaciji KK “Mladost”, a pod nazivom Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, mnogi su se u to uvjerili. Natjecanje u Samoboru okupilo je 16 boraca iz Mađarske, Slovenije i Hrvatske, a popratio ga je iznimno velik broj gledatelja, što je za Samobor ipak iznenađenje, kada se zna kakva je posjećenost sportskih priredbi. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka bilo je natjecanje posvećeno spomenutom pripadniku Specijalne policije Policijske uprave zagrebačke, koji je niz godina bio aktivan u samoborskom klubu, a

na raznim natjecanjima ostvarivao vrijedne rezultate. Poginuo je kao pripadnik policije u Domovinskom ratu, a njemu u čast kolege iz kluba organizirali su turnir. Borci nisu bili raspodijeljeni po kategorijama, već su svi bili svrstani u jednu. Na ovom turniru, nakon 20 godina aktivnog bavljenja kyokushinkai karateom, oprostio se član samoborskog kluba Tomo Fabekovec. Što se pak samih borbi tiče, bile su zanimljive jer su borci, željni pobjeda, pružili svoj maksimum. Najbolji je bio Ferenc Fris iz Mađarske koji je uspio do finala pobijediti sve protivnike i to vrlo uvjerljivo. Gotovo najmlađi među natjecatelji-

ma, Krunoslav Garašić, već sada je istinski majstor u ovom natjecanju, a drugo mjesto potvrda je talenta i mogućnosti. Uz drugo mjesto u konkurenciji, bio je dobitnikom i nagrade za najbrži knock-out. Foldea je uspio pobijediti već nakon 34 sekunde borbe. Nagrađeni je Zoltan Bukta kao najbolji tehničar, te Nikola Banjeglav kao najbolji u lomljenju dasaka (tameshiwari). Veliku pozornost izazvala je i demonstracija vještine u lomljenju građevinskog materijala. Priredba koja je bez sumnje oduševila, ponavljamo, velik broj prijatelja ove borilačke vještine. FSG

Samoborski list – 28th April 1995

Ferenc Fris – the best It is often said that kyokushinkai karate is the strongest in the world. After the tournament held in Samobor, entitled Branko Bošnjak Memorial and organized by Karate Club “Mladost”, many were convinced of it. Competition in Samobor gathered 16 fighters from Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia. A very large number of spectators visited the tournament, which was somehow a surprise for Samobor, when we consider how low the attendance of sports events usually is. Branko Bošnjak Memorial was dedicated to a member of the Special Police Unit of Zagreb Police Department, who was, for many years an active member of Samobor’s club, and gained valuable results at various com-

petitions. He lost his life as a member of Special Police Forces in the Homeland War, and in his honour, his colleagues from the club organized this tournament. The fighters weren’t distributed within weight categories, but all of them fought within one open category. Member of the Samobor’s club Tomo Fabekovec ended his active sports career at the tournament, after 20 years of practicing kyokushinkai karate. As the competition is concerned, the fights were interesting because the fighters, eager to win, gave their maximum. The best competitor was Ferenc Fris from Hungary who managed to defeat all the opponents in a very convincing way. One of the youngest com-

petitors, Krunoslav Garašić, is already a true master in this sport, and winning the second place is a confirmation of his talent and capabilities. Along with the silver medal, he was also awarded for performing the fastest knockout. He managed to defeat Folde after only 34 seconds of fighting. Zoltan Bukta was awarded as the best technician and Nikola Banjeglav for the best performance in breaking boards (tameshiwari). Demonstrations of skills in breaking building material also invoked great attention of the audience. This event, without any doubt, excited, we emphasize once again, a large number of friends of this martial art. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

2. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 27. travnja 1996. 2nd Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 27th April 1996 Iako tek drugi, na Memorijalu je sudjelovalo 60 natjecatelja, koji su se borili u tri kategorije – laka (do 70 kg), srednja (do 80 kg) i teška (od 80 kg). To su najčešće i najzastupljenije kategorije, a uz predstavnike Hrvatske, za neku od nagrada borili su se i natjecatelji iz Mađarske, Rumunjske i Slovenije. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Tibor Lázár (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Dorin Nicoara (Rumunjska/Romania) János Szűcs (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Zsolt Demeter (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Nenad Šančić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Ferenc Fris (Mađarska/Hungary) István Szűcs (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Gyula Telek (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Attila Szentgróti (Mađarska/Hungary) László Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Nenada Šančića (Hrvatska)/ Nenad Šančić’s fight (Croatia)

The Memorial, although only the second, was attended by 60 participants, who fought in three weight categories - lightweight (-70 kg), middleweight (-80 kg) and heavyweight (+80 kg). These are the most common and the most frequent categories, and alongside the representatives of Croatia, competitors from Hungary, Romania and Slovenia fought for medals. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Nenad Šančić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborski list – 4. svibnja 1996. godine

Priredba za sjećanje Gotovo ispunjeno gledalište, bodrenje u svakoj borbi, uz prezentaciju vrhunskih dostignuća u kyokushinkai karateu, mogao bi biti rezime, uz podatak da su mađarski predstavnici bili najuspješniji, na odlično organiziranom 2. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka. KK “Mladost” iz Samobora, s uloženim trudom i željom da u dogledno vrijeme ovaj turnir preraste u jedno od najvećih i najznačajnijih natjecanja u Europi, sigurno da će u tome uspjeti. Ovaj puta u Samoboru su se našli borci iz Mađarske, Rumunjske, Slovenije i Hrvatske, uz želju da borbom i sportskim dostojanstvom obilježe Memorijal, koji je organiziran u spomen tragično preminulom članu KK “Mladost”, Branku Bošnjaku, koji je kao član specijalne policije MUP-a izgubio život u Domovinskom ratu. Čak 60 boraca našlo se u Samoboru, a ono što su pokazali sigurno da je vrhunsko umijeće i da spada u najviša dostignuća kyokusninkai karatea. Prednjačili

su borci iz Mađarske, što u neku ruku i ne čudi jer mađarski kyokushinkai karate spada u sam vrh ove borilačke vještine u svijetu. I koliko god Mađari bili dobri i kvalitetni, svojim su se zavidnim umijećem pokazali i dokazali hrvatski borci. Prvenstveno se to odnosi na 15-godišnjeg Nenada Šančića, koji je u najbrojnijoj konkurenciji i to srednjoj kategoriji osvojio 2. mjesto. Uz to proglašen je za najboljeg tehničara natjecanja. Malo je trebalo pa da Šančić napravi i najveću senzaciju, da bude pobjednik u srednjoj kategoriji. Na tom putu spriječio ga je ipak bolji Zsolt Demeter, koji je uz zlato srednje kategorije, osvojio i nagradu predviđenu za najbržeg nokautera. Od predstavnika iz Hrvatske vrijedi još spomenuti Krunoslava Garašića, koji je u teškoj kategoriji došao do naslova vicepobjednika. Dalje nije mogao, jer ipak je Gyula Telek u ovom trenutku bolji borac.

Jedno hvalevrijedno natjecanje okončano je. Već je zakazano sljedeće, druge godine. Kako su najavili organizatori, bit će još veličanstvenije. Pozivi će biti upućeni najboljima u Europi. Vrata jednom natjecanju, koje bi moglo prerasti u gotovo najznačajnije u Europi, su otvorena. Vjerovati je prijateljima iz KK “Mladost” da će u tome i uspjeti. Predradnje su napravljene i viđene ovaj puta. Dakle, sljedeće godine na Memorijalu bit će još bolje i zanimljivije. Da bi natjecanje u potpunosti uspjelo, trebalo je, uz trud članova kluba iz Samobora i pomoć od šireg značaja. Pomogli su mnogi, na čelu s Vijećem Grada Samobora. Kako je prilikom otvorenja natjecanja rekao gradonačelnik, Ivica Bedeničić, klub neće ostati usamljen u organizaciji još većeg natjecanja. Imat će potporu Grada, jer organizira natjecanje kojim se odužuje preminulima u Domovinskom ratu, u ovom slučaju Branku Bošnjaku. FSG

Borba Nenada Šančića (Hrvatska)/Nenad Šančić’s fight (Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborski list – 4th May 1996

An event to remember Almost a full sports hall, cheering during every fight and the presentation of top attainment in kyokushinkai karate, along with the fact that the Hungarian representatives were the most successful, could be a summary of the well-organized 2nd Branko Bošnjak Memorial. KC “Mladost” from Samobor, with great effort and desire, will certainly succeed in making this tournament one of the largest and most important tournaments in Europe. This time, competitors from Hungary, Romania, Slovenia and Croatia fought in Samobor, to mark the Memorial by fighting and sporting dignity. The Memorial is organized in memory of tragically deceased member of KC “Mladost” - Branko Bošnjak, who was a member of the Special Police Forces and lost his life in the Homeland War. As many as 60 fighters attended the Samobor’s tournament and they certainly showed the superior skills and the highest achievements of kyokushinkai karate. The fighters from Hungary were superior, which in some way is not surprising because

the Hungarian kyokushin karate belongs to the world’s top of this martial art. And as much as the Hungarians were good and of quality, Croatian fighters also showed their skills and proved their great talent. This mainly refers to the 15-year-old Nenad Šančić, who fought in the most competitive category, the middleweight, and won 2nd place. In addition, he was also named best technician of the tournament. He was very close to making the greatest sensation - becoming the winner of the middleweight. But he was stopped by Zsolt Demeter, a better fighter, who in addition to winning the gold medal in the middleweight, also won the prize for the fastest knockout. Among Croatian representatives we ought to mention Krunoslav Garašić, who reached the title of runner-up in the heavyweight. He was not able to make that one additional step towards the gold medal because Gyula Telek is at the moment a better fighter. One praiseworthy competition is completed. The next one has

already been scheduled for the following year. According to the organizers, that one will be even more magnificent. Invitations will be sent to the best fighters in Europe. The doors are open to the possibility of turning this tournament into one of the most important in Europe. We should believe that our friends from KC “Mladost” will succeed in it. Preparations have been made and were seen this time. So, next year’s Memorial will be even better and more interesting. In order to make this tournament fully successful, along with the effort of the Samobor’s club members, the assistance of wider significance was also needed. Many have helped, led by the Samobor City Council. At the opening ceremony, the mayor Ivica Bedeničić said that the club would not be left alone in their efforts to organize an even greater competition. They will have the city’s support, especially because they are organizing the competition which pays tribute to the deceased in the Homeland War, in this case, Branko Bošnjak. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

3. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 1. veljače 1997. 3rd Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 1st February 1997 Na trećem Memorijalu sudjelovalo je 45 The 3rd Memorial was attended by 45 partinatjecatelja iz Francuske, Mađarske, Ru- cipants from France, Hungary, Romania, Slomunjske, Slovenije i Hrvatske, a naši najbolji venia and Croatia. Our best fighters have won borci osvojili su zlato i srebro u teškoj kate- gold and silver medal in the heavyweight. • goriji. • REZULTATI / RESULTS MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Michel Saint Martory (Francuska/France) II. János Micheller (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Călin Domşa (Rumunjska/Romania) Gábor Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Ferenc Fris, (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Harris Wallmen (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Lucian Szabad (Rumunjska/Romania) Zoltán Polacsek (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. László Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Csaba Rácz (Mađarska/Hungary)

Dodjela medalja (srednja kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (middleweight) – I. Ferenc Fris (Mađarska/Hungary), II. Harris Wallmen (Rumunjska/Romania), III. Lucian Szabad (Rumunjska/Romania) & Zoltán Polacsek (Mađarska/Hungary)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Dodjela medalja (teška kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (heavyweight) – I. Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia), II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia), III. László Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) & Csaba Rácz (Mađarska/Hungary) Dodjela medalja (laka kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (lightweight) – I. Michel Saint Martory (Francuska/France), II. János Micheller (Mađarska/Hungary), III. Călin Domşa (Rumunjska/Romania) & Gábor Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborski list – 15. veljače 1997.

Sjećanja ne blijede Po treći put zaredom, Memorijalni turnir Branka Bošnjaka u kyokushin karate, natjecanju za koje mnogi govore, a i činjenice idu tome u prilog, da je najjači karate, ponovo je u Samoboru okupio borce, željne nastupa, željne pokazivanja svojih sportskih mogućnosti. Borci su došli iz Francuske, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Slovenije i Hrvatske, a ono što su na borilištima pokazali, izazvali su od gledatelja neskrivene simpatije. Kyokushin Karate klub “Mladost” iz Samobora, gaji tradiciju sjećanja na svog člana, Branka Bošnjaka, koji je tragično preminuo u Domovinskom ratu, kao pripadnik specijalnih postrojbi MUP-a. Sjećanja ne blijede i lik Branka Bošnjaka ostaje uvijek uz klub i uvijek uz karate – kazao je Milan Garašić prigodom otvorenja ovog za samoborske prilike velebnog natjecanja. Riječi dobrodošlice natjecateljima uz otvorenje natjecanja uputio je i gradonačelnik Samobora, Ivica Bedeničić. Dvorana “Bogumil Toni” bila je gotovo ispunjena do posljednjeg mjesta, što za samoborske prilike predstavlja gotovo raritet. I dok se u nekim drugim sportovima rijetko netko može pohvaliti željenom posjetom, u kyokushin KK “Mladost”, s time zaista nikada nemaju problema. Samo natjecanje ponudilo je neizvjesnost i to gotovo u svakoj borbi. Većina ih je okončana s jednim, a neke borbe su imale i dva produžetka, s time što

su neke borbe okončane “vagom”. Sve zajedno jasno govori o pripremljenosti boraca, kao i o izjednačenosti. Ponuđena kvaliteta u sve tri težinske kategorije bila je iznad prosjeka, što je jasno ocijenio i shihan Kalman Furko, jedan od čelnih ljudi europskog kyokushin karatea. Sveopći je zaključak da ovaj ne bez razloga najjači karate (puni kontakt, bez zaštitne opreme), svojom kvalitetom velikim koracima napreduje. S ponosom možemo reći, da su nositelji kvalitete u Hrvatskoj upravo natjecatelji i članovi samoborskog kluba. U kategoriji -70 kg (lakoj) pobijedio je Francuz Saint Martory, koji je u toj kategoriji i pokazao najviše. Odlično pripremljen borac, izdržao je sve borbe u vrlo visokom ritmu, i bez sumnje u svojoj kategoriji stigao zasluženo do naslova pobjednika. Već poznat samoborskim gledateljima, Ferenc Fris iz Mađarske (prošle godine proglašen za najboljeg tehničara) ovaj je put želio ponoviti prošlogodišnji uspjeh. Nije to bilo nimalo lako, i Fris je morao u nekoliko borbi srednje kategorije pobjede ostvarivati u produžecima. No, to nikako ne umanjuje njegovo prvo mjesto. U teškoj kategoriji u prednatjecanju, sve je išlo nekako po planu. Favoriti su prolazili, a kada je došlo do ozljede mađarskog natjecatelja Kovacsa, u četvrtini finala, bilo je jasno da će polufinale dati bez borbe ime Krunoslava Garašića, člana

samoborskog kluba. Dogodilo se da je u drugom polufinalu odličnom borbom meč okončao i pobjedom okrunio, također član samoborskog kluba, Ivica Stanić. Dakle, finale u teškoj kategoriji između mladog Garašića i bitno iskusnijeg Stanića. Da je vrlo dobro pripremljen, Stanić je pokazao upravo u tom finalu. Pokušavao je Garašić parirati, ali ovaj put Stanić je bio neumoljiv, i zasluženo pobijedio, a time ujedno postao i pobjednikom u teškoj kategoriji. Uz pobjednički pehar za prvo mjesto, Staniću je pripao i pehar za najbrži knock-out. Žiri je donio odluku da se nagradi i najbolji tehničar natjecanja. Pobjednik je pronađen u Rumunju Harrisu Wallmenu. Natjecanje je okončano, a već je krenula organizacija sljedećeg Memorijala. Iz “Mladosti” poručuju da će dovesti u Samobor sljedeće godine elitu ne samo europskog već i svjetskog kyokusnikai karatea. Treba im vjerovati. Priredba je bila odlično organizirana (kao što je slučaj svaki put kada su u pitanju borilački sportovi), a ugođaj je upotpunjen nastupom članica Športskog kluba “Samobor” u aerobiku, a predstavili su se plesom gledateljima i dvostruki prvaci Hrvatske, Tihana Devčić i Ištvan Varga. Ugođaj sporta potrajao je gotovo puna tri sata. Ne, nije bilo dosadno, već lijepo i svrsishodno. Nastavak? Da, bio je u druženju na sayonara partyju. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborski list – 15th February 1997

Memories do not fade For the third time in a row, Branko Bošnjak Memorial, a tournament in kyokushin karate, which many call, and the facts support it, the strongest karate, once again gathered in Samobor competitors eager to fight and to show their sport abilities. The fighters came from France, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia and Croatia, and their performance in the ring aroused overt sympathy of the audience. Kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor cherishes the memory of its member Branko Bošnjak, who was tragically killed during the Homeland War as a member of Special Police Unit of Croatian Ministry of the Interior. Memories do not fade and Branko Bošnjak’s image will always remain with the club and with karate - said Milan Garašić at the opening of this, for Samobor circumstances, magnificent competition. Mayor of Samobor Ivica Bedeničić also addressed a few words of welcome to the competitors. Sports Hall “Bogumil Toni” was nearly filled to its capacity, which is almost a rarity in Samobor. And while in some other sports rarely anyone gets a desired number of spectators, the kyokushin KC “Mladost”, really never has that kind of problems. The competition offered suspense during almost every fight. Most of them ended with a single and some of the fights even after two extensions, in addition to the fact that some of them ended only after “weighting”. All together clearly shows the preparedness of the fighters, as well as

how tie they were. The quality of performances in all three weight categories was above average, which was clearly rated also by shihan Kalman Furko, one of the leading people in the European kyokushin karate. General conclusion is that this, not without a reason the strongest karate (full contact, without protective equipment), is by its quality making a huge progress. We can proudly say that the holders of quality in Croatia are exactly competitors and members of the Samobor’s club. Frenchman Saint Martory won the gold medal in the -70 kg category (lightweight) and has definitely shown the most. He was excellently prepared. He fought all the matches in a very high pace and without any doubt deservedly won the title. Ferenc Fris from Hungary, already known to Samobor audience (last year he was named the best technician), wanted to repeat his last year’s success. This was not an easy task, and Fris was forced to win several of middleweight fights only in extra time. However, this does not diminish his first place in any way. The pre-competition fights in the heavyweight went somehow according to plan. Favourites were winning, and when Hungarian competitor Kovacs got injured in the quarter-finals, it was clear that the semi-final would without a fight bring victory to Krunoslav Garašić, member of the Samobor’s club. It happened that the second semi-final match was won by another member of the Samobor’s club, Ivica Stanić,

after a great struggle ending in his victory. So, we watched the heavyweight finals between young Garašić and significantly more experienced Stanić. That he was very well prepared, Stanić showed exactly in the finals. Garašić tried to counteract, but this time Stanić was inexorable and has deservedly won, thus becoming the winner in the heavyweight. In addition to winning the trophy for the first place, Stanić also won the cup for the fastest knockout. The jury decided to reward the best technician of the competition too. The winner was Romanian fighter Harris Wallmen. This competition has ended and the organizational preparations for the next Memorial have already started. Representatives of KC “Mladost” say that they will bring the elite, of not only European but also of world kyokushinkai karate, to Samobor next year. We should believe them. The tournament was very well organized (as is the case when it comes to martial arts), and the atmosphere was complemented by performance of the members of the Sport Club “Samobor” in aerobics. The double Croatian dancing champions Tihana Devčić and Ištvan Varga also presented themselves to the audience. The sports atmosphere lasted for almost three hours. No, it was not boring, but beautiful and rewarding. Overtime? Yes, the participants continued socializing at the sayonara party. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

4. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 28. veljače 1998. 4th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 28th February 1998 Na četvrtom Memorijalu, koji se u samo nekoliko godina održavanja svrstao među najbolje organizirane kyokushin karate turnire u Europi, sudjelovalo je 65 natjecatelja iz Francuske, Italije, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Hrvatske. Među njima su bili i najbolji europski borci, a hrvatski su predstavnici pokazali da im je mjesto na samome vrhu. • REZULTATI / RESULTS MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Florin Rezmiveş (Rumunjska/Romania) II. András Kovás (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Gábor Németh (Mađarska/Hungary) Nordine Tonkin (Francuska/France) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Zsolt Demeter (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Zsolt Jarábik (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Zoltán Polacsek (Mađarska/Hungary) Róbert Schwarcz (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Gyula Telek (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy) & Balázs Gödölle (Mađarska/Hungary)

The 4th Memorial, which in just a few years became one of the best organized kyokushin karate tournaments in Europe, was attended by 65 participants from France, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Croatia. Among them were the best European fighters and Croatian representatives showed that they belong at the top. •

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Dodjela medalja (teška kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (heavyweight) – I. Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia), II. Gyula Telek (Mađarska/Hungary), III. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy) & Balázs Gödölle (Mađarska/Hungary)

Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Kálmán Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborske novine – 6. ožujka 1998.

Paklena borba Ivice Stanića Iz Francuske, Italije, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Hrvatske, u našem gradu našlo se 65 boraca, koji su došli pokazati svoje umijeće na 4. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka. Kyokushin karate je zaista najjači karate kada borci bez zaštitne opreme i po sistemu knock out – knock down pokazuju snagu i vještinu. Nije bilo isuviše povreda, a tek su dvije borbe bile predane zbog povreda. Shihan Kalman Furko je rekao da samoborski turnir spada među najbolje organizirane u Europi, uz gotovo najbolje borce u ovom trenutku. Konačno, u Samoboru su bili nositelji odličja s posljednjeg prvenstva Europe u Berlinu.

U svakoj od kategorija malo je koja borba bila okončana nakon regularnih 3 minute. Borci su ponudili neizvjesnost konačnog ishoda, što je rezultiralo produžecima, a u nekoliko je slučajeva i vaga odlučila pobjednika. Zanimljivo je bilo u svim kategorijama, ali se ipak najviše dojmila teška, u kojoj su nastupila i tri naša predstavnika. Hrabrom borbom došla su sva trojica do poluzavršnice. Kruno Garašić, mlad borac, član samoborskog kluba, hrabro se suprotstavio težem i iskusnijem Gyuli Teleku iz Mađarske. Suci su nakon produžetka presudili u korist Mađara. U drugom susretu sastali su se Ivica Stanić i Nikola Ba-

njeglav. Ivica se našao u finalu. Malo je tko realno davao šanse Staniću protiv Teleka. No, Ivica je uz fanatično bodrenje gotovo 1000 gledatelja, napravio podvig i nakon produžetka zasluženo pobijedio. Mladi samoborskog kluba predvođeni Igorom Kupresom prikazali su i demonstrirali vještinu lomljenja dasaka, a posebno je impresivno bilo lomljenje bejzbol palice. Održano je i natjecanje u tameshiwariju – lomljenju građevinskog materijala. Sav prihod išao je u korist obitelji tragično preminulog u Domovinskom ratu, a inače člana kyokushin Karate kluba “Mladost”, Branka Bošnjaka. FSG

Samoborske novine – 6th March 1998

Hell of a fight by Ivica Stanić In total 65 fighters from France, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Croatia came to Samobor to show their skills at the 4th Branko Bošnjak Memorial. Kyokushin karate is really the strongest karate, where fighters show their strength and skill by fighting without protective equipment and according to the knockout knockdown system. Fortunately, only few injuries occurred and only two fighters surrendered their matches due to injury. Shihan Kalman Furko said that this tournament is among the best organized in Europe, gathering almost all the best fighters at the moment. Namely, holders of the medals from the last European Championships in Berlin came to Samobor.

Only a few fights in all weight categories were finished after the regular three minutes. The fighters offered us uncertainty of the final outcome and ended the fights in extensions, and in some matches the winner was decided by scales. It was interesting in all categories, but the most impressive was the heavyweight where three of our representatives fought. Due to courageous performance, all three made it to the semi-finals. Krunoslav Garašić, young fighter, a member of the Samobor’s club, bravely fought against heavier and more experienced Gyula Telek from Hungary. After extension time referees ruled in favour of the Hungarian. In the second semi-final match, Ivica Stanić

and Nikola Banjeglav fought and Ivica made it to the finals. Few, if any, realistically gave a chance to Stanić against Telek. However, supported by fanatic cheering of nearly 1000 spectators, Ivica made the feat and after extension time deservedly won. The young members of the Samobor’s club, led by Igor Kupres, demonstrated the skill of breaking the building material and especially impressive was the breaking of a baseball bat. There was also a competition in tameshiwari – breaking wooden boards. All income went to the family of Branko Bošnjak, a member of kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost” who was tragically killed in the Homeland War. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

5. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 27. veljače 1999. 5th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 27th February 1999 Na petom Memorijalu sudjelovala su 23 natjecatelja iz Italije, Mađarske i Hrvatske. Relativno mali broj sudionika u odnosu na prethodne memorijale nadomjestilo je više od tisuću gledatelja u dvorani OŠ “Bogumil Toni”, burno bodreći hrvatske borce, koji su osvojili čak šest medalja. •

23 competitors from Hungary, Italy and Croatia participated at the 5th Memorial. A relatively small number of participants compared to the previous Memorials was substituted by more than a thousand spectators in the sports hall of the Primary School “Bogumil Toni”, who strongly supported Croatian fighters on their way to winning six medals. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Németh (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Igor Jandrečić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Jure Milosavljević (Hrvatska/Croatia) Norbert Presits (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Herbert Trimmel (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Igor Kupres (Hrvatska/Croatia) László Bruzsa (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy) III. Petér Pantelics (Mađarska/Hungary) Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Borba Andree Stoppe (Italija)/ Andrea Stoppa’s fight (Italy)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy)

Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Borba Igora Jandrečića (Hrvatska)/ Igor Jandrečić’s fight (Croatia)

Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Igor Kupres (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Tameshiwari – Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Prof. Slavko Rudolf sportu je posvetio čitav život i gotovo da ne postoji sport ili sportska organizacija u Samoboru u čijem osnivanju i radu nije sudjelovao, odnosno čijem boljitku nije pridonio. Kao dužnosnik Samoborskog športskog saveza i tajnik Društva za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor, svojim je iskustvom i podrškom, koju je bezrezervno pružao organizatorima Memorijala, doprinio da turnir opstane na europskoj sceni tijekom proteklih dvadeset godina.

Prof. Slavko Rudolf devoted his whole life to sport. There is almost no sport or sports organization in Samobor in whose establishment and functioning he did not participate, and to whose prosperity he did not contribute. As an official of Samobor Sports Association and the secretary of Samobor’s Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for all” he gave constant support to the Branko Bošnjak Memorial’s organisers and his advice and experience contributed to maintaining the Memorial on the European scene for whole twenty years.

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborske novine – 5. ožujka 1999. godine

Uspjeh Krune Garašića Preko 1000 gledatelja natiskalo se u dvoranu Bogumila Tonija da bi vidjelo na djelu borce u, kako kažu, najjačem karateu – kyokushinu. Sve zajedno dogodilo se na 5. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka, člana kyokushin KK “Mladost” iz Samobora, koji je tragično poginuo kao pripadnik Specijalne policije MUP-a u Domovinskom ratu. Borci iz Italije, Mađarske i Hrvatske, ukupno njih 23, pokazali su odlične borbe, iako se možda ponekad stekao i dojam da je bilo barem malo “kočenja”. Razlog je vrlo jasan. U svibnju mnoge od boraca, koji su nastupili u Samoboru, čeka Europsko prvenstvo u Kopenhagenu, a u borbi bez zaštitne opreme i u punom kontaktu, povrede su vrlo izvjesne. Bilo je toga i na ovom Memori-

jalu, ali ništa teže i značajnije. Dominirao je u svom nastupu, ali i prezentacijom vještine, Kruno Garašić, član KK “Mladost” iz Samobora. Došao je do finala možda i teže nego se očekivalo, ali je onda već početkom druge minute borbe knock-outom “srušio” odličnog Talijana Andreu Stoppu. Za svoj nastup i prvo mjesto Kruno je primio pehar, uz još jedan koji je dobio za najbrži knock-out. U kategoriji -70 kg neprikosnoven je bio Gabor Nemeth, iako je u finalu imao i te kako mnogo “problema” sa Samoborcem Igorom Jandrečićem. U polufinalu kategorije -80 kg sastali su se naši borci. Igor Kupres i Eduard Bajić pokazali su odličnu borbu, ali Igor koji je bio iscrpljen borbama do finala, nije mogao s ipak odmornijim

Bajićem. No, bitno je da je naslov pobjednika ostao u Samoboru. Odličnu priredbu u samoborskoj sportskoj dvorani oplemenili su nastupi najmlađih iz KK “Mladost” Samobor, KK “Alfa” iz Zagreba, uz poseban naglasak na nastup antiterorističke jedinice specijalne policije MUP-a, već legendarnih Alfi. U novim maskirnim uniformama demonstracija vještine i umijeća članova jedinice, izazvala je uz strahopoštovanje i divljenje gledatelja, koji su svaku od vježbi nagradili pljeskom. 5. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka pokazao je zanimanje Samoboraca za ovakvo natjecanje. Posve je jasno da ovaj memorijal ostaje trajna vrijednost sportske ponude Samobora. FSG

Samoborske novine – 5th March 1999

The success of Kruno Garašić Over 1,000 spectators squeezed into the full Sports Hall “Bogumil Toni” to see in action the fighters of, as they say, the strongest karate - kyokushin. All of this happened at the 5th Branko Bošnjak Memorial. Branko was a member of the kyokushin KC “Mladost” from Samobor, who got tragically killed as a member of the Special Police Unit during the Homeland War. The fighters from Hungary, Italy and Croatia, 23 of them in total, showed excellent fighting, even if sometimes they left the impression that they were at least a little bit “holding themselves down”. The reason is very clear. In May, many of the competitors who fought in Samobor will participate at the European Championship in Copenhagen, and when it comes to full contact fighting without protective equipment, injuries are pretty certain. It could not be avoided at this Memorial either, but there

were no heavy or serious injuries. Kruno Garašić, a member of the KC “Mladost” from Samobor, dominated in his performance, as well as in the presentation of skills. He reached the finals in perhaps more difficult way than expected, but then, at the beginning of the second minute of fighting, he “crashed” by knockout an Italian fighter Andrea Stoppa. Kruno was awarded for his performance and winning the first place and also for the fastest knockout. Gabor Nemeth was inviolable in the -70 kg category, although Igor Jandrečić from Samobor gave him “a hard time” in the finals. Two of Croatian fighters met in the semi-finals of the -80 kg category. Igor Kupres and Eduard Bajić showed a great fight, but Igor, who was exhausted by the previous fights, could not compete with better rested Bajić. However, the important thing is that the title stayed in Samobor.

Excellent competition in Samobor’s sports hall was supplemented by performances of the youngest members of KC “Mladost” from Samobor and of KC “Alpha” from Zagreb. But the special emphasis should be put on the performance of the antiterrorist unit of Special Police Forces of Croatian Ministry of the Interior, already the legendary Alphas. Demonstration of skills and abilities the members of the Unit showed, wearing the new camouflage uniforms, aroused the awe and admiration of the spectators, who rewarded each of the exercises with a big applause. The 5th Branko Bošnjak Memoral showed the interest of Samobor audience for such kind of competition. It is quite clear that this memorial tournament will remain a durable value of Samobor’s sport offer. FSG

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

6. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 26. veljače 2000. 6 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 26 th February 2000 Šesti memorijal okupio je čak 70 natjecatelja iz Italije, Mađarske, Švicarske i Hrvatske, a prvi put su se borile i žene, također u tri težinske kategorije – laka (-50 kg), srednja (-60 kg) i teška (-60 kg). Od devet medalja za Hrvatsku, pet su ih osvojile naše natjecateljice. •

The 6th Memorial gathered 70 competitors from Hungary, Italy, Switzerland and Croatia, and for the first time there were also female competitors fighting in three weight categories – lightweight (-50 kg), middleweight (-60 kg) and heavyweight (+60 kg). Out of nine Croatian medals five were won by our female competitors. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Zsuzsa Rugli (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Krisztína Boros (Mađarska/Hungary) Irena Ljubičić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Erika Odermatt (Švicarska/Switzerland) II. Corinne Eberhard (Švicarska/Switzerland) III. Matea Janđel (Hrvatska/Croatia) Irena Dolenčić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Jacqueline Beucler (Švicarska/Switzerland) II. Brigitta Ottmár (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Sabina Halilović (Hrvatska/Croatia) Krisztína Habara (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Németh (Mađarska/Hungary)

Ivica Stanić, shihan Milan Garašić & Krunoslav Garašić

II. Árpád Farkas (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Péter Váczi (Mađarska/Hungary) László Hacskó (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Eduard Bajić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. István Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Igor Kupres (Hrvatska/Croatia) Sándor Major (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Petér Pantelics (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy) Ivica Stanić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Borba Krunoslava Garašića (Hrvatska)/Krunoslav Garašić’s fight (Croatia)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Krisztína Boros (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Marije Bošković (Hrvatska)/ Marija Bošković’s fight (Croatia)

Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Petér Pantelics (Mađarska/Hungary)

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Samoborske novine – 3. ožujka 2000.

Eduard Bajić oduševio Samoborce Po 6. put na Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka u Samoboru viđen je vrhunski kyokushin, koji je bez sumnje oduševio, za samoborske prilike vrlo rijetko, punu dvoranu gledatelja. Ova je priredba okupila 70 boraca iz Italije, Mađarske, Švicarske i Hrvatske. Uz atraktivne borbe i po prvi puta borbe žene, koje su također nastupile po pravilima kyokushina (bez zaštitne opreme – puni kontakt), posebno su efektni bili nastupi karateka iz KK “Alfa” Zagreb, KK “Mladost” Samobor,

te pripadnika antiterorističke jedinice specijalne policije MUP-a Hrvatske. Od Samoboraca najviše je učinio Eduard Bajić koji je pobijedio u kategoriji -80 kg. Bodren gledateljima Bajić je u finalu pružio odličnu borbu i posve zasluženo pobijedio Mađara Istvana Szaboa. Kruno Garašić nije uspio u finalu doći do pobjede nad odličnim Pantelicsem iz Mađarske u kategoriji +80 kg. Imao je Kruno šansu sredinom borbe, kada je napravio nekoliko

odličnih akcija, ali kako se borba približavala kraju, tako je snaga kopnila, a Mađar preuzimao inicijativu. U produžetku bolji Pantelics zasluženo jednoglasnom ocjenom sudaca, osvaja naslov pobkednika. No, Garašić je utješen s dvije nagrade. Jedna je za najbrži knock-out, a druga za najboljeg tehničara turnira. Kod djevojaka pobjede su zasluženo pripale, po kategorijama, Švicarkama Beucler i Odermatt, te Mađarici Rugli. FSG

Samoborske novine – 3rd March 2000

Eduard Bajić thrilled Samobor Top kyokushinkai karate was performed at the 6th Branko Bošnjak Memorial in Samobor, which without any doubt thrilled the spectators in a fully filled sports hall, usually a rare scene in Samobor. This event gathered 70 fighters from Italy, Hungary, Switzerland and Croatia. Along with attractive fights, which for the first time included women, who also fought by the rules of kyokushin (without protective equipment - full contact), especially effective were the demonstrations of the members of KC “Alpha” from Zagreb, KC “Mladost” from Samobor, and

Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Petér Pantelics (Mađarska/Hungary)

of the antiterrorist Special Police Unit of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior. Eduard Bajić gave the best performance out of competitors from Samobor by winning the first place in the middleweight (-80 kg). With the support of the spectators, he made an excellent performance in the finals and quite deservedly beat Istvan Szabo from Hungary. Krunoslav Garašić failed to reach the final victory over the excellent Pantelics from Hungary in the heavyweight (+80 kg). He had his chance in the middle of the fight, when he made some great

actions, but as the fight approached the end, his strength declined, while the Hungarian took over the initiative. In the extension time, Pantelics was better and won the fight deservedly by unanimous decision of the referees. However, Garašić was consoled with two awards, one for the fastest knockout, and the other for the best technician of the tournament. In the women’s competition, the winners of their categories were Beucler and Odermatt from Switzerland, and Rugli from Hungary. FSG

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7. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 23. studenoga 2002. 7th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 23rd November 2002 Na sedmom Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka sudjelovalo je oko 70 natjecatelja iz sedam zemalja. Uz hrvatske predstavnike, sudjelovali su i natjecatelji iz Francuske, Grčke, Italije, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske, koji su se pred mnoštvom gledatelja u dvorani OŠ “Bogumil Toni” borili za medalje. •

The 7th Branko Bošnjak Memorial was attended by 70 competitors from seven countries. Along with Croatian representatives, competitors from France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania and Switzerland fought for medals in front of numerous spectators in the sports hall of Primary School “Bogumil Toni”. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Tímea Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) Ágnes Teiszler (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Mónika Endrész (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Kristina Khos (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Petra Radošević (Hrvatska/Croatia) Emőke Dési (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Ivett Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Ágnes Lehr (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Erzsébet Zsuffa (Mađarska/Hungary) Marina Feszenkó (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. David Derycke (Francuska/France) II. Árpád Farkas (Mađarska/Hungary) III. László Planicska (Mađarska/Hungary) Gábor Seres (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. László Hacskó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Johnny Desmedt (Francuska/France) III. Hrvoje Bukovski (Hrvatska/Croatia) Dániel Kajtár (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Andrea Stoppa (Italija/Italy) III. Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Salim Oubekhti (Francuska/France)

Borba Hrvoja Bukovskog (Hrvatska)/ Hrvoje Bukovski’s fight (Croatia)

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Borba Dubravke Jugec (Hrvatska)/Dubravka Jugec’s fight (Croatia)

Borba Krunoslava Garašića (Hrvatska)/ Krunoslav Garašić’s fight (Croatia) László Hacskó (Mađarska/Hungary) & Goran Dekanić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Tímea Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Andree Stoppe (Italija)/ Andrea Stoppa’s fight (Italy)

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Demonstracija Interventne jedinice policije/ Intervention Police Unit’s demonstration of skills

Dodjela medalja (laka kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (lightweight) – I. Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/Hungary), II. Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia), III. Tímea Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) & Ágnes Teiszler (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Samoborske novine – 29. studenoga 2002.

Krunoslav Garašić i Marija Bošković najbolji među hrvatskim natjecateljima 7. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka uspješno je 23. studenoga održan u organizaciji kyokushin KK “Mladost” iz Samobora. Pred više od 800 gledatelja, koji su do posljednjeg mjesta ispunili samoborsku sportsku dvoranu, borci iz Francuske, Grčke, Italije, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i Hrvatske, njih 70-ak pokazali su majstorstvo kyokushin karatea, za koji kažu da je najjači karate. Bez zaštitne opreme, u punom kontaktu i sustavu knock out – knock down borci su izmamili pljesak gledatelja. Najuspješniji na ovom natjecanju bili su mađarski predstavnici s četiri prva mjesta te ukupno devet odličja. Od 12 predstavnika Hrvatske najviše uspjeha imao je u kategoriji preko 80 kg

Krunoslav Garašić koji je u spektakularnom meču pobijedio talijanskog internacionalca Andreu Stoppu. Kod djevojaka Marija Bošković bila je druga u kategoriji do 50 kg, dok su druga i treća u kategoriji do 60 kg bile Kristina Khos, odnosno Petra Radošević. No, i ostali iz naše vrste, a to se odnosi na Hrvoja Bukovskog i Tihomira Garašića, u svemu su ispunili očekivanja. Da je bilo malo više sreće, ali i sudačke pravde, sigurno je i Goran Dekanić mogao biti među onima koji su dobili odličja. Uz nagrade koje su dobili borci za svoje rezultate na tatamiju, organizator je nagradio i najbržeg nokautera i po mišljenju prosudbenog suda najboljeg tehničara. Najbrži nokaut

ostvario je Johnny Desmedt iz Francuske (nokautirao je svog protivnika u 42. sekundi borbe), dok je najbolji tehničar turnira bio Laszlo Hacsko iz Mađarske. Gledatelji su uz borbe u demonstracijama vidjeli nastupe pripadnika Interventne i Specijalne policije PU zagrebačke, zatim članove KK “Delta” iz Rijeke, a nastupili su i najmlađi karateke kyokushin Karate kluba “Mladost” iz Samobora. Prihod, ostvaren na ovom turniru, bit će uplaćen na račun obitelji Branka Bošnjaka, nekadašnjeg borca Karate kluba “Mladost”, što je ovom, vrlo dobro organiziranom natjecanju, dalo dodatni značaj i vrijednost. FSG

Samoborske novine – 29th November 2002

Krunoslav Garašić and Marija Bošković best among Croatian competitors Kyokushin KC “Mladost” from Samobor successfully organized the 7th Branko Bošnjak Memorial on November 23rd. Fighters from France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Switzerland and Croatia, 70 of them, have performed kyokushin karate, known as the strongest karate, in front of more than 800 spectators, who have filled to the capacity the sports hall in Samobor. No protective equipment, full contact and knockout-knockdown system was awarded by a big applause. Representatives of Hungary were the most successful at the competition by winning four first places and a total of nine medals. From 12 of Croatian representatives, the most successful was Krunoslav Garašić in the heavyweight (+80 kg), who has won a spectacular match against

the Italian international Andrea Stoppa. In the women’s competition Marija Bošković was second in the lightweight category (-50kg), while the second and third in the middleweight category (-60 kg) were Kristina Khos and Petra Radošević. Other Croatian representatives, which primarily apply to Hrvoje Bukovski and Tihomir Garašić, also fulfilled expectations. Had there been a little more luck, but also the referee justice, Goran Dekanić could have easily become one of those who won medals. In addition to the trophies the fighters won for their results on the tatami, the organizer also awarded the fastest knockout and the best technician by the opinion of the referee college. Fastest knockout was the one of Johnny Desmedt from

France (knocked out his opponent in 42nd second of the fight), while the best technician of the tournament was Laszlo Hacsko from Hungary. Along with the fights, spectators could also see demonstrations performed by the members of the Intervention and Special Police Forces of Zagreb Police Department, of the KC “Delta” from Rijeka, as well as of the youngest members of kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor. Income earned at this tournament will be paid to the account of Branko Bošnjak‘s family, a former member of Karate Club “Mladost”, which gives added significance and value to this very well organized event. FSG

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8. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 22. studenoga 2003. 8th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 22nd November 2003 I ovaj je Memorijal pratila brojna publika, a borili su se natjecatelji, njih 60-ak, iz čak deset zemalja – Češke, Francuske, Grčke, Italije, Latvije, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske, Uzbekistana i Hrvatske. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Tímea Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Andra Bozdog (Rumunjska/Romania) Mariann Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Corinne Eberhard (Švicarska/Switzerland) II. Aziza Temirova (Uzbekistan/Uzbekistan) III. Kristina Khos (Hrvatska/Croatia) Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Ágnes Lehr (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia) Ivett Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Emmanuel Burgio (Francuska/France) II. László Planicska (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) Tamás Juhász (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Mareks Kovaļevskis (Latvija/Latvia) III. Florin Dan Barbanța (Rumunjska/Romania) Krunoslav Strelar (Hrvatska/Croatia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Harris Wallmen (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Kálmán Kozma (Mađarska/Hungary) Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Borba Emmanuela Burgia (Francuska)/ Emmanuel Burgio’s fight (France)

This Memorial also had a large audience and they saw fights of 60 competitors from ten countries – Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Switzerland, Uzbekistan and Croatia. •

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Hrvatska reprezentacija/Croatian National Team – sjede (sitting down): Stela Oroz, Marija Bošković, Kristina Khos; stoje (standing): shihan Vladimir Šintić, Krunoslav Strelar, Nikola Banjeglav, Tihomir Garašić, Dario Šančić, Mario Štimac

Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) & Ágnes Lehr (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Harris Wallmen (Rumunjska/Romania)

Dodjela medalja (teška kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (heavyweight) – I. Harris Wallmen (Rumunjska/Romania), II. Nikola Banjeglav (Hrvatska/Croatia), III. Kálmán Kozma (Mađarska/Hungary) & Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Rumunjski tim na 8. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka/Romanian team at the 8th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – Harris Wallmen, SENSEI ANCA WALLMEN, Laura Moldovan, Marius Ilaş

Prvi put sam na Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka sudjelovao 1997. godine, na njegovom trećem izdanju. Zaista sam želio sudjelovati na ovom natjecanju, jer sam znao, posredstvom drugih rumunjskih natjecatelja, da im je prethodne godine bilo odlično. Osvojio sam drugo mjesto u srednjoj kategoriji, a morao sam se boriti sa slomljenom kosti u stopalu, ujedno osvojivši i nagradu za najbolju tehniku. No, to uopće nije bilo važno. Najvažnije su uspomene i iskustvo koje nosim s natjecanja. Od našeg prvog dolaska, kad su nas svi članovi Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza dočekali s toliko gostoprimstva da je to teško opisati riječima. Svi su se prema nama odnosili vrlo prijateljski, no jedna osoba posebno, shihan Milan Garašić. On je jedan od najsimpatičnijih majstora borilačkih vještina kojeg sam upoznao tijekom cijele karate karijere. Ne samo da je savršen organizator, već se pobrinuo i da se stvarno osjećamo dobrodošlima, poštovanima i cijenjenima. Godinu za godinom sudjelujemo na ovom natjecanju. Godinu za godinom turnir postaje sve jači i veći, no shihan Garašić se nije promijenio. Ostao je vrlo skromna i draga osoba, savršen domaćin. Po drugi put sam se u Hrvatskoj borio 2002. godine i osvojio sam prvo mjesto u teškoj kategoriji. Kao da mi ovaj turnir uzvraća ljubav. Otad Rumunjska kyokushin karate federacija nijednom nije propustila Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Pobijedili ili izgubili, nije bilo važno, uvijek smo se tamo odlično proveli. Zbog toga shihanu Garašiću i svim članovima Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza želimo izraziti svoju skromnu zahvalnost i odati veliko priznanje. Obećavamo da ćemo nastojati i nadalje sudjelovati na ovom predivnom natjecanju, organiziranom u spomen na mladog borca, Branka Bošnjaka, koji na njemu nije mogao sudjelovati, jer mu je život prekinut tako rano. Osu! Sensei Harris Wallmen, Rumunjska

My first visit to Croatia was in 1997, to the third edition of the tournament Branko Bošnjak Memorial. I was eager to take part in this competition because I had learned from other Romanian fighters that they had a great time in the second edition. I placed second in the middleweight, I had to fight with a broken bone in my foot, and got the prize for the best technique. But this is not as important as the experience itself and the memories I have from my participation. Ever since our arrival, we were welcomed with so much hospitality by all the members of the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, that is difficult to put in words. Everybody was very friendly, but one who stood out most was shihan Milan Garašić. He is one of the nicest martial artists I have ever met in my entire karate life. Not only was he a perfect organizer, he made one feel welcomed, respected and appreciated. Year after year we took part in this competition. Year after year the competition became stronger and bigger, but shihan Garašić never changed. He remained a humble and lovely person, a perfect host. In 2002 I fought for the second time in Croatia and won first place in the heavyweight. It was like this competition loved me back. Since then the Romanian Kyokushin Karate Federation never missed the Branko Bošnjak Memorial. Win or lose, we always had a great time there. For this, shihan Garašić, and all members of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, please accept our humble thank you and our great appreciation. We promise to do our best to be present every time you organize this wonderful competition in the memory of a young fighter, Branko Bošnjak, who never had a chance to participate himself because his life was taken so early. Osu! Sensei Harris Wallmen, Romania

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Samoborski glasnik – 6. prosinca 2003.

Mađari najbolji, naši dobri 22. studenoga održan je u samoborskoj sportskoj dvorani OŠ “Bogumila Tonija” 8. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, kyokushin karate turnir u spomen na tragično poginulog Branka Bošnjaka, pripadnika specijalne policije u Domovinskom ratu, člana samoborskog kyokushin Karate kluba “Mladost”. Milan Garašić, predsjednik kluba i glavni organizator turnira na otvaranju je zahvalio svima koji su pomogli u održavanju dugovječnosti ove sportske priredbe, ali i sjećanja na pogi-

nulog kolegu. Između ostalog, zahvalio je i Gradu Samoboru, te aktualnom gradonačelniku Žarku Adameku predao priznanje za podršku u njihovom radu. Na turniru se okupilo šezdesetak boraca iz Češke, Francuske, Grčke, Italije, Mađarske, Latvije, Rumunjske, Švicarske, Uzbekistana i Hrvatske, koji su pred oko 700 gledatelja prikazali vrhunski karate. Kao što je poznato, u kyokushin karateu dozvoljen je puni kontakt, bez zaštitne opreme, pa atraktivnosti ni ovaj put nije nedostajalo.

Najviše su uspjeha imali predstavnici Mađarske, a vrlo su dobri bili hrvatski borci. Posebno valja istaći kod žena Mariju Bošković, te kod muškaraca Nikolu Banjeglava, koji su u svojim kategorijama osvojili druga mjesta. Osim njih, treće mjesto je u teškoj kategoriji osvojio i Tihomir Garašić. Osim borbi, prisutnima su svoje vještine pokazali pripadnici interventne policije PU karlovačke, te Specijalna jedinica policije “Alfa” iz Zagreba. Stjepan Stanić

Samoborski glasnik – 6th December 2003

Hungarians were the best, our fighters made good performance On 22nd November in the sports hall of Primary School “Bogumil Toni” in Samobor the kyokushin karate tournament, the 8th Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held, in memory of the tragically deceased Branko Bošnjak, member of Special Police Forces in the Homeland War and member of kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor. Milan Garašić, the club’s president and the chief organizer of the tournament, during the opening ceremony thanked everyone who helped in maintaining the longevity of this sporting event, but also the memory of

the deceased colleague. Among others, he thanked the City of Samobor, and gave the current Mayor Žarko Adamek an award for the city’s support. The tournament gathered around sixty fighters from Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Romania, Switzerland, Uzbekistan and Croatia, who showed top karate performance to 700 present spectators. As it is well known, kyokushin karate allows full contact and fighters do not wear any protective equipment, so even this time the competition did not lack the attractiveness. The most

successful were the competitors from Hungary, and Croatian fighters made very good performance as well. It should be noted that Marija Bošković in the women’s lightweight and Nikola Banjeglav in the men’s heavyweight both won silver medals. Apart from them, Tihomir Garašić won the third place in the men heavyweight. In addition to fighting performances, members of Intervention Police Unit of Karlovac Police Department and Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb Police Department also showed their skills to the audience. Stjepan Stanić

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9. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 20. studenoga 2004. 9th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 20th November 2004 Na devetom Memorijalu sudjelovalo je osam zemalja, a uz predstavnike Hrvatske, za medalje i priznanja u šest različitih kategorija borili su se natjecatelji iz Francuske, Grčke, Gruzije, Latvije, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske. •

The 9th Memorial was attended by eight countries, and along with representatives of Croatia, competitors from France, Greece, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania and Switzerland fought for trophies and medals in six different weight categories. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Eszter Wágner (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Tímea Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Tímea Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) Mariann Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marina Mezősi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/Romania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Veronika Szövetes (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Ivett Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Ivana Lončarević (Hrvatska/Croatia) Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. József Nemes (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Lasha Khachapuridze (Gruzija/Georgia) III. Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary) Cristian Bolduţ (Rumunjska/Romania) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Johnny Desmedt (Francuska/France) III. Emzar Nikatsadze (Gruzija/Georgia) Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Stavros Aser (Grčka/Greece) Gábor Godzsa (Mađarska/Hungary)

Stavros Aser (Grčka/Greece) & Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Mariann Vincze (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Mariusa Ilaşa (Rumunjska)/ Marius Ilaş’s fight (Romania)

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Dodjela medalja (teška kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (heavyweight) – I. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia), II. Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia), III. Stavros Aser (Grčka/Greece) & Gábor Godzsa (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Johnnyja Desmedta (Francuska)/Johnny Desmedt’s fight (France)

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Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/ Romania) & Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/ Hungary)

Demonstracija KK “Mladost” Samobor/ KC “Mladost” from Samobor, demonstration of skills

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 27. studenoga 2004.

Održan 9. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, koji se održava u spomen na poginulog hrvatskog branitelja i bivšeg dugogodišnjeg člana KK “Mladost”, međunarodno je natjecanje u kyokushin karateu, koji podrazumijeva puni kontakt bez zaštitne opreme. Ovogodišnji Memorijal, deveti po redu, održan je 20. studenog u Samoboru. Nakon intoniranja himne i odavanja počasti poginulim hrvatskim braniteljima, u ime Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza prisutne je pozdravio Milan Garašić, predsjednik saveza, a u ime pokrovitelja samoborski gradonačelnik Žarko Adamek. Na memorijalu je sudjelovalo 9 zemalja, a uz hrvatske predstavnike za medalje i priznanja u šest različitih kategorija borili su

se natjecatelji i natjecateljice iz Francuske, Grčke, Gruzije, Latvije, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske. U ženskoj konkurenciji nadmoćne su bile mađarske natjecateljice, osvojivši u sve tri kategorije prva dva mjesta. Hrvatska predstavnica Ivana Lončarević osvojila je treće mjesto u teškoj kategoriji. Kod muškaraca u lakoj kategoriji pobijedio je Mađar Nemes, drugo mjesto osvojio je Gruzijac Khachapuridze, a treće mjesto podijelili su Mađar Buzas i Rumunj Boldut. U srednjoj kategoriji nadmoćan je, kao i prošle godine, bio Rumunj Ilas, drugo mjesto osvojio je Francuz Desmedt, a treće su podijelili Gruzijac Nikatsadze i Mađar Bak. Teška kategorija bila je uspje-

šna i za naše natjecatelje, jer su se u finalu borila braća Garašić, Krunoslav i Tihomir, a u prilično izjednačenoj borbi pobijedio je stariji brat Krunoslav. Uz braću Garašić, na pobjedničkom postolju treće mjesto su podijelili Grk Aser i Mađar Godzsa. Publika je u prepunoj dvorani OŠ “Bogumil Toni”, osim u izvrsnim borbama imala priliku uživati i u skupnim borbama i atraktivnim demonstracijama pripadnika specijalne policije, o kojoj je prikazan i kratak dokumentarni film. Sudeći prema odazivu i reakcijama publike i sudionika ovog međunarodnog karate turnira, Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka nastavit će svoju hvalevrijednu tradiciju i ubuduće. Stjepan Stanić

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 27th November 2004

The 9th Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held The 9th Branko Bošnjak Memorial, which is organized in the memory of the fallen Croatian defender and a long-time member of Samobor’s Karate Club “Mladost” Branko Bošnjak, is the international competition in kyokushin karate which includes full contact with no protective equipment. It was held on 20th November in Samobor. After the intonation of national anthem and honouring the fallen Croatian defenders, Milan Garašić addressed the audience on behalf of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, and the Mayor of Samobor Žarko Adamek spoke in the name of the Memorial’s patrons. The Memorial was attended by nine countries, and along with the Croatian representatives, competitors from France, Greece, Georgia, Hungary, Lat-

via, Romania and Switzerland fought for trophies and medals in six different categories. In the women’s competition, the Hungarian competitors were superior, winning the first two places in all three categories. Croatian representative Ivana Lončarević won the third place in the heavyweight. In the men’s lightweight first place was won by Nemes from Hungary, second place was won by Khachapuridze from Georgia, and third place was shared by Buzas from Hungary and Boldut from Romania. The first place in the middleweight was won, like last year, by Ilas from Romania, second place by Desmedt from France, and the third was shared by Nikatsadze from Georgia and Bak from Hungary. The heavyweight was successful for our competitors,

because the Garašić brothers fought in the finals, Krunoslav and Tihomir, and quite an equal fight was finally won by the older brother Krunoslav. Aser from Greece and Godzsa from Hungary, who shared the third place, joined the Garašić brothers on the podium. The audience in the crowded hall of Samobor’s Primary School “Bogumil Toni”, except in excellent fighting, had the opportunity to enjoy in the group performances and attractive demonstrations of Special Police Forces, on which a short documentary film was displayed. Judging by the turnout and the reactions of the audience and participants of this international karate tournament, Branko Bošnjak Memorial will continue its commendable tradition in the future. Stjepan Stanić

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10. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 12. studenoga 2005. 10th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 12th November 2005 Jubilarni Memorijal obilježile su vrhunske borbe oko 70 natjecatelja iz osam zemalja – Bugarske, Francuske, Gruzije, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i Hrvatske, a među natjecateljima su bili i europski prvaci u pojedinim kategorijama kyokushin karatea. Od te je godine suorganizator Memorijala Udruga veterana specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” Zagreb. Pripadnici te elitne postrojbe aktivno su sudjelovali u organizaciji Memorijala od njegova utemeljenja. •

Excellent fights of about 70 competitors marked the jubilee Memorial. European champions in some of the categories of kyokushin karate were also present among the participants from eight countries - Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Switzerland and Croatia. Since this year, the Zagreb’s Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association is the co-organizer of the Memorial. Members of this elite Unit actively participated in the organization of the Memorial since its founding. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Genka Peeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Polina Kostadinova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marina Mezősi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Dubravka Jugec (Hrvatska/Croatia) Arūnė Urnikytė (Litva/Lithuania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Margarita Čiuplytė (Litva/Lithuania) II. Cvetelina Nikolaeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) Mónika Demeter (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Gela Shatirishvili (Gruzija/Georgia) III. Péter Farkas (Mađarska/Hungary) Marian Taskov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Johnny Desmedt (Francuska/France) II. Vytautas Viščius (Litva/Lithuania) III. Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) Levan Mchedlishvili (Gruzija/Georgia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Eduard Janoashvili (Gruzija/Georgia) II. Darius Gudauskas (Litva/Lithuania) III. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Plamen Terziev (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Péter Farkas (Mađarska/Hungary) & Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Otvorenje 10. Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka/ The opening ceremony of the 10th Branko Bošnjak Memorial

Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) & Johnny Desmedt (Francuska/France)

Polina Kostadinova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Demonstracija Ninjutsu/Ninjutsu demonstration of skills

Johnny Desmedt (Francuska/France) & Vytautas Viščius (Litva/Lithuania)

Plamen Terziev (Bugarska/ Bulgaria) & Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Predstavnici Francuske na 10. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka/ Representatives of France on the 10th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – sensei Pascal Germain, Johnny Desmedt, sensei Jean-Phillipe Bazerque

Francuska je na Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka u Samoboru prvi put sudjelovala 1997. godine. Otada, tijekom svih godina, podupiremo ovaj turnir. Naši su borci uspijevali ostvarivati pobjede sve dok kvaliteta turnira u 2010. i 2011. godini nije porasla toliko da je Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka postao mini europsko prvenstvo, jer na njemu sudjeluju najjače države i najbolji kyokushin borci. Čestitke na kvaliteti turnira! Završit ću poruku izrazom iskrenog poštovanja Milanu Garašiću, organizatoru Memorijala, kao i zahvalom njemu i prijašnjem predsjedniku KK “Mladost” Damiru Sinkoviću na njihovoj gostoljubivosti i prijateljstvu iskazanom tijekom naših brojnih posjeta. Želimo vam sve najbolje i na turnirima koji su pred vama. OSU! Sensei Jean-Philippe Bazerque WKO Branch Chief Francuska

The first time France participated in the Branko Bošnjak Memorial in Samobor was in 1997. Since then, and for many years on, the France Shinkyokushin Karate Organization has supported this tournament. Our fighters have had some victories until the level of competition rose so high that in 2010 and 2011 the Branko Bošnjak Memorial became a mini European Cup with the participation of the most powerful nations and the best kyokushin fighters. Congratulations on the quality of your tournament! I would like to close my message by expressing my sincere respect to branch chief Milan Garašić, the organizer of this Memorial, and my thanks to him and former president of KC “Mladost” Damir Sinković for their hospitality and their friendship during our many visits. We wish you the best in the coming tournaments OSU! Sensei Jean-Philippe Bazerque WKO Branch Chief France

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 14. studenoga 2005. godine

Puni kontakt – pun pogodak! Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka međunarodno je natjecanje u kyokushin karateu, koji podrazumijeva puni kontakt bez zaštitne opreme, a ovogodišnji, deseti po redu, održan je 12. studenoga u Samoboru. Memorijalni karate turnir održava se u spomen na poginulog hrvatskog branitelja i dugogodišnjeg člana samoborskog Karate kluba “Mladost” Branka Bošnjaka, koji je život izgubio u Domovinskom ratu kao pripadnik Specijalne jedinice policije PU Zagrebačke “Alfa”. Na memorijalu je sudjelovalo osam zemalja, a uz hrvatske predstavnike za pehare i medalje borili su se natjecatelji iz Bugarske, Francuske, Gruzije, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske. Natjecanje se odvijalo u šest različitih kategorija – tri muške i tri ženske težinske kategorije, po sistemu eliminacije i po pravilu knock out – knock down. Nakon intoniranja državne himne i odavanja počasti poginulim hrvatskim braniteljima, u ime organizatora KK “Mladost” okupljene je pozdravio predsjednik Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza Milan Garašić, a potom

Dodjela medalja (laka kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (lightweight) – I. Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/Romania), II. Genka Peeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria), III. Polina Kostadinova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Marija Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia)

su se u ime pokrovitelja Memorijala kratko obratili zamjenik ministra znanosti, obrazovanja i športa Dražen Harasin i izaslanik ministra unutarnjih poslova Stjepan Milković te zamjenica samoborskog gradonačelnika Marica Jelenić. Svi oni izrazili su potporu održavanju već tradicionalnog Memorijala te su obećali i ubuduće pružati pomoć pri organizaciji ovog međunarodnog kyokushin karate natjecanja. Publika koja je i ove godine u velikom broju došla pratiti turnir te bodriti hrvatske predstavnike imala je priliku uživati u vrhunskim borbama oko 70 natjecatelja, među kojima su bili i europski prvaci u pojedinim kategorijama kyokushin karatea. Osvojivši tri brončane medalje u iznimno jakoj konkurenciji, hrvatski su se natjecatelji i ovaj put pokazali kao ravnopravni suparnici predstavnicima vodećih europskih zemalja u kyokushin karateu, najzahtjevnijem stilu karatea uopće. Krunoslav Garašić iz samoborskog KK “Mladost” osvojio je treće mjesto u muškoj teškoj kategoriji, Marija Bošković, također Samoborka, zauzela je treće mjesto u ženskoj lakoj

kategoriji, a Dubravka Jugec iz zagrebačkog KK “Elka” osvojila je također treće mjesto u ženskoj srednjoj kategoriji. Osim izvrsnih te iznimno teških borbi, publika je u prepunoj dvorani samoborske Osnovne škole “Bogumil Toni” imala priliku uživati i u skupnim nastupima članova KK “Mladost”, među kojima su bili i oni najmlađi, kao i u atraktivnim demonstracijama pripadnika Specijalne policije i članova Bujinkan seishin dojoa “Croatia” (borilačka tehnika ninjutsu), a sudeći prema dosadašnjem odazivu te reakcijama publike i sudionika tog međunarodnog karate turnira, Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka nastavit će svoju hvalevrijednu tradiciju i ubuduće. Naime, nakon završetka Memorijala čelništvo samoborskog KK “Mladost” i Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza primilo je niz pohvala za izvrsnu organizaciju, kao i zahvale sudionika za pruženo gostoprimstvo i dobrodošlicu, a nisu izostale ni pohvale hrvatskim natjecateljima koji su iskoristili i ovu priliku za promidžbu tog sporta, kao i Grada Samobora. Marija Alvir

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Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 14th November 2005

Full contact – full strike! The 10 Branko Bošnjak Memorial, the international competition in Kyokushin Karate which includes full contact with no protective equipment, was held on 12th November in Samobor. Memorial karate tournament is held in memory of the fallen Croatian defender and longtime member of Samobor’s Karate Club “Mladost” Branko Bošnjak, who lost his life in the Homeland War as a member of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb Police Department. The Memorial was attended by eight countries, and along with the Croatian representatives for trophies and medals fought competitors from Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania and Switzerland. The competition was held in six different classes - three men and three women’s weight categories, under the system of elimination and rule knockout - knockdown. After the intonation of the national anthem and giving the tribute to the fallen Croatian defenders, on behalf of the organizer KC “Mladost” the audience was addressed by the president of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association Milan Garašić, and in the name of the Memorial’s patrons th

spoke the Deputy Minister of Science, Education and Sports Dražen Harasin, the representative of the Minister of the Interior Stjepan Milković and Deputy Mayor of Samobor Marica Jelenić. They all expressed their support to the already traditional Memorial and have promised to continue to provide their assistance in organizing this international kyokushin karate competition. The audience, which this year also came in large number to watch the tournament and cheer for Croatian representatives, had the opportunity to enjoy superb fighting of around 70 competitors, among whom were European champions in different categories of kyokushin karate. Winning three bronze medals in a very strong competition, Croatian fighters once again proved themselves to be equal rivals of representatives of leading European countries in kyokushin karate, the strongest and most demanding style of karate in general. Krunoslav Garašić from KC “Mladost” from Samobor won third place in the men’s heavyweight, Marija Bošković, also from Samobor, won third place in the women’s lightweight, and Dubravka Jugec

from KK “Elka” from Zagreb also won third place in the women’s middleweight. In addition to the excellent and extremely heavy fighting, the audience in the crowded hall of Samobor’s Primary School “Bogumil Toni” had the opportunity to enjoy group performances of members of KC “Mladost”, among which were the youngest of them, as well as attractive demonstrations of Special Police Forces and members of Bujinkan Seishin Dojo “Croatia” (martial techniques ninjutsu). Judging by the so far response and reactions of the audience and participants of this international karate tournament, Branko Bošnjak Memorial will continue its commendable tradition in the future. Specifically, after the Memorial ended the leaderships of KC “Mladost” from Samobor and Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association received praise for the excellent organization as well as the gratitude of the participants for providing them warm welcome and great hospitality, and Croatian competitors were also praised for their performance. This opportunity was also taken to further promote this sport, as well as the City of Samobor. Marija Alvir

Demonstracija Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa”/ Special Police Unit “Alpha”‘s demonstration of skills

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Memorijali 1995. – 2015. Memorials 1995 – 2015

11. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 11. studenoga 2006. 11th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 11th November 2006 Sudjelovali su predstavnici sedam zemalja – Bugarske, Francuske, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i Hrvatske. Kao i na većini kyokushin turnira, dominirala je Mađarska, čiji su predstavnici osvojili najviše pehara i medalja, slijedili su ih borci iz Litve, a hrvatski su natjecatelji u iznimno jakoj konkurenciji od 80-ak boraca osvojili četiri bronce. •

Representatives of seven countries - Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Switzerland and Croatia attended this year’s Memorial. As in the most kyokushin tournaments, Hungary was dominant and its representatives won most of the trophies and medals. They were followed by the fighters from Lithuania, and Croatian competitors won four bronze medals in a very strong competition of around 80 fighters. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Polina Kostadinova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) II. Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Barbara Buretić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marina Mezősi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Inga Mikštaitė (Litva/Lithuania) Dubravka Jugec (Hrvatska/Croatia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Veronika Szövetes (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Cvetelina Nikolaeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) Viviana Chirilă (Rumunjska/Romania) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Cristian Bolduţ (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Dejan Obranić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Vytautas Cėpla (Litva/Lithuania) III. Andžėj Milevskij (Litva/Lithuania) Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Lukas Kubilius (Litva/Lithuania) II. Ramūnas Burneikis (Litva/Lithuania) III. Dimitar G. Popov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Cristian Bolduţ (Rumunjska/Romania) & Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Adrian Ferenț (Rumunjska/Romania) & Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) & Dubravka Jugec (Hrvatska/Croatia) Dejan Obranić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Tiberiu Isa (Rumunjska/Romania)

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Boris Nikolov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Dodjela medalja (laka kategorija)/ The medal ceremony (lightweight) – I. Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary), II. Cristian Bolduţ (Rumunjska/Romania), III. Dejan Obranić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary)

Dubravka Jugec (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Inga Mikštaitė (Litva/Lithuania)

Demonstracija Interventne jedinice policije PU zagrebačke/ Intervention Police Unit of Zagreb PD’s demonstration of skills

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 24. studenoga 2006.

Naši izvrsno plasirani Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka međunarodno je natjecanje u kyokushin karateu, koji podrazumijeva puni kontakt bez zaštitne opreme, a ovogodišnji, jedanaesti po redu, održan je 11. studenoga u Samoboru. Sudjelovalo je sedam zemalja, a uz hrvatske predstavnike za pehare i medalje borili su se natjecatelji iz Bugarske, Francuske, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske, među kojima su bili najbolji europski borci u tom najjačem stilu karatea. Natjecanje se odvijalo u šest različitih kategorija - tri muške i tri ženske težinske kategorije, po sistemu eliminacije i po pravilu knock out – knock down. Nakon intoniranja državne himne i odavanja počasti poginulim hrvatskim braniteljima, u ime organizatora Karate kluba “Mladost” okupljene je pozdravio predsjednik Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza Milan Garašić, a potom se u ime pokrovitelja obratio izaslanik ministra unutarnjih poslova Stjepan Milković, izrazivši potporu održavanju već tradicionalnog Memorijala. Odaziv publike i ove je godine bio iznimno velik, a svi koji

su došli pratiti turnir i bodriti hrvatske predstavnike imali su priliku uživati u vrhunskim borbama oko 80 natjecatelja, među kojima su bili europski prvaci i viceprvaci u pojedinim kategorijama kyokushin karatea. Najviše medalja i pehara odnijeli su Mađari, osvojivši ukupno tri zlata i dva srebra te tri bronce. Litva je osvojila ukupno pet medalja – jedno zlato, dva srebra i dvije bronce, dok su ostale medalje podijelile Bugarska, Rumunjska i Hrvatska. Osvojivši četiri brončane medalje u iznimno jakoj konkurenciji, hrvatski su se natjecatelji i ovaj put pokazali kao ravnopravni suparnici predstavnicima vodećih europskih zemalja u kyokushinu, najzahtjevnijem i najjačem stilu karatea uopće. Od naših muških boraca najbolji je bio Tihomir Garašić iz samoborskog KK “Mladost”, koji je osvojio treće mjesto u teškoj kategoriji, kao i njegov klupski kolega Dejan Obranić u lakoj kategoriji, a u ženskoj su konkurenciji Barbara Buretić iz KK “Dugo Selo” i Dubravka Jugec iz zagrebačkog KK “Elka” osvojile treće mjesto u lakoj i srednjoj kategoriji. Najbolji hrvat-

ski kyokushin borac Krunoslav Garašić zaustavljen je u 2. kolu, a tu je borbu izgubio “na vagu” te je, iako tehnički jači, ipak izgubio od fizički slabijeg (lakšeg) protivnika. Za hrvatsku reprezentaciju borili su se i samoborski Mladostaši Goran Dekanić u srednjoj te Damir Hodak u lakoj kategoriji. Nagradu za najbolju tehniku osvojila je Litvanka Inga Mikstaite, a za sportski i borbeni duh – spirit – Mađar Gabor Rozsa. Osim u izvrsnim te iznimno teškim borbama, publika je u prepunoj dvorani samoborske Osnovne škole “Bogumil Toni” imala priliku vidjeti karatiste i u izvođenju tameshiwarija, odnosno razbijajanju daske šakom i laktom te bridom dlana. U prigodnom dijelu programa članovi KK “Mladost”, među kojima su bili i oni najmlađi, demonstrirali su nekoliko udaraca i blokova te kata, a pripadnici Interventne policije PU zagrebačke atraktivnim su demonstracijama i ove godine sudjelovali na Memorijalu te ujedno odali počast poginulom kolegi Branku Bošnjaku. Marija Alvir

Borba Damira Hodaka (Hrvatska)/ Damir Hodak’s fight (Croatia)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 24th November 2006

Great results of our fighters The 11 Branko Bošnjak Memorial, the international competition in kyokushin karate, which includes full contact with no protective equipment, was held on 11th November in Samobor. It was attended by seven countries, and along with the Croatian representatives, competitors from Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania and Switzerland fought for trophies and medals. Among them were the best European fighters in this strongest style of karate. The competition was held in six different classes - three men and three women weight categories, under the system of elimination and rule knockout - knockdown. After the intonation of the national anthem and giving the tribute to the fallen Croatian defenders, Milan Garašić, the president of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, addressed the audience on behalf of the organizer KC “Mladost”. The envoy of the Minister of the Interior Stjepan Milković spoke in the name of the Memorial’s patrons expressing support to the already traditional Memorial. The response of the audience this year was also extremely high, and everyone who came to watch and cheer for Croatian th

representatives had the opportunity to enjoy superb fighting of around 80 competitors, among who were European champions and vice-champions in different categories of kyokushin karate. Most of the medals and trophies were won by Hungarian fighters, a total of three gold, two silver and three bronze medals. Lithuanians won a total of five medals – one gold, two silver and two bronze medals, while the other medals were shared by Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia. By winning four bronze medals in a very strong competition, Croatian fighters once again proved themselves equal to the rivals of representatives of leading European countries in kyokushin karate, the strongest and most demanding style of karate in general. Out of our male fighters, the best were Tihomir Garašić from Samobor’s KC “Mladost” and his club colleague Dejan Obranić. Tihomir won the third place in the heavyweight, while Dejan won the third place in the lightweight. In the women’s competition, Barbara Buretić from KC “Dugo Selo” and Dubravka Jugec from Zagreb’s KC “Elka” won third places in the lightweight and the middleweight. Best Croatian kyokushin fighter Krunoslav Garašić was

stopped in the second round of his category, he lost the fight due to weight difference - although technically stronger he lost by physically weaker (lighter) opponent. The members of the Croatian team were also Goran Dekanić in the middleweight and Damir Hodak in the lightweight, both from Samobor’s KC “Mladost”. Inga Mikstaite from Lithuania won the award for the best technique, and Gabor Rozsa from Hungary the award for the best sports and fighting spirit. In addition to the excellent and extremely heavy fighting, the audience in the crowded hall of Samobor’s Primary School “Bogumil Toni” had a chance to see the performance of tameshiwari – breaking the wooden boards by fist, elbow and the edge of the palm. In gala part of the program, members of KC “Mladost”, among which were the youngest ones, demonstrated several punches and blocks as well as katas, and members of the Intervention Police Unit of Zagreb Police Department this year also contributed by performing an attractive demonstration at the same time paying homage to their deceased colleague Branko Bošnjak. Marija Alvir

Demonstracija KK “Mladost” Samobor/KC “Mladost” from Samobor, demostration of skills

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12. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 17. studenoga 2007. 12 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 17th November 2007 Europsko prvenstvo u malom – tako je zbog iznimno jake konkurencije ocijenjen Memorijal na kojemu je nastupilo 85 natjecatelja iz osam zemalja. Uz Hrvatsku, sudjelovale su Bugarska, Gruzija, Litva, Mađarska, Njemačka, Rumunjska i Švedska. Ujedno, na tom se turniru Krunoslav Garašić, jedan od najuspješnijih i najboljih hrvatskih kyokushin boraca, oprostio od aktivne borilačke karijere. •

European Championship in small – that is how this year’s Memorial seemed due to the extremely strong competition of 85 competitors from eight countries. Apart from Croatia, there were representatives of Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, Romania and Sweden. At the same time, this is the tournament where Krunoslav Garašić, one of the best and most successful Croatian kyokushin fighters, ended his active fighting career. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Heike Lommer (Njemačka/Germany) II. Rita Pivoriūnaitė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Júlia Bartók (Mađarska/Hungary) Eszter Wágner (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Inga Mikštaitė (Litva/Lithuania) II. Lídia Körmöndi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Helen Boutellier (Njemačka/Germany) Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Margarita Čiuplytė (Litva/Lithuania) Viviana Chirilă (Rumunjska/Romania) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Lasha Khachapuridze (Gruzija/Georgia) II. Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Krisztián Pető (Mađarska/Hungary) Zoltán Magyar (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Vytautas Cėpla (Litva/Lithuania) III. Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary) Vytautas Viščius (Litva/Lithuania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Gergő Magna (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Adrian Ferenț (Rumunjska/Romania) Sándor Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Yordan Terziev (Bugarska/Bulgaria) II. Eduard Janoashvili (Gruzija/Georgia) III. Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Tsvetan Petrov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Yordan Terziev (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Dejan Obranić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Krunoslav Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Boris Nikolov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Dimitar G. Popov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Rita Pivoriūnaitė (Litva/Lithuania) & Eszter Wágner (Mađarska/ Hungary)

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Dejan Obranić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Krisztián Pető (Mađarska/Hungary)

Renata Jandrečić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Lídia Körmöndi (Mađarska/Hungary)

Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia) – najbolji borbeni duh/ best fighting spirit

Eduard Janoashvili (Gruzija/Georgia) & Yordan Terziev (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Goran Dekanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Tamás Rapcásanyi (Mađarska/Hungary)

Shihan Milan Garašić, Krunoslav Garašić, shihan Kálmán Furkó

Shihan Kálmán Furkó podržavao je Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka od samog početka i bez njegove pomoći i potpore turnir bi daleko teže izrastao u ono što danas predstavlja. Svojim je autoritetom poticao najbolje mađarske borce da se natječu u Samoboru i time je pridonio profiliranju Memorijala kao jednog od najjačih europskih kyokushin karate turnira. Shihan Furkó je osnovao i dugi niz godina vodio Mađarsku kyokushin karate organizaciju, jednu od vodećih u svijetu. Član je Ispitne komisije NPO Svjetske karate organizacije Shinkyokushinkai te bivši član Izvršnog odbora i Ispitne i tehničke komisije Europske karate organizacije.

Shihan Kálmán Furkó supported Branko Bošnjak Memorial from the very beginning and without his help and support the tournament would far harder become what it is today. Using the power of his authority he encouraged the best Hungarian fighters to come and compete in Samobor and thus contributed to profiling the Memorial as one of the strongest European kyokushin karate tournaments. Shihan Furkó founded and for many years led Hungarian Kyokushin Karate Organization, one of the leading in the world. He’s a member of the Grading Committee of NPO World Karate Organization Shinkyokushinkai and former member of the Board and the Grading and Technical Commettee of the European Karate Organization.

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 23. studenoga 2007.

Samoborski Mladostaši još jednom do medalja Veliki međunarodni kyokushin karate turnir okupio je 17. studenoga u novoj Sportskoj dvorani “Samobor” čak 85 natjecatelja iz Bugarske, Gruzije, Litve, Mađarske, Njemačke, Rumunjske, Švedske i Hrvatske. Na 12. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka sudjelovali su najbolji europski borci, osvajači odličja s europskog prvenstva, a po riječima sudionika samog natjecanja ovaj turnir je bio i europsko prvenstvo u malom. Hrvatsku su predstavljali braća Kruno i Tihomir Garašić (kategorija +90 kg), Krunoslav Zlodi (-90 kg), Goran Dekanić (-80 kg), Damir Hodak i Dejan Obranić (-70 kg), a u ženskoj konkurenciji Kristina Kojundžić (+65 kg), Renata Jandrečić i Tihana Horkić (-65 kg).

Domaći borci dostojno su se predstavili - Kruno Garašić stigao je do 3. mjesta, a posebno treba istaknuti mladog debitanta iz samoborske “Mladosti”, Krunoslava Zlodija, koji se natjecao u kategoriji -90 kg. Ovo mu je bilo prvo seniorsko natjecanje i osvojio je 2. mjesto te nagradu za najbolji spirit (borbeni duh). Kruno Zlodi je definitivno ostavio najbolji dojam od svih hrvatskih natjecatelja. Inače, hrvatski borci ove su godine imali veliki peh, jer su na samom natjecanju bili desetkovani ozljedama koje su ih stajale boljeg plasmana.

Zadnje borbe Krunoslava Garašića

Kruno Garašić, najuspješniji i najbolji hrvatski kyokushin borac, na ovom se natjecanju oprostio od aktivne borilačke karijere. Na turniru mu je uručena posebna nagrada u ime Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza i KK “Mladost” Samobor te je uz osvojeno 3. mjesto na ovogodišnjem natjecanju osvojio i posebnu nagradu shihana Kalmana Furka, brand chiefa Mađarske kyokushin karate organizacije. Ta nagrada mu je također dodijeljena u znak zahvalnosti na dosadašnjoj natjecateljskoj karijeri, što je dokaz da je Kruno bio vrlo zapažen borac i izvan granica lijepe naše. Svoju karijeru će nastaviti kao trener u samoborskoj “Mladosti”. I.H.

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 23rd November 2007

KC “Mladost” from Samobor wins medals once again Large international kyokushin karate tournament, held on 17th November in the new Sports Hall “Samobor”, brought together 85 competitors from Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden and Croatia. The best European fighters participated at the 12th Branko Bošnjak Memorial, including the medal winners at the European Championships, and by the words of the participants, this tournament was the smaller version of the European Championship. Croatia was represented by brothers Krunoslav and Tihomir Garašić (category +90 kg), Krunoslav Zlodi (-90 kg), Goran Dekanić (-80 kg), Damir Hodak and Dejan Obranić (-70 kg), while in the women’s competition participated Kristina Kojundžić (+65 kg), Renata Jandrečić and Tihana

Horkić (-65 kg). Home fighters presented themselves in a worthy way – Krunoslav Garašić won the third place, and the special note deserves the young debutant from Samobor’s KC “Mladost” Krunoslav Zlodi, who competed in the -90 kg category. This was his first senior competition and he won second place and a prize for the best fighting spirit. Krunoslav Zlodi definitely left the best impression of all Croatian competitors. Otherwise, Croatian fighters had bad luck this year, because during the competition they were decimated by injuries that cost them a better result.

The last fight of Krunoslav Garašić

Krunoslav Garašić, the best and most successful Croatian kyokushin fighter, finished his active fighting career at this competition. At the tournament, he received a special prize from Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association and the KC “Mladost” from Samobor, and along with winning the third place in this year’s competition, he was also given a special award from Shihan Kalman Furko, a brand chief of Hungarian Kyokushin Karate Organization. He was given this special prize in gratitude for previous competitive career, which is evidence that he was considered a remarkable fighter even beyond the borders of Croatia. He will continue his career as a trainer in Samobor’s KC “Mladost”. I.H.

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13. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 15. studenoga 2008. 13 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 15 th November 2008 Čak 90 natjecatelja iz 10 zemalja i do posljednjeg mjesta popunjeno gledalište samoborske sportske dvorane učinili su Memorijal jednim od najjačih kyokushin karate turnira u Europi, a među zemljama sudionicama prvi je put bila i Australija. Uz natjecatelje s drugog kontinenta i domaćine, na Memorijalu su sudjelovali i borci iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Gruzije, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske i Švicarske. •

Around 90 competitors from 10 countries and the auditorium of Samobor’s sports hall filled to its capacity made this Memorial one of the strongest kyokushin karate tournaments in Europe, and among the participating countries for the first time was also Australia. Along with the competitors from another continent and host Croatia, the Memorial was attended by fighters from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Georgia, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania and Switzerland. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Rita Pivoriūnaitė (Litva/Lithuania) II. Eszter Wágner (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Ildikó Csőke (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Lídia Körmöndi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Tihana Horkić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Inga Mikštaitė (Litva/Lithuania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Cvetelina Nikolaeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria) II. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Zita Zatykó (Mađarska/Hungary) Anikó Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. László Papp (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Andrius Miseckas (Litva/Lithuania) III. Imre Molnár (Mađarska/Hungary) Ivan Komanov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Alexandar Komanov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Giorgi Gulisashvili (Gruzija/Georgia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Giorgi Mekhrishvili (Gruzija/Georgia) II. Levan Partsikanashvili (Gruzija/Georgia) III. Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia) Zsolt Balogh (Mađarska/Hungary) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Donatas Imbras (Litva/Lithuania) II. Emzar Nikatsadze (Gruzija/Georgia) III. Tsvetan Petrov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Tihomir Garašić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Marius Ilaş (Rumunjska/Romania) & Sándor Bak (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Hrvatska reprezentacija/Croatian National Team – sjede (sitting down): Krunoslav Zlodi, Tihomir Garašić, Tihana Horkić, Kristina Kojundžić; stoje (standing): Goran Dekanić, Damir Hodak, Krunoslav Garašić, Dario Šančić, Damir Sinković, shihan Milan Garašić, Dejan Obranić

Damir Hodak (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Zoltán Váczi (Mađarska/Hungary)

Anthony Sénéchal (Francuska/France) & Zoltán Magyar (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Shihan Georgi Popov s bugarskom reprezentacijom/ Shihan Georgi Popov with the Bulgarian National Team

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka poseban je turnir. Poseban, jer se održava u spomen na osobu koja je život dala za svoju domovinu, a bio je i jedan od pionira kyokushin karatea u Hrvatskoj.

Branko Bošnjak Memorial is a tournament of great significance, as it is held in memory of a man who died for his country and was one of the pioneers of kyokushin karate in Croatia.

Ovaj turnir, koji je pokrenut kao malo natjecanje, danas predstavlja jedan od najuglednijih i najpoznatijih turnira u Europi. Obvezna je stanica na putu prema europskom shinkyokushin vrhu. Popis poznatih boraca, koji su sudjelovali na turniru tijekom godina, impresivan je i to razinu turnira podiže vrlo visoko.

The tournament that started off as a small scale competition is currently one of the most prestigious and well known tournaments in the whole of Europe. It’s a must entry karate forum on the way to the European shinkyokushin top. The list of famous fighters who participated through the years is immense and in turn this has raised the standards of a competition to a level of significance it represents nowadays.

Ugledni su borci važni za svako natjecanje, no ono po čemu je ovaj turnir poznat jest njegova organizacija. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka nesumnjivo je jedan od najbolje organiziranih natjecanja u Europi, mnogo bolje organiziran od mnogih europskih prvenstava. Želim ovom prilikom izraziti zahvalnost i poštovanje mom prijatelju i osobi koja stoji iza ovog predivnog turnira – shihanu Garašiću. Želim mu sve najbolje i nadam se da će se ova karate tradicija nastaviti i dugo nakon njegovog 20. izdanja! Shihan Georgi Popov, tehnički direktor Bugarske kyokushin karate federacije, WKO Branch Chief

It is important to have champions at every competition, but what is essential is the organization of the tournament. Branko Bošnjak Memorial is beyond doubt among the best organized competitions in Europe, much better than many European Championships. I would like to express my gratitude and respect to my friend and the person behind this wonderful tournament – shihan Milan Garašić. I wish him all the best and hope that this karate tradition will go far beyond the 20th edition! Shihan Georgi Popov, Technical Director of Bulgarian Kyokushin Karate Federation, WKO Branch Chief

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Cvetelina Nikolaeva (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Goran Dekanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Zsolt Balogh (Mađarska/Hungary)

Borba Margarite Čiuplytė (Litva)/ Margarita Čiuplytė’s fight (Lithuania)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 21. studenoga 2008.

Naši još jednom uspješni U subotu, 15. studenog, u organizaciji KK “Mladost” Samobor i Udruge veterana SJP “Alfa”, održano je 13. po redu memorijalno natjecanje u kyokushin karateu, Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Otvorenju natjecanja nazočili su Tomislav Buterin iz Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova, Željko Klarić, ravnatelj Uprave za šport pri Ministarstvu znanosti obrazovanja i športa, Zoran Komar, ravnatelj Uprave za branitelje u Ministarstvu obitelji, branitelja i međugeneracijske solidarnosti, te u ime Grada Samobora dogradonačelnik Tomislav Masten. Na ovogodišnjem Memorijalu nastupilo je 90 natjecatelja iz 10 zemalja. Unatoč najavama, na natjecanju nisu nastupili predstavnici Indije, koji su u zadnji trenutak morali otkazati svoj dolazak, no do posljednjeg mjesta ispunjeno gledalište nove dvorane kraj srednjih škola nije ostalo zakinuto za pozamašan broj zemalja koje su sudjelovale ove godine. Natjecatelji iz Australije, Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Gruzije, Litve, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i, naravno, Hrvatske, pokazali su se u najboljem i

najjačem izdanju. Na ovogodišnjem natjecanju, kao i prethodnih godina, nastupile su vodeće zemlje kyokushina u Europi sa svojim najboljim borcima, od kojih ističemo Mariusa Ilasa (Rumunjska) – višestrukog europskog prvaka, Sandora Baka (Mađarska) – aktualnog viceprvaka Europe, Edit Abraham (Mađarska) – viceprvakinju Europe, te aktualnog viceprvaka svijeta i višestrukog europskog prvaka Litvanca Donatasa Imbrasa. Ovogodišnji turnir održan je pod motom “sportom protiv ovisnosti”, a jedina ovisnost koju su pokazali natjecatelji bila je prema kyokushin karateu. Ono što je prepuna dvorana mogla vidjeti bile su odlične borbe, mnogo knock-outa i mnogo neizvjesnih borbi, demonstraciju interventne policije te odličnu organizaciju samog natjecanja. Posebno moramo istaknuti nastup viceprvaka svijeta Donatasa Imbrasa, koji je oduševio publiku i pokazao zašto je jedan od najboljih boraca svijeta. Po završetku natjecanja održano je proglašenje najboljih i do-

Emzar Nikatsadze (Gruzija/ Georgia) & Donatas Imbras (Litva/Lithuania)

djela odličja, a druženje se nastavilo u hotelu Holiday Inn na tradicionalnom sayonara partyju. Svi gosti i natjecatelji imali su samo riječi hvale za organizatore i podizanje standarda u organizaciji koje će biti teško nadmašiti. Na ovom Memorijalu hrvatski natjecatelji okitili su se sa četiri odličja. Na pobjedničko postolje popela se Kristina Kojundžić iz KK “Moslavina” Kutina, koja se okitila srebrnom medaljom u teškoj kategoriji kod žena (+65 kg). Ovaj odličan rezultat ima još i veći značaj, jer je Kristina tek ove godine postala seniorka. Tihana Horkić iz KK “Mladost” Samobor natjecala se u srednjoj kategoriji žena (-65 kg) i okitila se brončanom medaljom, jednako kao i njeni klupski kolege Krunoslav Zlodi (teška kategorija -90 kg) i Tihomir Garašić (super teška +90 kg). Hrvatsku su predstavljali i Damir Hodak (srednja -80 kg), Dario Šančić (teška -90 kg) i Goran Dekanić (teška -90 kg), svi članovi KK “Mladost” Samobor. Mladostaši su postigli odličan rezultat te se njihov trud isplatio. Ivica Horvat

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 21st November 2008

Croatian athletes successful again On Saturday, 15th November, the 13th memorial competition in kyokushin karate, the Branko Bošnjak Memorial, was held in the organization of KC “Mladost” from Samobor and Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association. The opening ceremony was attended by representative of the Ministry of the Interior Tomislav Buterin, Head of Directorate for Sports in the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports Željko Klarić, Head of Directorate for Veterans in the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity Zoran Komar, and on behalf of the City of Samobor Deputy Mayor Tomislav Masten. Around 90 competitors from 10 countries participated at this year’s Memorial. Despite the announcements, the competition went without the representatives of India, who had to cancel their arrival at the last minute, but the auditorium of the new sports hall near high schools, filled to its capacity, hasn’t remained deprived of a large number of the countries participating this year. Competitors from Australia, Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania,

Rita Pivoriūnaitė (Litva/Lithuania) & Eszter Wágner (Mađarska/Hungary)

Switzerland and, of course, Croatia, gave their best and strongest performance. At this year’s competition, as in the previous years, the leading European countries in kyokushin karate presented their best fighters, of which we specially point out Marius Ilas (Romania) – multiple European champion, Sandor Bak (Hungary) – the current vicechampion of Europe, Edit Abraham (Hungary) – vice-champion of Europe, and the current vicechampion of the world and multiple European champion Donatas Imbras from Lithuania. This year’s tournament was held under the motto “Sport against addiction”, and the only addiction showed by the competitors was the one to kyokushin karate. The auditorium saw great fights, a lot of knockouts and excellent fighting techniques, as well as the demonstration by the Intervention Police Unit. All this was possible due to the very good organization of the competition. We must mention the performance of the world vicechampion Donatas Imbras, who thrilled the crowd and showed why he is one of the best fighters in the world. Upon completion of the com-

petition the awarding ceremony took place, and the Memorial was concluded at the Holiday Inn Hotel at the traditional Sayonara party. All the guests and competitors had only words of praise for the organizers and raising standards in the organization that will be hard to beat. Croatian competitors have won four medals at this year’s Memorial. Kristina Kojundžić from KC “Moslavina” from Kutina, who won the silver medal in the heavyweight (+65kg), climbed to the podium. This excellent result has even greater significance because Kristina has just this year become the senior competitor. Tihana Horkić from Samobor’s KC “Mladost” won the bronze medal in the women’s middleweight (-65kg), as well as her club colleagues Krunoslav Zlodi in the men’s heavyweight (-90kg) and Tihomir Garašić in the men’s super heavyweight (+90kg). Croatia was also represented by Damir Hodak (men -80kg), Dario Šančić (men -90 kg) and Goran Dekanić (men -90 kg), all members of Samobor’s KC “Mladost”. Competitors from KC “Mladost” have achieved excellent results and their efforts paid off. Ivica Horvat

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14. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 14. studenoga 2009. 14th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 14th November 2009 Uz 50-ak natjecatelja iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švedske, Švicarske i Hrvatske, svojim dolaskom priznanje Memorijalu odao je i predsjednik Europske karate organizacije Koen Scharrenberg. Na ovom su Memorijalu dominirali Rumunji, a među hrvatskim reprezentativcima iskazali su se članovi samoborske “Mladosti”. •

Along with 50 competitors from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and Croatia, the President of the European Karate Organization (EKO) Koen Scharrenberg also gave a special acknowledgement to the Memorial by his presence. At this Memorial, the Romanian fighters dominated and among the members of the Croatian National Team, the best were fighters from Samobor’s KC “Mladost”. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Laura Şimandan (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Romana Vrančić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Dubravka Jugec (Hrvatska/Croatia) Tihana Horkić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Anikó Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Anda Pop (Rumunjska/Romania) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Cristian Bolduţ (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Sergiu Druhora (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Vasil Angelov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Lucian Anca (Rumunjska/Romania) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Jimmie Collin (Švedska/Sweden) II. Nikolay Varchilov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/Hungary) Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Dario Šančić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Gergő Pethő (Mađarska/Hungary)

Romana Vrančić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Laura Şimandan (Rumunjska/Romania)

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Hrvatska reprezentacija/Croatian National Team – sjede (sitting down): Dubravka Jugec, Romana Vrančić; stoje (standing): Damir Hodak, Dejan Obranić, Dario Šančić, Ivan Alvir, Krunoslav Zlodi, Marko Matijaščić

Anda Pop (Rumunjska/Romania) & Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Krunoslav Zlodi (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/Romania)

Marko Matijaščić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Lucian Anca (Rumunjska/Romania)

Dario Šančić (Hrvatska/ Croatia) & Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/ Romania)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 27. studenoga 2009.

Samoborci se iskazali Četrnaesti memorijal Branka Bošnjaka održan je 14. studenoga u sportskoj dvorani u Samoboru, a na tom tradicionalnom međunarodnom turniru u kyokushin karateu i ove su godine sudjelovali predstavnici iz više europskih zemalja.

Protiv ovisnosti Uz Hrvatsku, na memorijalnom turniru, koji uz očuvanje uspomene na poginulog hrvatskog branitelja Branka Bošnjaka ima i cilj isticanja važnosti sporta u borbi protiv ovisnosti, borili su se natjecatelji iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švedske i Švicarske, a dolaskom u Hrvatsku priznanje Memorijalu odao je i predsjednik Europske karate organizacije Koen Scharrenberg. Među više od 50 europskih natjecatelja medalje su osvojili i hrvatski borci. U teškoj kategoriji za muškarce (+80 kg) drugo mjesto osvojio je Krunoslav Zlodi iz samoborskog KK “Mladost”, a treće mjesto s borcem iz Mađarske dijelio je Samoborac Dario Šančić. Ženske natjecateljice iz Hrvatskog kyokushin

karate saveza osvojile su medalje u sve tri kategorije – broncom su se okitile Romana Vrančić u lakoj (-55 kg) te Dubravka Jugec i Tihana Horkić u srednjoj kategoriji (-65 kg), sve iz KK “Mladost” Samobor, a Kristina Kojundžić iz zagrebačkog KK “Sosai” osvojila je srebro u teškoj kategoriji (+65 kg), kao i posebnu nagradu za najbolji borbeni duh.

Dominirali Rumunji Najbolje u kategorijama za žene bile su Rumunjke Elena Constantin (laka) i Dan Anca Monica (srednja) te Mađarica Aniko Szabo (teška), a u kategorijama za muškarce dvojica prvoplasiranih također su bili Rumunji Cristian Boldut (laka) i Dorin Margarint (teška), dok je Šveđanin Jimmie Collin uz zlatnu medalju u srednjoj kategoriji osvojio i posebnu nagradu za najbolju tehniku. Borce iz KK “Mladost” Samobor, među kojima su bili i Marko Matijaščić, Damir Hodak, Dejan Obranić i Ivan Alvir pripremao je i tijekom borbi vodio trener Tihomir Garašić, a sa svojim članovima bili su i treneri KK

“Sosai” Krunoslav Garašić te KK “Moslavina” iz Kutine Vladimir Šintić. Najmlađe članove samoborske “Mladosti”, koji su izveli prigodnu demonstraciju, vodila je Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak. Turnir je održan pod pokroviteljstvom Ministarstva obitelji, branitelja i međugeneracijske solidarnosti (MOBMS), Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova i Ministarstva znanosti, obrazovanja i športa (MZOŠ) te Grada Samobora, čiji su predstavnici također nazočili Memorijalu. U ime domaćina i organizatora na ceremoniji otvaranja natjecatelje i goste te prepunu samoborsku dvoranu pozdravio je predsjednik Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza i Organizacijskog odbora Memorijala Milan Garašić, a u ime Grada Samobora dogradonačelnik Željko Stanec. Okupljenima su se obratili i državni tajnik MUP-a Vladimir Faber te ravnatelj Uprave za šport iz MZOŠ-a Željko Klarić, kao i Zoran Komar iz MOBMS-a, koji je ujedno otvorio Memorijal. Marija Alvir

Ivan Alvir (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Gergő Pethő (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 27th November 2009

Excellent performance of Samobor fighters The 14th Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held on 14th of November at the sports hall in Samobor, and this year’s traditional international tournament in kyokushin karate was also attended by representatives from several European countries.

Against addiction

Along with Croatian fighters, competitors from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland participated at the memorial tournament, which in addition to preserving the memory of the fallen Croatian defender Branko Bošnjak has the aim of highlighting the importance of sport in the fight against addiction. A special acknowledgement to the Memorial was also given by the arrival of Koen Scharrenberg, the President of the European Karate Organization. Among more than 50 European competitors the medals were also won by Croatian fighters. In the men’s heavyweight (+80 kg) Krunoslav Zlodi from Samobor’s KC “Mladost” won the second place and the other Samobor fighter Dario Šančić shared the third place in the same category with a fighter from Hungary. Women competitors from Croatian Kyokushin Karate Associa-

Damir Hodak (Hrvatska/ Croatia) & Gábor Búzás (Mađarska/ Hungary)

tion won medals in all three categories - bronze medal winners were Romana Vrančić in the lightweight (-55 kg), as well as Dubravka Jugec and Tihana Horkić in the middleweight (-65 kg), all from Samobor’s KC “Mladost”, while Kristina Kojundžić from Zagreb’s KC “Sosai” won the silver medal in the heavyweight (+65 kg) along with as a special prize for the best fighting spirit.

Domination of Romanians

The best in the women’s categories were Romanians Elena Constantin (lightweight) and Dan Anca Monica (middleweight) and Hungarian Aniko Szabo (heavyweight). In the men’s categories two top-placed were also Romanians Cristian Boldut (lightweight) and Dorin Margarint (heavyweight), while the Swede Jimmie Collin won both the gold medal in the middleweight and a special prize for the best technique. Fighters from Samobor’s KC “Mladost” among who were Marko Matijaščić, Damir Hodak, Dejan Obranić and Ivan Alvir, were led and prepared for the tournament by their coach Tihomir Garašić. The fighters from KC “Sosai” from Zagreb were trained by Krunoslav Garašić and fighters from KC “Moslavina” from Kutina by their coach Vladimir Šintić. The

youngest members of KC “Mladost” from Samobor, who performed the apposite demonstration, were led by Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak. The tournament was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports and the City of Samobor, whose representatives also attended the Memorial. On behalf of the host and organizer, the competitors, guests and the large audience was addressed by the president of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association and head of the Memorial’s Organizing Committee Milan Garašić and on behalf of the City of Samobor by Deputy Mayor Željko Stanec. The addressing words were also given by the State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Vladimir Faber, the Head of Directorate for Sports in the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports Željko Klarić, as well as the Head of Directorate of Veterans in the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity Zoran Komar, who also opened the Memorial. Marija Alvir

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15. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 13. studenoga 2010. 15th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 13 th November 2010 Oko 70 natjecatelja iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske, Švedske, Ukrajine i Hrvatske, borilo se na polujubilarnom Memorijalu, a tom je prilikom održan i sastanak Izvršnog odbora Europske kyokushin karate organizacije. •

Around 70 competitors from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine and Croatia fought at semi-jubilee Memorial. A meeting of the Board of the European Kyokushin Karate Organization (EKO) was also held on this occasion. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Renata Kudyakova (Ukrajina/Ukraine) II. Anikó Szondi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Anna Melikiadou (Grčka/Greece) Paulina Wójcik (Poljska/Poland) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Lídia Körmöndi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania) Helga Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Agata Kaliciak (Poljska/Poland) Boglárka Misovits (Mađarska/Hungary)

Agata Kaliciak (Poljska/Poland) & Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Andrius Miseckas (Litva/Lithuania) II. Csaba Gál (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Ádám Tátrai (Mađarska/Hungary) Imre Molnár (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Gergő Szűcs (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Vasil Angelov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Marek Odzeniak (Poljska/Poland) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Zsolt Balogh (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Mindaugas Pavilionis (Litva/Lithuania) III. Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) Fredrik Johansson (Švedska/Sweden) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Donatas Imbras (Litva/Lithuania) II. Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Karol Cieśluk (Poljska/Poland) Tamás Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Pobjednici 15. Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka sa članovima Izvršnog odbora EKO-a/ 15th Branko Bošnjak Memorial medalists with EKO Board Members

Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/Romania) & Donatas Imbras (Litva/Lithuania)

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Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania) & Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Prelijepe Zagrebačke mažoretkinje dio su protokola ceremonija dodjele medalja i zasigurno su jedna od najimpresivnijih slika koje natjecatelji i gosti Memorijala nose sa sobom iz Samobora. Postoje od 1993. godine i najbolje su veleposlanice Zagreba, glavnoga grada Republike Hrvatske.

The beautiful Zagreb Majorettes are part of the medal ceremonies’ protocol and certainly one of the most impressive images that Memorials’ competitors and guests carry with them from Samobor. They exist from 1993 and are the best ambassadors of City of Zagreb, the Croatian capital.

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Demonstracija Demo tima KKk “Dugo Selo”/ KcC “Dugo Selo” Demo Team’s demonstrations of skills

Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia), finale/ the finals

Zsolt Balogh (Mađarska/Hungary) & Mindaugas Pavilionis (Litva/Lithuania)

Shihan Koen Scharrenberg, predsjednik EKO-a/ EKO President

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Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) & Helga Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary)

Mladen Sinkić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 21. studenoga 2010.

Samoborac Terihaj izborio broncu Na 15. Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka nastupile su ekipe iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske, Švedske, Ukrajine i Hrvatske, ukupno sedamdesetak boraca. Ove godine Samoborcima je bila velika čast ugostiti i članove Izvršnog odbora Europske karate organizacije pa je tom prilikom EKO Odbor 12. studenoga održao sastanak. Svi njegovi članovi, predvođeni predsjednikom EKO-a shihanom Koenom Scharrenbergom, nazočili su i jubilarnom memorijalnom natjecanju. Glavni sudac natjecanja bio je sensei Oliver Bogdan iz Mađarske. Program je započeo demonstracijom dječje grupe samoborskog kluba “Mladost”, premi-

jerno je prikazan kratki video uradak posvećen životu i radu Branka Bošnjaka, a svi koji su ga poznavali nisu mogli prikriti navrle emocije. U nastavku je jedan od najboljih europskih i svjetskih boraca, Donatas Imbras iz Litve, izrekao prisegu kyokushin karateka, nakon čega su gledatelji i natjecatelji mogli uživati u vrlo efektnoj demonstraciji Demo teama Bujinkan seishin dojoa “Croatia”, kojom je završeno svečano otvaranje. U predasima između borbi održane su demonstracije tameshiwarija – lomljenje dasaka, Demo teama Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza, te simuliranje talačke krize u izvedbi Antiterorističke jedinice “Lučko”.

Po završetku natjecanja nitko nije mogao ostati razočaran. Uz mnoge teške protivnike i nekoliko knock-outa, pravi kyokushin spirit nije izostajao, a možemo biti zadovoljni i rezultatima hrvatskih predstavnika. Posebno valja istaći Kristinu Kojundžić, KK “Sosai” Zagreb, koja je osvojila zlatnu medalju, dok je Kruno Terihaj iz KK “Mladost” Samobor osvojio brončanu medalju. Ovogodišnji Memorijal je održan pod pokroviteljstvom Ministarstva obrazovanja i športa, Ministarstva obitelji, branitelja i međugeneracijske solidarnosti, Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova, Grada Zagreba, Grada Samobora i Samoborskog športskog saveza. Tihomir Garašić

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 21st November 2010

Terihaj from Samobor wins bronze A total of seventy fighters from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine and Croatia participated at the 15th Branko Bošnjak Memorial. This year, Samobor had a great honour to welcome the members of the Board of the European Karate Organization (EKO), led by EKO’s President shihan Koen Sharrenberg, who held the Board meeting on November 12th, and also attended the tournament. Chief Referee of the competition was sensei Oliver Bogdan from Hungary. The program began with a demonstration performed by the young members of Samobor’s club “Mladost”, after which a short video clip dedicated to the life and work of Branko Bošnjak

was premiered, and all who knew him could not conceal their emotions. Afterwards, one of the best European and international fighters, Donatas Imbras from Lithuania, uttered an oath on behalf of the present kyokushin fighters, after which the spectators and competitors could enjoy the very impressive demonstration of Demo Team of Bujinkan Seishin Dojo “Croatia”, which concluded the opening ceremony. In between the fights, the spectators could see the demonstrations of tameshiwari - breaking the boards, and of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association’s Demo Team, as well as the hostage crisis simulation performed by the Antiterrorist Unit “Lučko”. Upon completion of the competition no one could have been

disappointed. Many tough opponents and a few knockouts were the proof of the true kyokushin spirit during the whole tournament, and we could also be satisfied with the results of the Croatian representatives. In this sense, it should be noted that Kristina Kojundžić, from Zagreb’s KC “Sosai”, won the gold medal, while Kruno Terihaj, from Samobor’s KC “Mladost”, won the bronze medal. This year’s Memorial was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity, Ministry of the Interior, the City of Zagreb, the City of Samobor and the Samobor Sports Association. Tihomir Garašić

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16. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 26. studenoga 2011. 16 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 26 th November 2011 Na Memorijalu je sudjelovalo 70-ak natjecatelja iz šest zemalja – Bugarske, Grčke, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i Hrvatske. Tom je prigodom postavljena izložba Udruge veterana SJP “Alfa”, suorganizatora Memorijala, povodom 20. obljetnice osnutka te postrojbe, čiji je pripadnik bio i Branko Bošnjak. •

The Memorial was attended by around 70 participants from six countries – Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Croatia. On this occasion, the Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association, the co-organizers of the Memorial, presented an exhibition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Unit, whose member was Branko Bošnjak. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Elena Constantin (Rumunjska/Romania) II. Violeta Litovska (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Anna Melikiadou (Grčka/Greece) Andrea Nagy (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Helga Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Yanitsa Stefanova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania) Laura Moldovan (Rumunjska/Romania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Edit Ábrahám (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Boglárka Misovits (Mađarska/Hungary) Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Xrisanthi Poulou (Grčka/Greece)

MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Zoltán Magyar (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Vladimir Geangu (Rumunjska/Romania) Ádám Tátrai (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marcell Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Zoltán Váczi (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Tibor Pataki (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Dávid Licskai (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Gergő Pethő (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Ivan Georgiev (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Nedelcho Ivanov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. János Balla (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Alexandar Mushkov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Alexandar Mushkov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Boglárka Misovits (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) & Zsolt Margithazi (Rumunjska/Romania)

Anastazija Korčij (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania)

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Matej Deveđija (Hrvatska/ Croatia) & Ivan Georgiev (Bugarska/ Bulgaria)

Mladen Sinkić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Tibor Pataki (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 9. prosinca 2011.

Terihaj uzeo zlato U subotu, 26. studenoga, u Samoboru je održan 16. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, u organizaciji Karate kluba “Mladost” iz Samobora i Udruge veterana SJP “Alfa”. Na ovogodišnjem memorijalnom natjecanju nastupilo je sedamdesetak natjecatelja iz Bugarske, Grčke, Mađarske, Rumunjske, Švicarske i Hrvatske. Natjecanje je počelo simpatičnom demonstracijom kyokushina podmlatka Karate kluba “Mladost” iz Samobora, a nakon

navedenog uslijedile su borbe. Ceremoniju otvorenja uveličali su predstavnici nekoliko ministarstava. Organizatori su posebno zahvalili Ministarstvu unutarnjih poslova, Ministarstvu obitelji, branitelja i međugeneracijske solidarnosti, Ministarstvu znanosti, obrazovanja i športa, Gradu Samoboru i Samoborskom športskom savezu, kao i svim donatorima i sponzorima. Uz borbe, posjetitelji su mogli vidjeti i atraktivne demonstracije

aikida, ninjutsua i Antiterorističke jedinice “Lučko”. U maloj dvorani bila je postavljena izložba Udruge veterana SJP “Alfa” kojom su obilježavali 20 godina osnutka. Samoborac Kruno Terihaj, član KK “Mladost” i hrvatske reprezentacije, osvojio je zlato u superteškoj kategoriji. Terihaj je nastupao kao najlakši natjecatelj u kategoriji i pobijedio predstavnika Mađarske i predstavnika Bugarske. Tihomir Garašić

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 9th December 2011

Terihaj takes gold On Saturday, November 26th, the 16th Branko Bošnjak Memorial took place in Samobor. It was organised by Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor and Special Police Unit (SPU) “Alpha” Veterans Association. About seventy fighters from Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Switzerland and Croatia participated. The competition began with a demonstration of kyokushin performed by the young members of Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor, and representatives

of several national ministries attended the opening ceremony. The organizers gave special thanks to the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity, the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the City of Samobor and the Samobor Sports Association, as well as to all the donors and sponsors. In addition to fighting, the visitors could also see attractive demonstrations of aikido, ninjut-

Demonstracija aikida/ Aikido demonstration of skills

su and Antiterrorist Unit “Lučko”. The SPU “Alpha” Veterans Association also presented an exhibition in the foyer of the sports hall celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Unit’s foundation. Kruno Terihaj, member of Samobor’s KC “Mladost” and the Croatian National Team, won the gold in the super heavyweight. Terihaj was the lightest competitor in his category, and won the fights against the representatives of Hungary and Bulgaria. Tihomir Garašić

Demonstracija Antiterorističke jedinice “Lučko”/Antiterrorist Unit “Lučko”’s demostration of skills

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17. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 10. studenoga 2012. 17th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 10 th November 2012 Predstavnici devet zemalja borili su se za mjesto na postolju. Uz natjecatelje iz Hrvatske, sudjelovali su ponajbolji borci kyokushin karatea iz Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske i Švedske. Naši su predstavnici ostvarili izvrstan uspjeh osvojivši zlato i srebro u teškoj kategoriji. •

REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Diana Mačiūtė (Litva/Lithuania) II. Zsófia Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Agata Godoś (Poljska/Poland) Tsveta Ignatova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Helga Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Rita Pivoriūnaitė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Anita Müller (Mađarska/Hungary) Johanna Rapp (Švedska/Sweden) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania) Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia) MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Andrius Miseckas (Litva/Lithuania) II. Krisztián Pető (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Dominik Parol (Poljska/Poland) Vasil Angelov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marcell Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Aristotelis Melikiadis (Grčka/Greece) III. Miroslav Milev (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Robert Romiszewski (Poljska/Poland) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) II. Simon Pålsson (Švedska/Sweden) III. Romain Gentile (Francuska/France) Yordan Miladinov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Borba Marinele Belavić (Hrvatska)/Marinela Belavić’s fight (Croatia)

Representatives of nine countries fought for a place on the podium. In addition to the competitors from Croatia, the best kyokushin karate fighters from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden attended the Memorial. Croatian representatives made a great success by winning gold and silver medals in the heavyweight. •

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Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary)

Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/CroatiA) & Yordan Miladinov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Prim. dr. Slavko Lovasić i njegova medicinska ekipa iz Doma zdravlja Samobor već dvadeset godina, kad je to potrebno, natjecateljima Memorijala pružaju zdravstvenu pomoć u skladu s najvišim medicinskim standardima.

Prim. dr. Slavko Lovasić and his medical team from the Samobor Health Center, for twenty years now, when needed, provide health care to Memorial competitors in accordance with the highest medical standards.

Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 13. studenoga 2012. godine

Izvrsna organizacija i odlični rezultati U subotu, 10. studenoga, u organizaciji KK “Mladost” Samobor i Udruge veterana SJP “Alfa” održan je 17. po redu Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Natjecanju u subotu prethodila je proslava 40 godina postojanja KK “Mladost” Samobor, za koju su članovi kluba, na čelu s predsjednicom Ljiljanom Šurbek Bošnjak, priredili izložbu fotografija o klubu od njegovih samih početaka do danas. Izložba je bila postavljena na ulazu u Sportsku dvoranu “Samobor” te je priređen i prigodni domjenak za sve posjetitelje. Na samu proslavu bili su pozvani prvi članovi kluba, kojima se današnja predsjednica Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak zahvalila te im predala prigodne poklone. Tako se zahvalila Branku Vašinku, Milanu Garašiću, Biserki Rojc, Ivici Bezjaku, Ivanu Galicu, Zvonku Samaržiji, Vladimiru Šintiću, Marjanu Čižmešiji, Zoranu Miliću i Zlatku Ivančiću. Na ovogodišnjem Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka nastupilo je 50 natjecatelja iz devet europskih zemalja: Bugarske, Francuske, Grčke, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske i Švedske, te naravno, zemlje domaćina Hrvatske, a natjecanje se kao i mnogih godi-

na do sada održalo pod geslom “Sportom protiv ovisnosti”. Na otvorenju natjecanja svim prisutnima obratili su se ovogodišnji pokrovitelji: izaslanica ministra branitelja Mirela Buterin, dr. Josip Mihaljević, izaslanik ministra unutarnjih poslova, Juro Horvat, izaslanik gradonačelnika Grada Samobora i predsjednik organizacijskog odbora Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka Milan Garašić. Na samom natjecanju nastupili su neki od najjačih europskih natjecatelja današnjice: Diana Maciute, Rita Pivoriunaite, Helga Toth, Szepesi Csenge, Andrius Miseckas, Krisztian Peto, Marcell Toth... U tako jakoj konkurenciji Hrvatsku su ponosno predstavljali Anastazija Korčij, Stela Oroz i Kristina Kojundžić, članice KK “Sosai” Zagreb, zatim Marinela Belavić i Sanjana Milošević iz KK “AiK” Varaždinske Toplice, Lari Šare iz Rijeke, te član samoborske “Mladosti” Kruno Terihaj. Borbe na natjecanju bile su na izuzetno visokoj razini, a u prilog tome govori činjenica da nije bilo mnogo knock-outa, nego se većina borbi rješavala u produžecima, te je put do

medalje bio vrlo težak u ovako jakoj konkurenciji. Hrvatska ni ovaj put nije ostala bez medalja, a za to su se pobrinuli Stela Oroz, Kristina Kojundžić i Kruno Terihaj. Stela Oroz i Kristina Kojundžić natjecale su se u teškoj kategoriji kod žena te osvojile brončanu i srebrnu medalju. Kruno Terihaj, član samoborske “Mladosti” i prošlogodišnji pobjednik Memorijala, ponovno se uspio popeti na najvišu stepenicu postolja. Svojom snagom i izdržljivošću superiorno je pobijedio svoje protivnike te pokazao da u Hrvatskoj imamo dobrog teškaša koji polako sazrijeva u odličnog borca i koji se može nositi sa svima. Uz vrlo atraktivne borbe posjetitelji samoborske arene mogli su vidjeti i atraktivne demonstracije članova KK “Mladost”, Bujinkan seishin dojoa “Croatia”, pod vodstvom Dejana Rostohara, te Antiterorističke jedinice “Lučko”. Organizacija natjecanja dobila je pohvale sudionika te obećanje da će se i iduće godine vratiti. Dokaz kvalitete natjecanja i organizacije jest i dolazak člana Izvršnog odbora EKO-a shihana Cyril Andrewsa. T.G.

Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 13th November 2012

Excellent organization and great results The 17th consecutive Branko Bošnjak Memorial was organised on Saturday, 10th November, by Samobor’s KC “Mladost” and the SPU “Alpha” Veterans Association. The day before the competition, members of the KC “Mladost” form Samobor, headed by its president Ljiljana Šurbek Bosnjak, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the club and on that occasion, an exhibition of photographs of the club from its very beginnings to the present day was opened. The exhibition was set at the vestibule of the Sports Hall “Samobor” and a cocktail was organized for all the visitors. The founders and the first members of the club were also present and the club’s president Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak thanked them and awarded them with small gifts. Thus, the president thanked Branko Vašinko, Milan Garašić, Biserka Rojc, Ivica Bezjak, Ivan Galic, Zvonko Samardžija, Vladimir Šintić, Marjan Čižmešija, Zoran Milić and Zlatko Ivančić. This year’s competition gathered 50 competitors from nine European countries: Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Lithu-

ania, Poland, Romania and Sweden, and, of course, the host Croatia. The tournament was, as in the previous years, held under the motto “Sport Against Addiction”. At the opening of the competition all attendees were addressed by this year’s patrons envoy of the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Mirela Buterin, deputy Minister of the Interior dr. Josip Mihaljević, envoy of the mayor of the City of Samobor Juro Horvat and the president of the organizing committee of the Branko Bošnjak Memorial Milan Garašić. The public could see some of today’s strongest European fighters: Diana Maciute, Rita Pivoriunaite, Helga Toth, Szepesi Csenge, Andrius Miseckas, Krisztian Peto, Marcell Toth and many others. In such tough competition, Croatia was proudly represented by Anastazija Korčij, Stela Oroz and Kristina Kojundžić, members of Zagreb’s KC “Sosai”, then Marinela Belavić and Sanjana Milošević from Varaždinske Toplice’s KC “AiK”, Lari Šare from Rijeka and a member of Samobor’s club Kruno Terihaj.

Marcell Tóth (Mađarska/Hungary) & Aristotelis Melikiadis (Grčka/Greece)

Despite the hard competition, Croatia did not remain without medals, which were won by Stela Oroz, Kristina Kojundžić and Kruno Terihaj. Stela Oroz and Kristina Kojundžić competed in the female heavyweight and won bronze and silver medals. Kruno Terihaj, member of Samobor’s KC “Mladost” and the last year’s Memorial champion, once again managed to climb to the highest position. Using his strength and durability, he superiorly defeated his opponents and showed that Croatia has a good heavyweight competitor who slowly matures into a great fighter capable of coping with everyone. Beside very attractive fights, spectators were able to see attractive demonstrations performed by members of KC “Mladost”, Bujinkan Seishin Dojo “Criatia led by Dejan Rostohar, and the Antiterrorist Unit “Lučko”. The organization of the competition earned the praise of participants followed by the promise to come back next year. Proof of competition quality was also the arrival of a EKO Board member shihan Cyril Andrews. T.G.

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18. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 12. listopada 2013. 18 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 12 th October 2013 Memorijal je postao punoljetan te je ponovno okupio najbolje natjecatelje iz Austrije, Bugarske, Francuske, Litve, Mađarske, Nizozemske, Poljske, Švedske i Švicarske, te Hrvatske, koja je i ovaj put dobila pohvale za izvrsnu organizaciju tog renomiranog i tradicionalnog turnira, a nisu izostali ni dobri rezultati u iznimno jakoj konkurenciji. •

The Memorial has come of age and has again gathered the best competitors from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, and of course Croatia. The organizers once again received praise for the excellent organization of this renowned and traditional tournament. And we did not lack good results in this very strong competition. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Zsófia Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Diana Mačiūtė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Lilla Herczeg (Mađarska/Hungary) Anett Leiter (Mađarska/Hungary) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Lídia Körmöndi (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Cecilia Wallin (Švedska/Sweden) III. Johanna Rapp (Švedska/Sweden) Dina Kljajić (Švedska/Sweden) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Richárd Lizák (Mađarska/Hungary) & Yordan Miladinov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Imre Molnár (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Csaba Gál (Mađarska/Hungary) III. Anthony Sénéchal (Francuska/France) Miroslav Nikolov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Marek Odzeniak (Poljska/Poland) II. Domas Sutkus (Litva/Lithuania) III. Mitchell de Bont (Nizozemska/Netherlands) Tamás Popovics (Mađarska/Hungary) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Richárd Lizák (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Marko Todorović (Hrvatska/Croatia) III. Nedelcho Ivanov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Yordan Miladinov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Dimitar Trampov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) II. Antanas Klibavičius (Litva/Lithuania) III. Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) Alexandar Mushkov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Hrvatska reprezentacija/Croatian National Team: Stjepan Žanić, Anastazija Korčij, Vedran Kižlin, Marko Todorović, Kruno Terihaj, Stela Oroz & Kristina Kojundžić

Kruno Terihaj (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Peter Eichinger (Austrija/Austria)

Filip Bošković (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Armand Bálint (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Dimitar Trampov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Antanas Klibavičius (Litva/Lithuania)

Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Anastazija Korčij (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Johanna Rapp (Švedska/Sweden)

Yordan Miladinov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) & Richárd Lizák (Mađarska/Hungary)

Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 17. listopada 2013.

Bilo je medalja i za naše Osamnaesti Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka održan je 12. listopada u Sportskoj dvorani “Samobor”, a na tom tradicionalnom međunarodnom turniru u kyokushin karateu i ove su godine sudjelovali predstavnici iz više europskih zemalja. Uz Hrvatsku, na memorijalnom turniru borili su se natjecatelji iz Austrije, Bugarske, Francuske, Litve, Mađarske, Nizozemske, Poljske, Švedske i Švicarske. U proteklih sedamnaest godina ovaj već tradicionalni turnir stekao je golem ugled među članicama kyokushin Europske karate organizacije te je svake godine sve više sudionika, a na ovogodišnjem Memorijalu za neku od medalja borilo se više od 60 natjecatelja, među kojima i hrvatski predstavnici Kruno Terihaj, Filip Bošković i Vedran Kižlin iz samoborske “Mladosti”, Kristina Kojundžić, Stela Oroz, Anastazija Korčij i Matej Deveđija iz KK “Sosai” Zagreb te Marko Todorović i Stjepan Žanić iz KK “Moslavina” Kutina. U jakoj europskoj konkurenciji medalje su osvojili i hrvatski predstavnici. U teškoj kategoriji za muškarce (-90 kg) drugo mjesto osvojio je Marko Todorović iz Kutine, a u superteškoj kategoriji (+90 kg) treće mjesto s natjecateljem iz Bugarske dijelio je Samoborac Kruno Terihaj, dok su u teškoj kategoriji za žene (+65 kg) treće mjesto dijelile Kristina Kojundžić i Stela Oroz iz zagrebačkoga KK “Sosai”.

Najviše medalja u ženskoj konkurenciji osvojile su Mađarice, čije su predstavnice bile prvoplasirane u sve tri kategorije: Zsofia Szabo (laka) i Lidia Kormondi (srednja) te Szepesi Csenge (teška). U kategorijama za muškarce dvojica prvoplasiranih također su Mađari – Imre Molnar (laka) i Richard Lizak (teška), u srednjoj kategoriji prvo mjesto osvojio Poljak Marek Odzeniak, u superteškoj Bugar Dimitar Trampov, koji je osvojio i posebnu nagradu za najbolji borbeni duh, a za najbolju tehniku nagrađen je Mađar Csaba Gal. Memorijalni karate turnir utemeljen je u spomen na poginulog hrvatskog branitelja i dugogodišnjeg člana samoborske “Mladosti” Branka Bošnjaka, koji je život izgubio u Domovinskom ratu kao pripadnik Specijalne jedinice policije PU zagrebačke “Alfa”. Održava se u Samoboru od 1995. godine u organizaciji Karate kluba “Mladost” Samobor, a suorganizator je Udruga veterana Specijalne policije “Alfa” Zagreb. Memorijal je humanitarnog karaktera, a uz kyokushin karate, u kojem se natjecatelji bore punim kontaktom bez zaštitne opreme, promovira se i važnost sporta u borbi protiv ovisnosti. Turnir je održan pod pokroviteljstvom i uz potporu Ministarstva branitelja i Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova te Ministarstva znanosti, obrazovanja i sporta, kao i Grada Samobora te Samo-

Zsófia Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) & Lilla Herczeg (Mađarska/Hungary)

borskog športskog saveza, čiji su predstavnici također nazočili Memorijalu. U ime domaćina i organizatora, na ceremoniji otvaranja natjecatelje i goste te prepunu samoborsku dvoranu pozdravila je predsjednica KK “Mladost” Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, a organizatori su prigodnim darovima zahvalili svima koji pomažu održavanje ove hvalevrijedne sportske manifestacije. U ime Grada Samobora dobrodošlicu je zaželjela zamjenica gradonačelnika Sanja Horvat Iveković, a Memorijal je otvorio izaslanik ministra unutarnjih poslova i ravnatelja policije Vladimir Faber. Svi oni istaknuli su važnost održavanja ovog memorijalnog karate turnira, kojemu je uz promicanje vrijednosti sporta ujedno cilj očuvanje uspomene na Branka Bošnjaka, kao i sve poginule hrvatske branitelje. U spomen na svoga kolegu i suborca pripadnici Interventne policije PU karlovačke izveli su atraktivnu demonstraciju, a u prigodnom dijelu programa nastupili su i članovi Sportskog plesnog kluba „Samobor“ te Aikido kluba “Kitasu”, dok je u predvorju dvorane postavljena izložba pod nazivom “Sjećanje na Slavka Rudolfa”, posvećena poznatom samoborskom profesoru i istaknutom sportskom djelatniku koji je preminuo ove godine. Marija Alvir

Anthony Sénéchal (Francuska/France) & István Spéder (Mađarska/Hungary)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 17th October 2013

Croatian representatives also won medals The 18th Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held on 12th October at the Sports Hall “Samobor”, and this traditional international kyokushin karate tournament gathered representatives from several European countries. In addition to Croatia, competitors from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland fought at the memorial tournament. During the past seventeen years this traditional tournament has gained tremendous reputation among members of the kyokushin European Karate Organization and every year more and more participants come to fight in Samobor. This year’s Memorial gathered more than 60 competitors who fought for medals, including representatives of Croatia - Kruno Terihaj, Filip Bošković and Vedran Kižlin from Samobor’s KC “Mladost”, Kristina Kojundžić, Stela Oroz, Anastazija Korčij and Matej Deveđija from Zagreb’s KC “Sosai” and Marko Todorović and Stjepan Žanić from Kutina’s KC “Moslavina”. Croatian representatives also won medals in this strong European competition. In the men heavyweight (-90 kg) Marko Todorović from Kutina won second place, while Kruno Terihaj from Samobor shared the third place in the men heavyweight (+90 kg) with a Bulgarian competitor. Kristina Kojundžić and Stela Oroz from Zagreb’s KC “Sosai” shared the third place in the women heavyweight (+65 kg). In the female categories Hun-

garian competitors won most of the medals and were first placed in all three categories - Zsofia Szabo (lightweight), Lidia Kormondi (middleweight) and Szepesi Csenge (heavyweight). In the male categories Hungarian fighters were also first placed in two of them - Imre Molnar (lightweight) and Richard Lizak (heavyweight), while the first place in the middleweight was won by Pole Marek Odzeniak, and in the super heavyweight by Bulgarian Dimitar Trampov, who also won a special prize for the best fighting spirit. Hungarian Csaba Gal was awarded for the best technique during the competition. This memorial karate tournament was founded in the memory of Branko Bošnjak, the killed Croatian defender and long-time member of Samobor’s KC “Mladost”, who lost his life in the Homeland War as a member of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb Police Department. It is organized by Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor and co-organized by the Zagreb’s Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association since 1995. The Memorial has a humanitarian character, and besides the kyokushin karate, which means full contact fighting without protective equipment, it also promotes the importance of sport in the fight against addiction. The tournament was held under the auspices and with the support of the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, as well as the City of Samobor and Samobor

Richárd Lizák (Mađarska/Hungary) & Marko Todorović (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Sports Association, whose representatives also attended the Memorial. On behalf of the hosts and organizers president of KC “Mladost” Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak welcomed the competitors, guests and the audience at the opening ceremony in the full Samobor’s sport hall. Organizers also thanked all of those who help preserve this commendable sporting event by small appreciation gifts. Deputy Mayor Sanja Horvat Iveković gave a welcoming speech on behalf of the City of Samobor and Vladimir Faber, envoy of the Minister of the Interior and General Police Director, opened the Memorial. They all stressed the importance of preserving this memorial karate tournament, which in addition to promoting the values of sport also aims to keep the memory of Branko Bošnjak as well as of all the deceased Croatian defenders. In memory of their colleague, members of the Intervention Police Unit of Karlovac Police Department showed the attractive demonstration of skills, and during the special part of the program, the members of the Sport Dance Club “Samobor” and Aikido Club “Kitasu” also gave their performances. In the foyer of the sports hall the visitors could see the exhibition titled “In Memoriam: Slavko Rudolf”, dedicated to the famous Samobor professor and prominent sports worker who died earlier this year. Marija Alvir

Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania)

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19. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 11. listopada 2014. 19 th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 11th October 2014 Na posljednjem predjubilarnom Memorijalu sudjelovalo je oko 60 natjecatelja iz Austrije, Bugarske, Francuske, Italije, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske, Švedske i Hrvatske. U Samoborskom muzeju otvorena je izložba “Alfe žive vječno” u spomen na poginule pripadnike te legendarne Specijalne jedinice policije. Nastavak ove hvalevrijedne tradicije pokazao je da Alfe i Branko žive vječno. •

The last pre-jubilee Memorial was attended by around 60 participants from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Croatia. The exhibition “The Alphas live forever” was opened in the Samobor Museum in memory of deceased members of this legendary Special Police Unit. Continuation of this commendable tradition showed that the Alphas and Branko live forever. • REZULTATI / RESULTS ŽENE / WOMEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Zsófia Szabó (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Diana Mačiūtė (Litva/Lithuania) III. Sandra Nowak (Poljska/Poland) Valentina Măgurean (Rumunjska/Romania) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Gabija Gudeliauskaitė (Litva/Lithuania) II. Yanitsa Stefanova (Bugarska/Bulgaria) III. Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Agata Kaliciak (Poljska/Poland) III. Kristina Kojundžić (Hrvatska/Croatia) Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia)

Nora Vaznelytė (Litva/Lithuania) & Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary)

MUŠKARCI / MEN Laka kategorija / Lightweight I. Gábor Rózsa (Mađarska/Hungary) II. Csaba Gál (Mađarska/Hungary) III. George Suciu (Rumunjska/Romania) Lachezar Dimitrov (Bugarska/Bulgaria) Srednja kategorija / Middleweight I. Miroslav Milev (Bugarska/Bulgaria) II. Zsolt Margithazi (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Balázs Kovács (Mađarska/Hungary) Justinas Kvietka (Litva/Lithuania) Teška kategorija / Heavyweight I. Kęstutis Radvila (Litva/Lithuania) II. Marek Wolny (Poljska/Poland) III. Gergő Pethő (Mađarska/Hungary) Fredrik Johansson (Švedska/Sweden) Superteška kategorija / Super Heavyweight I. Antanas Klibavičius (Litva/Lithuania) II. Dorin Mărgărint (Rumunjska/Romania) III. Dimitar Trampov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Stjepan Žanić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Erik Hägge (Švedska/Sweden)

Mladen Sinkić (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Miroslav Milev (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Anastazija Korčij (Hrvatska/Croatia) & Gabija Gudeliauskaitė (Litva/Lithuania)

Kęstutis Radvila (Litva/Lithuania) & Nedelcho Ivanov (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

Dan Anca Monica (Rumunjska/Romania) & Yantisa Stefanova (Bugarska/Bulgaria)

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Csenge Szepesi (Mađarska/Hungary) & Agata Kaliciak (Poljska/Poland)

Demonstracija Judo kluba “Samobor”/Judo Club “Samobor”’s demonstration of skills

Stela Oroz (Hrvatska/Croatia)

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Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 12. listopada 2014.

Branko i Alfe žive vječno U Sportskoj dvorani “Samobor” održan je 11. listopada 19. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka, na kojem su i ove godine sudjelovali predstavnici iz više europskih zemalja. Na turniru koji je utemeljen u spomen na poginulog hrvatskog branitelja Branka Bošnjaka borilo se tako 60 natjecatelja iz Austrije, Bugarske, Francuske, Italije, Litve, Mađarske, Poljske, Rumunjske, Švedske i Hrvatske. Hrvatsku su u jakoj međunarodnoj konkurenciji predstavljali Kristina Kojundžić, Stela Oroz, Anastazija Korčij, Stjepan Žanić, Mladen Sinkić, Matej Deveđija i Kruno Terihaj. Stela Oroz i Kristina Kojundžić popele su se na pobjedničko postolje osvojivši

bronce u kategoriji žena +65 kg, a Kristina je još nagrađena i posebnom nagradom za najbolji borbeni duh. U srednjoj kategoriji prvo mjesto osvojio je Miroslav Milev iz Bugarske, a Litvanci su slavili u teškoj (Kestutis Radvila) i superteškoj kategoriji (Antanas Klibavicius). Nagradu za najbolju tehniku osvojio je Gabor Rozsa iz Mađarske, ujedno i pobjednik u lakoj kategoriji. Ovaj već tradicionalni turnir, koji uz očuvanje uspomene na Branka Bošnjaka promovi-ra i važnost sporta u borbi protiv ovisnosti, održan je pod pokroviteljstvom Ministarstva branitelja, Ministarstva unutarnjih pos-

lova i Grada Samobora. Dobrodošlicu punoj samoborskoj dvorani i svim natjecateljima poželjeli su predsjednica KK “Mladost” Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, predsjednik Udruge veterana Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” Željko Mihaljević, predstavnik Grada Samobora Juro Horvat te izaslanici ministra branitelja Željko Motik i ministra unutarnjih poslova Vladimir Faber. Povodom ove hvalevrijedne manifestacije u predvorju dvorane predstavljena je izložba “Alfe žive vječno”, u spomen na poginule pripadnike Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa”. T.G.

Glasnik Samobora i Svete Nedelje – 12th October 2014

Branko and the Alphas live forever The 19 Branko Bošnjak Memorial was held on 11th October in the Sports Hall “Samobor” and was attended this year as well by representatives of several European countries. The tournament, established in memory of deceased Croatian defender Branko Bošnjak, was attended by 60 competitors from Austria, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Croatia. Kristina Kojundžić, Stela Oroz, Anastazija Korčij, Stjepan Žanić, Mladen Sinkić, Matej Deveđija and Kruno Terihaj represented Croatia in this strong international competition. Stela Oroz and Kristina Kojundžić both climbed to the podium by winning bronze medals in the women’s +65 kg th

category, and Kristina also won the special award for showing the best fighting spirit. Miroslav Milev from Bulgaria won the first place in the male middleweight while Lithuanians Kestutis Radvila and Antanas Klibavicius celebrated in the male heavyweight and super heavyweight. An award for the best technique went to Gabor Rozsa from Hungary who was also the winner of the men’s lightweight. This already traditional tournament, which in addition to preserving the memory of Branko Bošnjak also aims at promoting the importance of sport in the fight against addiction, was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the

City of Samobor. The welcoming speeches in the full Samobor’s sports hall gave the president of KC “Mladost” Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, president of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association Željko Mihaljević, representative of the City of Samobor Juro Horvat and envoys of the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Željko Motik and of the Minister of the Interior Vladimir Faber. On the occasion of this praiseworthy event, in the foyer of the sports hall visitors were able to take a look at the exhibition “The Alphas live forever”, presented in memory of the deceased members of the Special Police Unit “Alpha”. T.G.

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20. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka – 10. listopada 2015. 20th Branko Bošnjak Memorial – 10th October 2015

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Večernji list – 14. studenoga 2008.

Trener Kruno Garašić

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Večernji list – 14th November 2008

BRANKO BOŠNJAK MEMORIAL A memory of a friend, athlete and war volunteer

Karatekas for a hero HASAN HAIDAR DIAB

hey are friends, athletes, martial arts enthusiasts and members of kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor. And above all, they are noble people who stand behind the Branko Bošnjak Memorial. A man who was, until 13 years ago, one of them, and today he’s their live memory and a legend of friendship, sports and heroic life.

It was hard Branko Bošnjak, as a member of the Special Police Unit (SPU) “Alpha”, lost his life on assignment in 1995 at the age of 32. But a man really dies only when fallen into oblivion, and Branko’s life is engraved with immortal letters in every thought of all kyokushin karate devotees. This international memorial tournament is just one more thankful gesture to a man whom the older club members remember as a friend and a superior fighter, and younger ones as a man who enabled their carefree upbringing and instilled their love of

sports. For the club vice-president and the president of the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association Milan Garašić, every Memorial, along with sporting attractions, also carries a lot of emotion which filled his eyes with tears even this time: - Branko was a friend, an exceptional man, a great athlete and a coach, but also a soldier. His death had shaken all of us terribly, because he was a part of us all, so we decided to organize a tournament in his memory. We started a month after his death, and it was a very shy beginning with only 16 competitors. The club functions on pure voluntary basis and it was difficult to deal with the financial obligations linked to the organizing of the competition. I remember, we were ready to use our credit cards, empty personal accounts... Still, it was worth it. All of the finest European fighters soon began to recite Branko Bošnjak’s name: - In the meantime, some people had recognized

our work, so we got the full support of the SPU “Alpha”, and later, after its reorganization into the Intervention and Special Police Forces, from both Units - says Garašić.

Against Addiction Memorial karate tournament, where, according to the guys from the club, it is not important to participate but to win, and which has, on the firm wings of sport spirit, grown into an international competition, this year will carry the motto – “Against addiction”. A coach Krunoslav Garašić says: - The late Branko used to be my coach, and I am bind to the tournament by genuine sporting and friendly memories. Through a noble intention, the memory of our Branko, the tournament has become one of the strongest in Europe, also reputable throughout the world. We have been preparing for it during the last three months, some will compete for the sake of experience, and some will leave with medals.

> KARATEKA, PEDAGOGUE AND MEMBER OF THE “ALPHA” UNIT

Branko Bošnjak was born on 22nd March 1963 in Sambor. He was a longtime member of kyokushin Karate Club “Mladost”. As an accomplished fighter and pedagogue he passed his knowledge and love of the sport onto many of the young generations. He died on 29th January 1995 as a member of the Special Police Unit of Zagreb Police Department, the famous Alphas, whose member he was from the very beginning and with who he has undergone many Croatian battlefields.

Trainer Kruno Garašić

Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, late Branko’s wife – black belt

A LOVE STORY

We met at the club, fell in love, there are our friends The thing that is least expected at the club that abounds with fight adrenaline is a blend of male-female chemistry, which instead of punches ends in marriage. Ljiljana Bošnjak is the late Branko’s widow, but also a trainer of kyokushin karate: - It is not easy to go through each tournament because memories become more vivid. Of course, I’m proud of what people say about Branko, that everyone remembers him. We met in the club. He had been an active member when I first arrived. Love happened to us and soon we got married. When he went to war, I took over the group he had been training until then. Then the worst happened, our daughter Josipa was only one year old and I was seven months pregnant with our son Branko - says 37-year-old Ljiljana. She’s a trainer of two groups in the club, the youngest one and the middle group. - Actually, I continued along Branko’s path and took over his groups. Due to a lot of obligations and my children, I am no longer an active member of the club, but I assimilated with it. There are Branko’s friends and my friends, there lies a part of our lives, our memories. Of course, there are also Branko’s comrades who have never forgotten him and are always willing to provide their help - says Ljiljana.

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ao predsjedniku Europske karate orgas president of the European Karate Organinizacije (EKO) velika mi je čast biti ponovzation (EKO) I am very happy to be a guest no gost na ovom odličnom turniru u Samoboru. once again at this excellent tournament in SamoMnogo je turnira organizirano u mnogim zem- bor.

Numerous tournaments are being organized worldwide and it is a great feat, as in many cases they are intended for charity contributions, or dedicated to a memory of great people. In this respect, I would like to mention that I was genuinely moved to visit the Branko Bošnjak Memorial. This is its 20th (!!) anniversary, and the idea that lies behind the tournament is very kyokushin: to honour the memory of Branko Bošnjak, who was an excellent karateka and a member of the Croatian Special Forces. Unfortunately, he died in the line Ovo je jedno veliko natjecanje, a o njego- of duty, but due to this tournament, he will never vom značaju dovoljno govori činjenica da ga be forgotten, and people will always know what he podržavaju Ministarstvo branitelja i Ministarst- did and who he was. vo unutarnjih poslova. Kao predsjednik i karaThis is a great event, all the more so because it teka divim se organizatorima ovakvih natjecanja is supported by official government organizations i cijenim njihov trud. Svako natjecanje koje like the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs and Ministry pozitivno pridonosi zajednici uživa poštovanje i of the Interior. Standing at the point of being both ima budo pozadinu. EKO u potpunosti podržava an EKO president and a karateka, I would like to ovakve događaje. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka express my sincere admiration and appreciation izvrstan je primjer kyokushina i budo duha of the effort invested by the organizers of this kind natjecanja. of tournaments. Each tournament that contributes to a society has a truly respectful and budoMoje duboko i iskreno poštovanje članovima like background. EKO supports this development Brankove obitelji i onima koji se Branka sjećaju, svim borcima, trenerima i sucima te gledateljima one hundred percent. The Branko Bošnjak Memokoji dolaskom na Memorijal čuvaju uspomenu na rial is one of the best examples of kyokushin and pravog samuraja. • budo-spirited tournament. ljama, što je velik podvig. Dok su jedni humanitarnog karaktera, drugi imaju funkciju memorijala. Radostan sam uoči ove velike obljetnice, 20. Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka. Sama ideja ovog turnira veoma je kyokushin: iskazivanje poštovanja i sjećanja na Branka Bošnjaka, velikog karateku i pripadnika specijalne policije. Nažalost, Branko je poginuo na dužnosti, no upravo zahvaljujući ovom turniru neće nikada biti zaboravljen te će ljudi uvijek znati tko je Branko bio i čime se bavio.

Osu!

Shihan Koen Scharrenberg predsjednik Europske karate organizacije

My deep and sincere respect goes to Branko Bošnjak’s family and his memory, and to the fighters, coaches, referees and spectators that have come to honour the memory of a true samurai. • Osu!

Shihan Koen Scharrenberg president of European Karate Organization

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t is my great honor and pleasure as the president of the Croatian Karate Union, SecretaryGeneral of the European Karate Federation (EKF) and the member of the Executive Board of the World Karate Federation (WKF) to briefly turn back in this monograph on 20 years of commemorating Branko Hrvatskog branitelja i istinskog zaljubljenika Bošnjak Memorial. u karate sport Branka Bošnjaka nažalost nisam Unfortunately I didn’t personally know Branko osobno poznavao, no protekli Memorijali, na ko- Bošnjak, the Croatian defender and true lover of kajima sam bio prisutan, ukazuju na činjenicu da rate, but past Memorials, where I was present, point je Branko bio osoba sa svim vrlinama iskrenog i to the fact that Branko was a person with all the virpoštenog čovjeka, sina, supruga i oca, pravog pri- tues of a sincere and honest man, son, husband and a jatelja i istinskog domoljuba. father, a true friend and a true patriot. zuzetna mi je čast i zadovoljstvo da se kao predsjednik Hrvatskog karate saveza, glavni tajnik Europske karate federacije (EKF) te član Izvršnog odbora Svjetske karate federacije (WKF) u ovoj monografiji mogu ukratko osvrnuti na 20 godina obilježavanja Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka.

Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor jedan je od 186 klubova Hrvatskog karate saveza, ali je ujedno i jedan od rijetkih koji je, uz Karate klub “Slavonski Brod”, u Domovinskom ratu izgubio devet svojih članova. Jedini je koji Memorijalom čuva sjećanje na dragu osobu i člana koji je svojim djelovanjem ostavio trag, kako u matičnom klubu tako i u hrvatskom karate sportu.

Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor is one of 186 clubs in the Croatian Karate Union, but it is also one of the few who, along with Karate Club “Slavonski Brod”, lost nine of its members during the Homeland War. It is the only one that, through a Memorial, preserves a memory on a dear member who left a significant mark in his home club as well as in Croatian karate.

Vrhunskom organizacijom dosadašnjih Memorijala, ostvarenom angažmanom i nesebičnim radom svih članova organizacijskog odbora Karate kluba “Mladost” Samobor, Hrvatski karate savez u svom je planu aktivnosti dobio iznimno kvalitetan karate turnir međunarodnog karaktera na kojem se njeguje kyokushin stil. Na tome sam iskreno zahvalan svima onima koji su pomagali da se Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka dosad uspješno organizirao, ali i onima koji će to činiti i u narednim godinama.

With excellent organization of previous Memorials, which was realized by engagement and selfless work of all the members on the organizing committee of Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor, Croatian Karate Union gained, in its plan of activities, an exceptionally good international karate tournament in kyokushin style. For that I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped in the successful organization of Branko Bošnjak Memorial until today, but also to those who will do it in the coming years.

U ime Hrvatskog karate saveza i u svoje osobno ime želim vam iskreno čestitati na 20 godina uspješne organizacije karate Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka s vjerom da će svi sljedeći biti još uspješniji. Siguran sam da ćete uvijek imati podršku Hrvatskog karate saveza, mojih suradnika te mene osobno. •

On behalf of Croatian Karate Union and myself, I want to sincerely congratulate you on 20 years of successful organization of the karate tournament Branko Bošnjak Memorial with confidence that the following ones will be even more successful. I am sure that you will always have the support of the Croatian Karate Union, my associates and me personally. •

Iskreno vaš,

Stjepan Čelan

Sincerely Yours,

predsjednik Hrvatskog karate saveza

Stjepan Čelan president of Croatian Karate Union

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ad me je predsjednica Karate kluba “Mladost” Samobor Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak zamolila da za knjigu o Memorijalu Branka Bošnjaka napišem prigodnu riječ, njen sam prijedlog s radošću prihvatio, jer mi se ideja o knjizi jako dopala. Nekoliko dana kasnije, pri pokušaju pisanja, shvatio sam koliko je to teško, iako sam, kao tajnik Samoborskog športskog saveza, bio nazočan na svim turnirima, poznavatelj sam karatea i borilačkih vještina, a i poznavao sam Branka Bošnjaka.

hen Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, president of the Karate Club “Mladost” from Samobor, asked me to write a few words for a book on the Branko Bošnjak Memorial, I gladly accepted her suggestion because I liked the idea of making this book very much. A few days later, while trying to write, I realized how difficult it is, even though I, as Secretary of Samobor Sports Association, was present at all the tournaments, I’m a connoisseur of karate and martial arts, and I personally knew Branko Bošnjak.

Recalling the beginnings of my cooperation with the organizers of the tournament, twenty years ago, I see images of Branko’s children, wife, parents, Branko’s friends from the club and work colleagues who, in his memory, organize this kyokushin karate tournament, which is getting stronRiječ je o velikom turniru koji se održava svake ger and better every year. godine u jesen, međunarodnog je karaktera i This great tournament is held every year in the jedan je od najpoznatijih u ovom dijelu Europe. fall. It’s an international competition and it is one Iz godine u godinu okuplja sve veći i veći broj of the best known in this part of Europe. From natjecatelja, u spomen na Branka Bošnjaka, vrs- year to year it gathers more and more competitors, nog boraca i pedagoga, koji je svoje znanje i ljubav in memory of Branko Bošnjak, an accomplished prema kyokushin karateu nesebično prenosio fighter and pedagogue, who selflessly passed his na mlade naraštaje. Branko je poginuo 1995. go- knowledge and love of kyokushin karate onto dine kao pripadnik Specijalne jedinice policije PU younger generations. Branko was killed in 1995 as zagrebačke, čuvenih “Alfi”, čiji je djelatnik bio od a member of the Special Police Unit of Zagreb Posamog osnutka. lice Department, the famous Alphas, whose memOsim po sudjelovanju najboljih boraca, turnir ber he was since its foundation. Prisjećajući se početaka moje suradnje s organizatorima turnira, prije dvadeset godina, javljaju se slike Brankove djece, supruge, roditelja, Brankovih prijatelja iz kluba i kolega s posla koji u spomen na njega iz godine u godinu organiziraju sve jači i sve bolji kyokushin karate turnir.

It is a unique tournament, not only by the fact that the very best fighters participate, but also because it gathers in Samobor young people from a dozen countries, who, by competing, celebrate their youth. For two decades now, after the competition and the fights, they have been writing beautiful and memorable pages of friendship. With their results, all of them also filled many I ne samo sudionici natjecanja nego i svi ostali pages of this book, which will stay noted for new čitatelji ove knjige imat će priliku još se jednom generations of fighters, but also in order to preprisjetiti Memorijala Branka Bošnjaka. Upot- serve the memory of Branko Bošnjak. punjavanju slike zacijelo će pripomoći i brojne Not only participants of this competition, but all fotografije s važnim trenucima i ljudima koji the other readers of this book, will have the opsu obilježili natjecanja, ali i kyokushin karate u portunity to once again recall the Branko Bošnjak Samoboru, Zagrebačkoj županiji i Hrvatskoj. Memorial. The image will be completed by a numje jedinstven i po tome što u našem Samoboru okuplja mlade iz desetak zemalja, koji, natječući se, proslavljaju svoju mladost. Već dva desetljeća, nakon borbi i nadmetanja, ispisuju prelijepe i nezaboravne stranice prijateljstva. Svi oni ispisali su svojim rezultatima i stranice ove knjige, što će ostati zabilježeno za nove generacije boraca, ali i da se sačuva uspomena na Branka Bošnjaka.

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Ima li ljepše promocije našega grada od one putem sporta? Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor upravo je to činio, a čini to i dalje. Želim mu mnogo uspjeha u budućnosti! •

Juro Horvat, prof.

ber of photographs of important moments and people that have marked the tournament, but also the kyokushin karate in Samobor, Zagreb County and Croatia. Is there a better promotion of our city than through sports? Samobor’s Karate Club “Mladost” has done just that, and continuous to do so. I wish them much success in the future! •

Juro Horvat, prof.

Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor

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Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor

arate klub “Mladost” Samobor svoje je djelovanje počeo 1970. godine pri Društvu za rekreaciju i tjelesni odgoj “Partizan” u Bregani, a od 1972. djeluje u okviru Sportskog društva “Mladost” u Samoboru. U početku je klub njegovao stil karatea shukokai, a onda se skupina članova kluba na seminaru u Amsterdamu 1975. godine upoznala s novim stilom karatea – kyokushinom. Već sljedeće godine počeli su učiti novu tehniku, a taj stil karatea i svojstven mu način borbe ubrzo je pronašao svoje pobornike te je privukao i nove članove u KK “Mladost”. Slijedilo je vrijeme učenja i napornoga rada tijekom kojeg se kyokushin karate etablirao u Samoboru, a članovi kluba počeli su se natjecati prema pravilima kyokushina u zemlji i ino-

arate Club “Mladost” was founded in 1970 as a section of the Society for Recreation and Physical Education “Partisan” in Bregana, and since 1972 it works within the Sport Society “Mladost” in Samobor. Initially, the club members trained karate style shukokai. Then, a group of club members attended a seminar in Amsterdam in 1975 where they, for the first time, got acquainted with a new karate style – kyokushin. The very next year they started to study this new technique and adopted its characteristic way of fighting, which quickly found lots of followers and attracted many new members to KC “Mladost”. In the following years, marked by continued study and hard training, kyokushin karate was established in Samobor.

Otočac ob Krki, 1986./Otočec ob Krki, 1986

Milan Garašić, Ivan Bezjak, Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak, Vladimir Sekelj (stoje/standing), Eduard Bajić, Ivica Stanić, Krunoslav Garašić (sjede/sitting down), 1998.

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Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor

The club members started to participate at kyokushin karate tournaments in the country and abroad, as well as to organise tournaments in Samobor. Since 1991 our fighters regularly represent Croatia at World ChamPrvi članovi kluba, pod vodstvom glavnog trenera Branka Vašinka i trenerice Biserke pionships in Tokyo. Rojc, bili su Ivan Bezjak, Marijan Čižmešija, First club members, under the guidance Ivan Galic, Milan Garašić, Zlatko Ivančić, of head coach Branko Vašinko and coach Zoran Milić, Zvonko Samardžija i Vladimir Biserka Rojc, were Ivan Bezjak, Marijan Šintić. Trenersku je dužnost 1986. godine Čižmešija, Ivan Galic, Milan Garašić, Zlatko preuzeo aktualni glavni trener kluba shihan Ivančić, Zoran Milić, Zvonko Samardžija and Milan Garašić 5. DAN. Vladimir Šintić. Since 1986 up to this day the trainings are being conducted by the club’s Prema dostupnim podacima u arhivu kluhead coach shihan Milan Garašić 5th DAN. ba, a u skladu s odlukama donesenim na izzemstvu, ali i organizirati turnire u Samoboru. Od 1991. godine naši borci redovito predstavljaju Hrvatsku i na svjetskim prvenstvima u Tokiju.

bornim skupštinama kluba, od 1992. do 1995. According to the data available in the godine predsjednik KK “Mladost” Samobor club’s archives, and in accordance with the bio je Ivan Bezjak, od 1995. do 1998. godine decisions adopted at club’s electoral asSamobor, 2001./ Samobor, 2001

Vježbačka grupa pod vodstvom Damira Sinkovića/ Training group led by Damir Sinković

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Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor

semblies, from 1992 to 1995 KC “Mladost”’s president was Ivan Bezjak, from 1995 to 1998 Milan Garašić, and from 1998 to 2002 Tomo Fabekovec. From 2002 until 2012 the head of the club was Damir Sinković, and since 2012 U proteklih 40 i više godina Karate klubom until today its president is Ljiljana Šurbek “Mladost” Samobor prošlo je nekoliko tisuća Bošnjak. During the last 40 years, several thoučlanova, od najmlađih u skupini limača, do juniora i seniora, a u klubu djeluju i dvije sand members of all age - children, youth rekreacijske vježbačke skupine. Uz brojna and adults, have trained within Karate Club natjecanja, organiziraju i ljetne i zimske škole “Mladost”, and there are two recreational kyokushin karatea, a članovi kluba sudjeluju training groups too. Besides organizing i na raznim seminarima u inozemstvu, kao i many tournaments and summer and winu drugim aktivnostima, poput rekreacijskih ter kyokushin karate camps, club mempješačkih pohoda, njegujući i na taj način bers participate at numerous international seminars, as well as take part in many other zdrav duh u zdravom tijelu. activities, such as mass recreational pedesI tijekom Domovinskog rata klub je bio aktrian hikes, promoting a healthy spirit in a tivan. Pogibija Branka Bošnjaka pogodila je sve njegove klupske kolege i prijatelje te su healthy body. Milan Garašić, a od 1998. do 2002. godine Tomo Fabekovec. Od 2002. pa sve do 2012. godine klub je vodio Damir Sinković, a od 2012. godine predsjednica kluba je Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak.

Club was active even during the Homeland njemu u čast utemeljili Memorijal. Nakon završetka ratnih zbivanja članovi kluba nas- War. The death of Branko Bošnjak affected tavili su predstavljati Hrvatsku na europ- all of his club colleagues and friends, and

Samobor, 2012./Samobor, 2012

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skim i svjetskim prvenstvima te na ostalim nacionalnim i međunarodnim natjecanjima, s kojih se redovito vraćaju s brojnim odličjima.

in his memory they founded the Memorial. After the war, the club members continued to represent Croatia at World and European Championships as well as other national and international tournaments, where they keep Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor slovi kao najbolji i najtrofejniji kyokushin ka- winning numerous medals on regular basis. rate klub u Hrvatskoj, a Memorijal Branka Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor has the Bošnjaka najveće je međunarodno natjeca- reputation of one of the best and the most nje u kyokushin karateu u našoj zemlji. successful kyokushin karate clubs in CroaMladi Samoborci svojim su nastupima na tia, and Branko Bošnjak Memorial is the međunarodnim turnirima pokazali da most distinguished international kyoku“Mladost”, osim respektabilne prošlosti dulje shin karate tournament in the country. od 40 godina, ima i perspektivnu budućnost. The performance of young club members at Posebno valja izdvojiti uspjeh Frana Lukšića, the international tournaments show that koji je 2015. godine postao europski juniorski “Mladost”, in addition to the respectable prvak, dok je David Fabek na istom prven- span of over 40 years long existence, has a stvu osvojio europsku brončanu medalju u promising future. Noteworthy is the suckadetskoj kategoriji. • cess of Fran Lukšić, who became European junior champion in 2015, while David Fabek won the bronze medal in cadet competition at the same European Championship. • Vježbačka grupa pod vodstvom Ljiljane Šurbek Bošnjak/ Training group led by Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak

Fran Lukšić i David Fabek sa shihanom Kenjijem Midorijem, predsjednikom WKO Shinkyokushin, Varšava, 2015./Fran Lukšić and David Fabek with shihan Kenji Midori, president of WKO Shinkyokushin, Warsaw, 2015

Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association

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yokushin Karate is a true self-defence martial art in the real circumstances, as well as the art of self-restraint in the circumstances of different challenges and mental pressures. The founder of this martial art was Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994). He developed this style as the strongest confirmed karate style – the kyokushin karate – based upon his personal experience obtained trough participation in numerous fights all around the world against fighters who were masters of different fighting styles and techniques. “He who has never truly fought cannot think of himself as a true karate master”, said once the founder of kyokushin MasuHrvatski kyokushin karate savez (HKKS) tatsu Oyama, and today numerous devotees krovna je kyokushin karate organizacija u of this karate style are led by these words. Republici Hrvatskoj, član je Hrvatskog kaCroatian Kyokushin Karate Association rate saveza te međunarodnih kyokushin (CKKA) is an umbrella kyokushin karate karate organizacija – Europske karate orga- organization in the Republic of Croatia, a nizacije i NPO Svjetske karate organizacije member of the Croatian Karate Union, and Shinkyokushinkai. member of the international kyokushin kaOsnovan je 1994. godine pod nazivom rate organizations – European Karate OrgaHrvatska kyokushin karate organizacija nization and the NPO World Karate Organi(HKKO), kojom je predsjedao Vladimir zation Shinkyokushinkai. yokushin karate istinska je vještina samoobrane u realnim okolnostima, kao i vještina samosvladavanja prilikom izloženosti različitim izazovima i psihološkim pritiscima. Idejni začetnik te borbene vještine je Masutatsu Oyama (1923. – 1994.), koji je na osnovi vlastitog iskustva stečenog u borbama diljem svijeta, s borcima različitih stilova i tehnika, razvio potvrđeno najjači karate – kyokushin karate. “Onaj koji se u životu nijednom nije istinski borio, ne može sebe smatrati istinskim karate majstorom”, izjavio je svojedobno otac kyokushina Masutatsu Oyama, a danas se time vode brojni poklonici tog stila karatea.

Šintić. Od 1998. godine nosi aktualni naziv, Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez, a otad pa sljedećih 15 godina predsjednik je bio Milan Garašić. Savezom je od 2014. do 2015. godine kratko predsjedao Tihomir Garašić, a 2015. godine izabrano je novo vodstvo HKKS-a na čelu s Nikolom Banjeglavom.

Svake se godine u organizaciji HKKS-a provodi ljetna škola karatea tijekom koje treninge vode ovlašteni učitelji kyokushina iz Hrvatske i inozemstva. Natjecatelji svih uzrasta iz klubova članova Saveza redovito sudjeluju na međunarodnim turnirima u inozemstvu, uključujući europska prvenstva, koja se organiziraju svake godine, i svjetska prvenstva, koja se organiziraju svake četiri godine u Japanu. Također, u kalendaru HKKS-a redovito je desetak nacionalnih turnira godišnje, u organizaciji klubova članova Saveza. •

CKKA was founded in 1994, under the name Croatian Kyokushin Karate Organization (CKKO), and it was presided by Vladimir Šintić. Since 1998 it operates under the current name Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, and the elected president was Milan Garašić, who remained the head of CKKA during the next fifteen years. From 2014 to 2015 the CKKA was briefly led by Tihomir Garašić, and in 2015 a new CKKA leadership was elected and is headed by Nikola Banjeglav. Each year CKKA organizes a summer karate camp under the guidance of certified kyokushin teachers from Croatia and abroad. Competitors of all ages from the CKKA’s member clubs regularly participate at the international tournaments abroad, including European Champions organized every year and World Championships organised in Tokyo every four years. In the CKKA’s calendar there are about ten national tournaments each year, organized by CKKA’s member clubs. •

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Kyokushin karate klub “Dugo Selo” Kyokushin Karate Club “Dugo Selo”

Od tada klub posebnu pažnju posvećuje radu s djecom od vrtićke dobi do rekreativaca, organizira ili se pridružuje mnogobrojnim humanitarnim akcijama, surađuje s brojnim udrugama, organizira akcije i projekte protiv nasilja u školama i društvu, protiv droga i drugih ovisnosti te organizira i sudjeluje na seminarima. U klubu se radi

In 2003 Nikola Banjeglav became a head coach of the club, and thereupon the club president. Since then the club has paid special attention to working with children of kindergarten age and amateurs, organizing or joining numerous fundraising events and collaborating with many organizations, organizing actions and projects against

yokushin Karate Club “Dugo Selo” was founded in 1979 under the name KKC “Jedinstvo”. The founder and the first coach was Branko Vašinko 3rd DAN, and in 1987 Vladimir Šintić took over the leadership of the club. During the Homeland War in 1992 the club managed to organize the first competition – “Cup of Dugo Selo”, which has beNikola Banjeglav 1994. godine je unapri- come traditional. jeđen u zvanje 1. DAN, a 1999. godine u Nikola Banjeglav was promoted to the rank zvanje 2. DAN. Proglašen je i sportašem go- of 1st DAN in 1994 and to the rank of 2nd DAN dine Dugog Sela za 1996. i 2001. godinu, a na in 1999. Also, he was rewarded as the best Svjetskom prvenstvu u Japanu zauzeo je 35. athlete in Dugo Selo in 1996 and in 2001, and mjesto. Od 1987. do 2003. godine klub je os- at the World Championship in Japan he won vojio oko stotinu medalja te je nekoliko puta 35th place. In the period from 1987 till 2003, sudjelovao na europskim prvenstvima. U the club won about a hundred medals and tom je razdoblju Zajednica športskih udruga participated several times in the European grada Dugog Sela (ZŠUGDS) Bojana Minića Championships. Club member Bojan Minić nagradila za rezultate, a Vladimira Šintića za was rewarded for his results from Associatrenerske zasluge. tion of Sports Organizations of Dugo Selo (ASODS), as well as Vladimir Šintić for his Nikola Banjeglav je 2003. godine postao coaching merits. glavni trener kluba, a potom i predsjednik.

yokushin karate klub “Dugo Selo” osnovan je 1979. godine pod nazivom KKK “Jedinstvo”. Osnivač i prvi trener bio je Branko Vašinko 3. DAN, a 1987. vodstvo kluba preuzeo je Vladimir Šintić. Tijekom Domovinskog rata klub je 1992. godine uspio organizirati prvo natjecanje – “Cup Dugo Selo”, koje je postalo tradicionalno.

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violence, drug addiction and drug abuse in schools and society, as well as organizing and participating in various seminars. The club also works with children with special needs, and organizes various recreational activities for club members and their parTijekom posljednjih deset godina članovi ents, which makes it recognizable not only KKK “Dugo Selo” osvojili su oko 500 medalja in sports but also in wider social circles. na domaćim i međunarodnim natjecanjima. Zbog ostvarenih rezultata Barbara Buretić During the last ten years KKC “Dugo Selo” proglašena je juniorskom i seniorskom has won about 500 medals at national and sportašicom Dugog Sela u 2005. godini. international competitions. Due to the Iste je godine Nikola Banjeglav proglašen achieved results Barbara Buretić was desportskim djelatnikom godine, a od ZŠUGDS clared the best junior and senior female primio je posebno priznanje za izuzetne athlete of Dugo Selo in 2005. The same year sportske dosege u 2006. i 2007. godini. Grad Nikola Banjeglav was proclaimed the best Dugo Selo je 2007. godine proglasio Domi- sports worker of the year and also received nica Vidovića i Martina Čekadu sportskim special recognition from ASODS for outnadama podmlatka, a 2010. godine Tenu standing sporting achievements in 2006 Vrh i Luku Vidovića najboljima u pod- and 2007. The City of Dugo Selo declared mlatku. Nikola Banjeglav je tada nagrađen Dominic Vidović and Martin Čekada young za doprinos na unaprjeđenju sporta, kluba i sports hopes in 2007 as well as Tena Vrh the grada. Na Europskom cupu za juniore i ka- best young competitor and Luka Vidović the dete 2011. godine Tena Vrh je osvojila zlatnu young sports hope in 2010. Nikola Banjeglav medalju, a Martin Čekada brončanu, dok was then rewarded for his contribution to je iste godine na Europskom prvenstvu za the advancement of sport, the club and the kadete i mlađe seniore Tena Vrh osvojila city. In 2011 Tena Vrh won the gold medal and brončanu medalju. Grad Dugo Selo je 2011. Martin Čekada the bronze medal at the Eugodine proglasio Dominica Vidovića, Tenu ropean Cup for Juniors and Cadets, while at Vrh, Filipa Teofilovića i Luku Vidovića naj- the European Championship for Cadets and boljim sportašima, a Martina Čekadu na- Younger Seniors Tena Vrh won the bronze dom podmlatka. Nikola Banjeglav je također medal. The same year, the City of Dugo Selo nagrađen za najboljeg trenera. Tena Vrh je declared Dominic Vidović, Tena Vrh, Filip proglašena i sportskom nadom podmlat- Teofilović and Luka Vidović the best athka Zagrebačke županije. Nikola Tucaković letes and Čekada was voted the young sports je osvojio srebrnu medalju u juniorskoj hope. Nikola Banjeglav was also awarded as konkurenciji na Europskom prvenstvu 2013. the best coach. In addition Tena Vrh was degodine. Klub je 2010. godine osvojio 2. mjesto clared the young sports hope of the Zagreb po ukupnom uspjehu u HKKS-u, dok je 2012. County. Nikola Tucaković won the silver godine proglašen prvakom Hrvatske u kata- medal in junior competition at European ma i viceprvakom u borbama. • Championship in 2013. In 2010 the club was placed second within the CKKA by its altogether success, while in 2012 the club became the champion of Croatia in katas and the vice champion of Croatia in fights. • s djecom s posebnim potrebama, te se organiziraju razne rekreacijske aktivnosti za članove kluba i njihove roditelje, što ga čini prepoznatljivim ne samo u sportskim već i u širim društvenim krugovima.

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

ZORIĆEVA 65, 10370 DUGO SELO

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SENPAI NIKOLA BANJEGLAV, 2. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 91 5659 499

E-MAIL

nikola.banjeglav@zg.t-com.hr

WEB

www.kyokushinds.hr

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

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Karate klub “Maksimir – Elka” Karate Club “Maksimir – Elka”

arate club “Elka” functions since 1983 in Zagreb, and was established with the support of Trade Union and Youth Organization of the factory of electrical cables “Elka”. Since its foundation, the club operates under the expert guidance of sensei Vladimir Šintić, holder of black belt 4th DAN. Senpai Nikola Banjeglav 2nd DAN, senpai Finka Mihalj 1st DAN, senpai Tomislav Nestić 1st KYU and senpai Krunoslav Strelar 1st KYU, helped Za treninge su koristili mnoge sportske managing the club. After its foundation the club for years objekte. Od 1984. do 1986. godine vježbali su u tadašnjoj Saobraćajnoj školi pokraj Maksi- moved around within the sports facilities in mirskog stadiona, no zbog Univerzijade taj the city. From 1984 till 1986 they trained in su prostor morali napustiti te su nastavili the former Traffic School near the Maksimir vježbati u parku Maksimir i u različitim Stadium, but for the sake of the Universiade pomoćnim objektima na području općine the club had to leave this space and continMaksimir. Godine 1986. imali su oko 50 ued to train in the Maksimir Park and varičlanova svih uzrasta. Sredinom devedesetih ous ancillary facilities in the Municipality godina, zahvaljujući Mihaelu Jermanu, klub of Maksimir. In 1986 the club had up to 50 se napokon skrasio u sportskoj dvorani Os- members of all ages. In the mid-nineties, novne škole A. G. Matoša, gdje djeluje i da- thanks to Mr. Mihael Jerman, the club finas. Prelaskom u novi prostor porastao je i nally settled in the sports hall of the Primabroj članova te je započet rad s djecom, što je ry School “A. G. Matoš”, where it still works today. After entering a new gym the membitno izmijenilo strukturu članstva. arate klub “Elka” djelovao je od 1983. godine na području grada Zagreba, a osnivanje su podržali sindikat i Omladinska organizacija tvornice električnih kabela “Elka”. Od osnutka, klub je djelovao pod stručnim vodstvom senseija Vladimira Šintića, nositelja crnog pojasa 4. DAN, a pomoć u vođenju pružili su senpai Nikola Banjeglav 2. DAN, senpai Finka Mihalj 1. DAN, senpai Tomislav Nestić 1. KYU i senpai Kruno Straelar 1. KYU.

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Karate klub “Maksimir” nastao je izdvajanjem dječje sekcije iz Karate kluba “Elka”, a kad su 2010. godine dva kluba objedinila uprave, počeli su djelovati pod novim imenom “Maksimir – Elka”. Klubom je prošlo 566 članova, od kojih su mnogi bili vrlo uspješni, sudjelujući na domaćim i međunarodnim natjecanjima. Od ostvarenih rezultata valja istaknuti srebrnu medalju Dubravke Jugec u juniorskoj konkurenciji na Europskom prvenstvu 2002. godine, brončanu medalju Petre Radošević u junorskoj konkurenciji na Europskom prvenstvu 2001. godine, te brončanu medalju Dore Stepanić u kadetskoj konkurenciji na Europskom prvenstvu 2012. godine.

bership was renewed and the club started to work with children, which has significantly changed the membership structure. Kyokushin Karate Club “Maksimir” came into existence by separating the children’s section of the Karate Club “Elka”, but in 2010 the two clubs have united their administrations and are now operating under the name “Maksimir – Elka”. In total 566 members have passed through the club, many of whom have become very successful by participating in national and international competitions. Noteworthy are Dubravka Jugec’s silver medal in junior competition at the European Championship in 2002, Petra Radošević’s bronze medal in junior competition at the European Championship in 2001 and Dora Stepanić’s bronze medal in the cadet competition at the European Championship in 2012.

Klub je organizirao i održao 18 međunarodnih natjecanja za djecu i mladež, od kojih su neki bili i u kalendaru Europske karate organizacije, i to: “Kiki kup”, “Božićni kyokushin karate kup” i “Elka božićni kyoThe club has organized 18 international kushin pehar”. • competitions for children and adolescents, some of which were in the calendar of the European Karate Organization – “Kiki Cup”, “Christmas Kyokushin Karate Cup” and “Elka Christmas Kyokushin Cup”. • Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

ALEJA ANTUNA AUGUSTINČIĆA 12, 10000 ZAGREB

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SHIHAN VLADIMIR ŠINTIĆ, 5. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 98 735 395

E-MAIL

vsintichr@yahoo.com

WEB

www.facebook.com/KyokushinElkaMaksimir

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

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Karate klub “Croatia” Zadar Karate Club “Croatia” Zadar

i prvi napadi agresora na Zadar i Hrvatsku prekinuli su rad kluba. Vodstvo se uključilo u obranu zemlje, jedni u policijske postrojbe, a drugi u ZNG. Tijekom ratnih zbivanja dva su člana teško ranjena. Smirivanjem ratnih okolnosti, 1993. godine ponovno su aktivirali klub. Prvotno su trenirali u dvoranama zadarskih osnovnih i srednjih škola, a 1997. godine Grad Zadar im je ustupio na korištenje prostor u bivšoj vojarni, u kojem klub djeluje i danas. Stil karatea koji su vježbali bio je shotokan, a njihov glavni trener Hrvoje Mikecin trenirao je od 1976. godine i ima 1. DAN iz tog stila.

The deterioration of the political situation in the country and the first aggressor’s attacks on Zadar and Croatia suspended the functioning of the club. The club leadership became involved in the defense of the country, some in the Police Forces, and others in the Croatian National Guard. Two of its members were seriously wounded during the Homeland War. By the cessation of the war circumstances, in 1993 the club reactivated its activities. At first the trainings were held within the sports halls of local primary and secondary schools, and in 1997 the City of Zadar ceded the club the space in the former barracks, where the club still works today. A style of karate they practiced was shotokan, and the head coach Hrvoje Mikecin, training since 1976, has the black belt 1st DAN in that style.

arate klub “Croatia” Zadar registriran je arate Club “Croatia” Zadar was regis17. listopada 1990. godine, odmah potom tered on 17th October 1990 and immepostao je član karate saveza bivše države, a diately it joined the Karate Federation of prvi javni nastup bio je na prvenstvu Dal- former Yugoslavia. Club’s first public performacije s dva seniorska natjecatelja. mance was at the Championship of DalmaPogoršavanje političke situacije u zemlji tia with two senior competitors.

Hrvoje Mikecin je 1994. godine upoznao člana Karate kluba “Mladost” Samobor Vladimira Sekelja, koji je Zadranima predstavio kyokushin, a oni su s oduševljenjem prihvatili taj novi stil karatea. Trebalo je prijeći iz

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Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association

beskontaktnog u kontaktni karate i prilagoditi mu se. Prvom prilikom Hrvoje Mikecin je otputovao u Samobor, u posjet Karate klubu “Mladost”, gdje je upoznao vodstvo kluba i glavnog trenera, tadašnjeg sempaija Milana Garašića, te je odlučio trenirati kyokushin. Iste je godine osnovana Hrvatska kyokushin karate organizacija, kojoj je pristupio i zadarski klub. Njihov se trener trebao educirati o kyokushinu, jer pristup i terminologija te određene tehnike nisu bili isti kao u shotokan stilu, te je krenuo ispočetka. Odlazio je na zajedničke zimske i ljetne škole kyokushin karatea u organizaciji Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza, a povremeno i na treninge u samoborsku “Mladost”, te je polagao ispite od bijelog pojasa pa nadalje. Istovremeno su članovi kluba promovirali kyokushin karate u Zadru te je održan i prvi seminar, kao i ispit, pod vodstvom tadašnjih sempaija Milana Garašića i Ivana Bezjaka. Klub je ušao u sustav natjecanja HKKS-a, pa su i njihovi članovi osvajali odličja. Trebalo je zaokružiti cjelinu, pa je na Hrvatskoj olimpijskoj akademiji 2007. godine Hrvoje Mikecin položio ispit za zvanje trener karatea, a iduće godine za zvanje majstor kyokushin karatea – shodan (1. DAN). Klub i dalje djeluje u Hrvatskom kyokushin karate savezu, a član je i Hrvatskog karate saveza, krovne karate organizacije u Republici Hrvatskoj. •

In 1994 Hrvoje Mikecin met a member of Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor Vladimir Sekelj, who presented kyokushin to Zadar’s club members, and they have enthusiastically accepted the new style of karate. However, it took a transitional period to adjust and adapt from the no-contact karate to the fullcontact karate. When the opportunity arose Hrvoje Mikecin travelled to Samobor to visit the Karate Club “Mladost”, where he met the leadership of the club and the club’s head coach, then sempai, Milan Garašić, and decided to train kyokushin. That same year the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Organization (CKKA) was created, and the club became part of it. Their head coach had to re-educate, because the approach, the terminology and the specific techniques weren’t the same as in the shotokan style. He started from scratch, participating at the joint winter and summer kyokushin karate camps organized by the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association, occasionally joining the training in the Samobor’s club “Mladost”, and concurrently passing exams from the white belt onwards. At the same time, club members promoted kyokushin karate in Zadar, and held the first seminar, as well as organized first belt exams under the leadership of sempais Milan Garašić and Ivan Bezjak. The club also entered the CKKA’s competition system, where their competitors have won medals. It was then necessary to finish the whole circle, and in 2007 at the Croatian Olympic Academy Hrvoje Mikecin passed the official exam for the karate coach, and the next year the exam for the title of the master of kyokushin karate – shodan (1st DAN). The club is still active within the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association (CKKS), and is also a member of the Croatian Karate Union (CKU), an umbrella karate organization in Croatia. •

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

PUT STANOVA 3, 23000 ZADAR

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SENPAI HRVOJE MIKECIN, 1. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 91 7604 966

E-MAIL

gogahorvatic@yahoo.com

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

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Kyokushin karate klub “Moslavina” Kyokushin Karate Club “Moslavina”

stvo Hrvatske u kyokushin karateu.

In the last five years the club hosted five tournaments under the names “Cup of Kutina” and “Trophy of Kutina”, which were organized within the system of the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Championship.

yokushin Karate Club “Moslavina” was founded in 1999. About 300 members have passed through the club since then, and currently there are 45 members of all ages. They compete in competitions of Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association (CKKA), and the club is also a member of the Croatian Karate Union (CKU). Club members Klub je do 2001. vodio senpai Ivan Pelegrin train in four weekly training sessions within 1. DAN, tijekom 2002. senpai Nikola Banje- the sports hall of the Sports Center “Kutina”. Up to 2001 the club was led by senpai Ivan glav 2. DAN i senpai Krunoslav Garašić 2. DAN, a od jeseni 2002. vodi ga sensei Vladi- Pelegrin 1st DAN, during the 2002 by senpai mir Šintić 4. DAN. Također, uživaju svesrdnu Nikola Banjeglav 2nd DAN and senpai Krunopomoć senpaija Pave Turkalja 1. DAN. Iz re- slav Garašić 2nd DAN, and from autumn of dova kluba Mladen Sinkić prvi je član koji je 2002 by sensei Vladimir Šintić 4th DAN. Also, the club has the wholehearted support of the položio ispit za crni pojas 1. DAN. senpai Pavo Turkalj 1st DAN. As for the memTijekom posljednjih pet godina klub je bio domaćin pet natjecanja – tri “Kupa Kutine” i bers of the club, Mladen Sinkić was the first st dva “Pehara Kutine”, koji se boduju za Prven- to pass the exam for black belt 1 DAN. yokushin karate klub “Moslavina” osnovan je 1999. godine, njime je do danas prošlo oko 300 članova, a trenutačno ih je 45 svih uzrasta. Sudjeluju na natjecanjima Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza, a i članovi su Hrvatskog karate saveza. Vježbaju u četiri termina u prostoru Športskog centra “Kutina”.

Dulji niz godina klub zauzima treće mjesto na ljestvici klubova HKKS-a. U sezoni 2010./2011. bili su prvaci Hrvatske, a 2011./2012. na Prvenstvu Hrvatske zauzeli su 2. mjesto te su 2012. bili drugoplasirani na

For a number of years now the club holds

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the 3rd place in the rankings of CKKA’s clubs. In season 2010/11 the club was a Croatian champion, and in 2011/12 it won 2nd place in the Croatian Championship. Also, in 2012 club members were runner-ups in the Croatian Championship in katas. Noteworthy are Ivana Lončarević’s bronze medal in junior competition at the European ChampionOsim natjecanja, klub redovito organizira ship in 2003 and Kristina Kojundžić’s bronze i jednodnevna vježbanja s druženjima za medals in junior competition at the Europesve članove HKKS-a. Valja istaknuti da su an Championships in 2006 and 2007. članovi kluba sudjelovali i u nizu demonIn addition to the competition, the club stracija kyokushin karate vještine, pomagali also organizes one-day exercise events with su i u dobrotvornim akcijama drugih klubo- socializing for all CKKA members. It should va, a kao simboličnu pomoć Japanu, nakon be noted as well that club members parkatastrofalnog potresa i tsunamija, izradili ticipated in the series of presentations of su japansku zastavu sastavivši je od 1000 kyokushin karate skills and helped charity origami ždralova. events of other clubs, and in order to give a KKK “Moslavina” se želi posebno zah- symbolic support to Japan after the earthvaliti Ivanu Majstroviću, vlasniku tvrtke quake and tsunami disaster, they have made Turbomehanika d.o.o., na svesrdnoj pomoći a Japanese flag which was assembled from a koju pruža klubu, koji bez njegove potpore 1,000 origami cranes. Prvenstvu Hrvatske u katama. Najzapaženije rezultate postigle su Ivana Lončarević osvojivši brončanu medalju u juniorskoj konkurenciji na Europskom prvenstvu 2003. godine i Kristina Kojundžić osvojivši brončane medalje u juniorskoj konkurenciji na Europskim prvenstvima 2006. i 2007. godine.

od 2003. do 2009. godine ne bi opstao.

•

KKC “Moslavina” especially wants to thank Mr. Ivan Majstrović, the owner of the company Turbomehanika d.o.o., for the wholehearted support he gives the club, since without his help during the period from 2003 till 2009, the club would not have survived. •

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

HRVATSKIH BRANITELJA 10, 44320 KUTINA

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SHIHAN VLADIMIR ŠINTIĆ, 5. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 98 735 395

E-MAIL

bgrahek@inet.hr

WEB

karateklubmoslavina.atspace.org

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

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Karate klub “Antun i Ivan Kukuljević” Karate Club “Antun and Ivan Kukuljević”

etter known by its acronym, Karate Club “AIK” was founded in 2001 in Varaždinske Toplice. The founder of the club was Saša Josip Milec, who is also a coach and club president. Having returned from his studies in Zagreb, he initiated the venture encouraged by his colleague Davor Kramar. The club practices goju ryu style of karate, but since there are only two clubs in the country that practice that style, it joined the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association (CKKA) in whose activities the club actively participates by going to the national and international tournaments. The club itself orOd početka djelovanja kluba u njemu su ganizes a tournament called “Aquae Iasae aktivne sadašnje pomoćne trenerice Sanja- Cup”, which is being rated for the Croatian na Milošević i Marinela Belavić, obje crni Championship. pojas 1. DAN, koje sudjeluju i na Memorijalu Current assistant coaches Sanjana MiloBranka Bošnjaka. Niz godina natjecatelji su šević and Marinela Belavić, both black belts stjecali iskustvo na turnirima, a Marinela 1st DAN, have been active within the club Belavić je i prva članica kluba koja je bila since the beginning. During the years comseniorska prvakinja Hrvatske. Klub je u petitors have gained more and more experimeđuvremenu postigao zapažene rezultate ence in tournaments and Marinela Belavić kraćeno nazvan i poznatiji pod imenom Karate klub “AIK”, osnovan je 2001. godine u Varaždinskim Toplicama. Po povratku sa studija u Zagrebu, a na poticaj kolege Davora Kramara, klub je osnovao Saša Josip Milec, koji je trener i predsjednik kluba od osnutka do danas. Klub prakticira goju ryu stil karatea, no kako su postojala samo dva kluba toga stila u Hrvatskoj, učlanio se u Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez, u čijem radu aktivno sudjeluje odlaskom na domaće i međunarodne turnire, te organizira turnir pod nazivom “Aquae Iasae cup” koji se boduje za Prvenstvo Hrvatske.

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na domaćim i međunarodnim natjecanjima, a dao je i nekoliko prvaka Hrvatske u borbama i katama. Niz dobrih rezultata i uspješno okupljanje djece i mladih prepoznato je i u gradu Varaždinske Toplice, u kojem je klub proglašen najboljim sportskim kolektivom za 2011. i 2012. godinu. Također su imali najbolje sportaše grada, Marka Horžića 2011. i 2012. godine, a Janu Huzjak 2012. godine. U klubu se trenira tri puta tjedno po dva sata, a članovi redovito sudjeluju na seminarima japanskih instruktora u Hrvatskoj i inozemstvu. Klub ima oko 50 članova svih uzrasta, od djece do seniora. Najviši pojasevi su sensei Saša Josip Milec, 4. DAN, Marinela Belavić i Sanjana Milošević, obje 1. DAN, te Mladen Maltarski, 1. KYU. Uz treninge, za svoje članove klub organizira i razna događanja na kojima se zajedno druže i izvan dvorane. •

became the first member of the club who was senior Croatian champion. Meanwhile, the club achieves outstanding results at national and international competitions, and has several Croatian champions in fights and katas. A series of good results as well as the successful gathering of children and young people has been recognized by the City of Varaždinske Toplice, where the club was declared the best sports collective in 2011 and 2012. Furthermore, our members were declared the best athletes in the town – Mark Horžić the best male athlete in 2011 and 2012, and Jana Huzjak the best female athlete in 2012. The club members train in three two hours long training sessions per week, and regularly participate in seminars held by Japanese instructors in Croatia and abroad. The club has generally about 50 members of all ages, from children to seniors. Highest belts are sensei Saša Josip Milec 4th DAN, Marinela Belavić and Sanjana Milošević both 1st DAN, and Mladen Maltarski 1st KYU. In addition to training, the club organizes various events where its members get together and socialize outside the sports hall. •

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

MARTINA PUŠTEKA 1, 42223 VARAŽDINSKE TOPLICE

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SENSEI SAŠA JOSIP MILEC, 4. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 98 746 295

E-MAIL

sasa.milec@gmail.com

WEB

www.facebook.com/KarateAIK

STIL / STYLE

GOJU RYU KARATE

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Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association

Karate klub “Sosai” Karate Club “Sosai”

arate Club “Sosai” opened its doors in November 2007 as a branch of the Samobor’s Karate Club “Mladost”, and it was led by senpai Krunoslav Garašić. The first training sessions were held within the sports hall in Zagreb’s “Dom sportova”. From the very beginning, Dunja Mandić and Dubravka Dekanić, with the help of senpai Damir Sinković, were included in the club’s functioning, and they were soon followed by Stela Oroz and Ivana Lončarević. In September of 2008 Kristina Kojundžić joined them, later becoming the club’s most trophied Nakon početnih problema i promjena nekoliko dvorana za vježbanje, klub je u competitor. arate klub “Sosai” počeo je s radom u studenome 2007. godine kao podružnica Karate kluba “Mladost” Samobor, pod vodstvom senpaija Krunoslava Garašića. Prvi treninzi održavali su se u dvorani u sklopu Doma sportova, a već tada su se u rad kluba uključile Dunja Mandić i Dubravka Dekanić uz pomoć senpaija Damira Sinkovića, ubrzo potom i Stela Oroz te Ivana Lončarević, a u rujnu 2008. pridružila im se i Kristina Kojundžić, kasnije najtrofejnija klupska natjecateljica.

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sklopu Doma za starije i nemoćne osobe preuredio prostor zapuštene stare kuglanu u dojo te se u studenome 2011. napokon preselio u svoj prostor, gdje i danas uspješno djeluje. Tijekom godina klub se razvijao i rastao te danas ima 70-ak članova u tri različite dobne skupine. Iako je relativno mlad, njegovi članovi i članice nastupaju i osvajaju brojne medalje na natjecanjima za Prvenstvo Hrvatske te na mnogim međunarodnim turnirima. Već godinama članovi kluba sudjeluju na europskim prvenstvima, na kojima je dosad najuspješnija bila Kristina Kojundžić osvojivši 2010. godine srebrnu medalju, a 2011. i 2012. godine brončane medalje na Europskom prvenstvu za natjecatelje do 22 godine (U22). •

After initial problems which led to changing a few sports halls, club managed to redesign the space of the old bowling alley into the dojo, placed within the Home for Aged and Infirm Persons, and in November 2011 has finally moved into its own space, where it operates till today. Over the years, the club grew and developed and now has 70 members in three different age groups. Although a relatively young club, its members participate and win numerous medals at competitions within the system of the Croatian Championship, as well as at many international tournaments. For years, members of the club have participated in the European Championships, where the most successful competitor was Kristina Kojundžić, who won silver medal in 2010 and bronze medals in 2011 and 2012 at the European Championship for competitors under 22 years (U22). •

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

TRG SLAVOLJUBA PENKALE 1, 10000 ZAGREB

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

SENSEI KRUNOSLAV GARAŠIĆ, 3. DAN

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 99 5019 951

E-MAIL

karate.sosai@gmail.com

WEB

www.facebook.com/kyokushinkarateklubsosai

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

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Hrvatski kyokushin karate savez Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association

Karate klub “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski Karate Club “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski

U siječnju 2012. godine klub je postao pridruženi član Hrvatskog kyokushin karate saveza (HKKS) i od tada njegovi članovi nastupaju na natjecanjima koja organiziraju klubovi članovi HKKS-a. •

In January 2012 the club became an associate member of the Croatian Kyokushin Karate Association (CKKA) and since then the club members participate at the events organized by CKKA’s clubs. •

arate klub “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski djeluje pet godina. U studenome 2011. godine održana je prva skupština na kojoj je izabrano ime kluba – Tensho. Za predsjednika kluba tada je izabran Zoran Tomić, a voditelj i trener postao je senpai Kristijan Lončarić.

arate Club “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski operates for five years. The club’s first assembly was held in November 2011 and the name of the club – Tensho – was chosen. Also, Zoran Tomić was elected as the club president, and senpai Kristijan Lončarić became a manager and a coach.

Kontakt podaci / Contacts ADRESA / ADDRESS

ZAGREBAČKA 7, 51250 NOVI VINODOLSKI

GLAVNI TRENER / HEAD COACH

KRISTIJAN LONČARIĆ

TELEFON / TELEPHONE

+385 91 2506 288

E-MAIL

sempaikille@gmail.com

WEB

www.facebook.com/pages/Klub-Borilačkih-Vještina-Tensho-NoviVinodolski/174700535879266

STIL / STYLE

KYOKUSHIN KARATE

Društvo za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for all” Samobor

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Društvo za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for all” Samobor

he tradition of sports recreation in Samobor has carried on for more than a century, and the establishment of “Hrvatski sokol” in 1904 is regarded as its starting point. After the World War II, its work continued through the Society for Physical Culture “Samobor”, the Gymnastics Society for Physical Education, the Gymnastics Society “Partizan”, and at a later period the Society for Sports Recreation “Partizan” Samobor. Association for Sports Recreation “Samobor” was founded in 1981 and it incorporated the work of the Societies for Sports Recreation “Partizan” from Samobor and Bregana, as well as more than twenty sections for sports recreation in the then local communities and work organizations. After 1990 the Society for Sports Recreation (SSR) “Sport for All” Samobor takes care of sports recreation in Svoju djelatnost društvo temelji na sportSamobor. skoj rekreaciji svih dobnih skupina – od SSR “Sports for All” Samobor’s activity djece predškolske dobi do odraslih osoba, a odnedavno se provodi i vježbanje za is based on the sports recreation for peoosobe s invaliditetom. Važno je istaknuti ple of all ages - from preschool children to radicija sportske rekreacije u Samoboru njeguje se dulje od sto godina, a sve je počelo osnivanjem “Hrvatskog sokola” 1904. godine. Nakon 2. svjetskog rata njegov su rad nastavili redom: Fiskulturno društvo “Samobor”, Gimnastičko društvo za tjelesni odgoj, Gimnastičko društvo “Partizan” te kasnije Društvo za sportsku rekreaciju “Partizan” Samobor. Savez za sportsku rekreaciju “Samobor” utemeljen je 1981. godine, a objedinio je rad Društava za sportsku rekreaciju “Partizan” iz Samobora i Bregane te više od dvadeset sekcija za sportsku rekreaciju u tadašnjim mjesnim zajednicama i radnim organizacijama. Od 1990. godine skrb o sportskoj rekreaciji u Samoboru vodi Društvo za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor.

Aerobik grupa pod vodstvom Diane Trčak Regović/ Aerobic group led by Diana Trčak Regović

Vježbačka grupa pod vodstvom Đurđe Vuković/ Training group led by Đurđa Vuković Pješački pohod, Oštrc, 2010./ Pedestrian hike, Oštrc, 2010

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Društvo za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for all” Samobor

i velik angažman žena različitih dobnih skupina, a tijekom posljednjih trideset godina u različitim vježbačkim skupinama i aktivnostima sudjelovalo ih je više od 350. Najpoznatija aktivnost DŠR-a su pješački pohodi u Samoborsko gorje koji pod geslom “U susret zdravlju” već desetljećima nekoliko puta godišnje okupljaju brojne građane Samobora i okolice. Dugogodišnji predsjednik Društva za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor je Ivan Bezjak, a velik doprinos radu društva dali su i Josip Leopold, Radislav Aleksić i pokojni prof. Slavko Rudolf. Voditeljice stručnog vježbanja sa ženama su Đurđa Vuković i Diana Trčak Regović i desetljećima su nositeljice ukupnih aktivnosti društva, kojima je osnovni cilj promicanje rekreacije kao zdravog načina života. DŠR “Šport za sve” Samobor aktivni je član Hrvatskog saveza športske rekreacije “Šport za sve” i Samoborskog športskog saveza. Društvo surađuje i s različitim sportskim organizacijama i klubovima na području Samobora, a najužu suradnju ostvaruje s Karate klubom “Mladost” Samobor, s kojim dugi niz godina dijeli i zajednički prostor za vježbanje. Predsjednik DŠR-a Ivan Bezjak ujedno je i dugogodišnji član i trener KK “Mladost”, a članovi karate kluba redovito sudjeluju u svim aktivnostima društva, dok zauzvrat društvo pruža svekoliku potporu radu kluba. Njihova dugogodišnja uspješna suradnja predstavlja pravi primjer simbioze dviju sportskih organizacija koje zajedničkim radom i suradnjom mogu ostvariti i najzahtjevnije sportske ciljeve. •

adults, and since recently it also conducts programmes intended for people with disabilities. The engagement of women of different age groups deserves a special emphasis, along with the fact that more than 350 women have participated in various exercising groups and recreational activities over the past thirty years. The SSR “Sports for All” most prominent activity is a pedestrian hike under the motto “Towards Health”, that has been organized for decades several times a year. These outings to the Samobor Mountains regularly attract many citizens of Samobor and its surroundings. A long-time president of the Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for All” Samobor is Ivan Bezjak, while in the previous period a great contribution to the work of the society is owed to Josip Leopold, Radislav Aleksić and the late professor Slavko Rudolf. Leaders of professional practice with women are Đurđa Vuković and Diana Trčak Regović, who were for decades the carriers of the overall society’s activities in order to advance and promote recreation as a healthy lifestyle. SSR “Sport for All” Samobor is an active member of the Croatian Federation for Sports Recreation “Sport for All” and the Samobor Sports Association. Society for Sport Recreation “Sport for All” Samobor cooperates with various sports organizations and clubs in Samobor area, and there is a particular spirit of close cooperation with the Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor. The two organizations have been sharing a common space for exercise for many years, and SSR’s president Ivan Bezjak is also a longtime member and coach of KC “Mladost. In addition the karate club members regularly participate in all of the society’s activities, while in return the society offers comprehensive support to the work of the club. Their long and successful cooperation is a true example of symbiosis of the two sports organizations as well as of the ways in which working together can bring even the most demanding sports goals to achievement. • Ivan Bezjak, Slavko Rudolf, Diana Trčak Regović, Kristina Khos, Damir Sinković; pješački pohod, Oštrc, 2005./ pedestrian hike, Oštrc, 2005

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Pogovor Afterword

Dragi moji kumovi!

Ovaj pogovor pišem svima vama – mojim kumovima, kumovima Bošnjak, kumovima Deščak, kumovima Fuš, kumovima Drmić, svim obiteljima naših poginulih u Domovinskom ratu – onim jedinim pravim kumovima koji su žrtvom svojih sinova, braće, očeva, istinski kumovi nama živima i svima koji žive današnju Hrvatsku. Možda će naša djeca ili djeca naših poznanika, susjeda, rodbine imati vremena uzeti u ruku ovu knjigu i malo stati i razmisliti o ljudima koji nisu bili nimalo drugačiji od njih, ali u vremenu rata su bili stup nas svih – naša stijena. A Branko je bio naša stijena, nekako je uvijek našao načina da i u najbezizglednijim situacijama nađe riječ koja je bila dovoljna da se baš svatko sjeti zašto je specijalac i zašto je u ratu i zašto baš sada, kada netko puca na njega i kada ga je i strah, sve to treba ostaviti negdje iza sebe, jer postoji zajednički cilj – obraniti svoj dom i svoje najmilije. Branko nije bio pričljiva osoba, ali je svaka riječ imala svoje mjesto, a svaki potez svoj smisao. Bio je čovjek svog naroda i čovjek svoje obitelji, tradicionalnog odgoja, ali oslobođen bilo kakvih iluzija i demagogija. Bio je britak prema onima koji su prodavali smiješne floskule prepisane iz političkih rječnika komunizma, ali još britkiji prema onima koji su svoje pravo na poziciju i napredovanje skrivali iza “novogovora” i pripadnosti novim političkim strankama u koje su svi nemilice hrlili. Volio sam ga kao prijatelja zbog te britkosti kojom je jednako ismijavao i sve bivše i sve buduće, jer je znao da u poslu kojim se bavimo ne vrijedi ni fakultet, a još manje “strančarenje”, jer su za naš posao, posao ratnog specijalca MUP-a RH, trebale hrabrost i srce. Branko je i hrabrosti i srca imao za sve nas, bio je generator ljudske upornosti, znao je dovoditi druge do krajnjih granica fizičke izdržljivosti i kada bi svi već pomislili da su na kraju, na rubu snage, znao je izvući iz njih nešto što ni sami nisu znali da imaju u sebi. Kao sportaš – karatista, imao je disciplinu treninga koju je prenosio na druge, ali je i kao sportaš znao da se poslovica “važno je sudjelovati” nije odnosila na posao i vrijeme u kojem smo radili – bilo je bitno pobijediti. Za tu je pobjedu imao sve vrijeme ovoga svijeta, nije ga žalio, ni na obuci, ni na terenu, ni u pripremi akcije, ni u policijskoj ili vojnoj akciji, uvijek je bio tu – najviše za nas, a najmanje za sebe i, kako to obično biva, za svoje najmilije. Znali smo često razgovarati kako je čudno da po noći odlazimo, po noći se vraćamo, svaki put netko ostane iza nas, a grad Zagreb, njegov Samobor kojeg je jedino od Klokočevca manje volio, svaki put kad bismo se vraćali s terena ili akcije, bili su sve bolji i blistaviji. Nekako je sve imalo smisla kad se vidjelo kako je osamostaljenje naše države počelo davati rezultate, nekako je sve izgledalo ljepše i bolje, ili nam se samo tako činilo nakon povratka s ratišta. Imali smo neke svoje ciljeve u ne tako davno doba, ratno doba za koje danas ne nalazimo prave riječi, no, vjerujte, bili smo stvarno na ponos svih svojih i svih vas. Ti ciljevi su bili puno jednostavniji od onih koje danas možete čuti od ljudi koji se bave politikom i koji drže teške motivirajuće govore. Cilj je bio sačuvati svoje ljude, paziti na njih, učiniti sve za njih da izvrše svoju zadaću ratnog specijalca. Branko je u tome bio najbolji, odlučan i hrabar, a pravedan i brižan, ne samo za svoj – V. vod, već za sve nas. To su bili jasni ciljevi ratnika, a koje smo ciljeve imali kao ljudi? I ti su ciljevi bili jednostavni – voditi svoje obitelji onako kako su nas učili roditelji, raditi i stvarati te uživati u onom što se zaslužilo, a ne u tuđem i u nezarađenom, veseliti se sa svojima, gledati kako djeca rastu, kako postaju ljudi, imati iza sebe svoju djecu kojoj ćemo omogućiti da na pošten način imaju više i bolje nego što smo mi imali kao djeca... Imati i zaslužiti – to smo htjeli za sebe i svoje, to je Branko htio i bio na putu ostvariti.

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Pogovor Afterword

Teško je pisati o mom najgorem danu u životu, no kada su me zamolili da napišem pogovor ili nešto općenito o Branku, znao sam da će i to biti nezaobilazan dio priče. To je dan njegovog stradavanja, najgori dan u mom životu, dan odlaska moga prijatelja, moga kuma, moga ljudskog uzora... Da, i ja sam bio jedan od mnogih u našoj jedinici koji su htjeli biti poput njega. Čekao sam da se Branko vrati, već sam bio i pomalo ljut, jer su svi već stigli u bazu po povratku s dubrovačkog ratišta, a njega još nije bilo, no ubrzo je zazvonio telefon... Stjepan Sučić je nekako uspio doći do telefona, izvukao se iz tog nesretnog kanala, ispod autoputa, na nesretnom 12. kilometru autoputa. Svega 12 kilometara je trebalo da Branko i Kruno stignu svojim obiteljima, svega 12 kilometara je trebalo da se vrate sigurno u svoju bazu. Svega 12 kilometara je trebalo da ne zakucam na vrata obitelji koju sam volio kao svoju i da im ne kažem da Branka više nema. Nije bilo druge, bio sam mu prijatelj i kum, ali i zapovjednik jedinice, morao sam Brankovoj obitelji reći što se dogodilo. To je bilo jedino što njegovi dečki nisu bili u stanju učiniti. Nitko nije mogao ući pod krov pod kojim smo toliko puta bili na bakinom bažulu, špeku i češnjovki, pod kojim je bilo uvijek mjesta za sve i pod kojim se uvijek veselilo. Nitko nije želio ući i izreći tužnu vijest. Ne samo krov, činilo se da se cijelo nebo sručilo na nas nekoliko kad sam baki Bošnjak i tada trudnoj Ljiljani rekao da Branka više nema. Josipa je bila premala da bi shvatila što se zbiva, a ograda oko kuće ubrzo je postala premala za sve nas koji smo tamo plakali – obitelj, mi specijalci, brojni susjedi koji su se brzo okupili na toj najtužnijoj ogradi na svijetu. Bio je to moj najtužniji dan u životu, za Bošnjake još tužniji, za kolege i prijatelje dan koji se nije smio dogoditi, a za njegove Ljiljanu, Josipu i Branka..., samo oni znaju kako je živjeti bez Branka. No, moraju znati i to da su svih ovih godina poslije Brankove pogibije ostali jednaki njemu, odani dobrim, dragim obiteljskim vrijednostima i uspomeni na oca koji je u ono naše teško ratno vrijeme bio VELIK ČOVJEK, velik za sve nas i svakim danom sve veći i veći zbog te njegove ljudske topline i velike duše. Neizmjerno sam zahvalan obitelji Bošnjak koja uspomenu na našeg Branka tako lijepo čuva, te se nadam da sam i ja malim dijelom zaslužan zajedno s mnogim prijateljima koji su Branku digli spomenik kakav bi vjerojatno i sam Branko poželio – Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka. Mladi sportaši iz cijele Europe i svijeta dolaze u Samobor na taj međunarodni karate turnir, natječu se, sportski se bore, druže, pjevaju i smiju, a naš Branko može biti zadovoljan sportskim epitafom koji se njemu u spomen iz godine u godinu piše. Tada se nađemo i prisjetimo brojnih zgoda, sjetimo se vremena koje je bilo okrutno, ali koje je imalo smisla, ne pričamo o svakodnevici koja je takva kakva je, daleko ispod nekih naših očekivanja, ali zato ne damo da naše vrijeme, Brankovo vrijeme, izblijedi. Svatko tko pročita ovu knjigu neka zna da je Branko Bošnjak bio običan čovjek s neobično čvrstim stavom i sa svoje dvije obitelji – obitelj Bošnjak i obitelj “Alfa”. Jednako je volio obje obitelji i obje su obitelji tužne što ga više nema. Obje obitelji, obitelj Bošnjak i obitelj Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa”, pišu ovu knjigu njemu u spomen, kao i u spomen svim drugim hrvatskim braniteljima koji su podnijeli žrtvu za našu voljenu Hrvatsku. neka im je vječna hvala i slava!

Zoran Cvrk

ratni zapovjednik Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa”

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My dear best men!

Pogovor Afterword

I write this afterword to all of you - my best men, Bošnjak family, Deščak family, Fuš family, Drmić family, to all the families of our fallen heros in the Homeland War – to the only true best men, who have, by sacrificing their sons, brothers, fathers, become best men to all of us still living today. Maybe our children or the children of our acquaintances, neighbours, relatives will have time to take this book into their hands and stop a bit to think about the people who were no different from them, but in time of war were a pillar for us all – our rock. And Branko was our rock, somehow, even in hopeless situations, he always seemed to find the right word that was enough for everyone to remember why they were members of Special Forces, why they were in a war and why now, when someone was shooting at them and when they were afraid, all that should be left somewhere behind, because there was a common goal – to defend your home and your loved ones. Branko was not a talkative person, but his every word had its place and every move its meaning. He was a man of his people and a man of his family, raised up in a traditional way, but free of any illusions and demagogy. He was brisk to those who tried to sell ridiculous platitudes copied from the political vocabulary of communism, but even more brisk to those who thought their entitlement to their position and advancement in the hierarchy should be based on their “new political discourse” and membership in new political parties to which everyone flocked. I loved him as a friend for his briskness by which he equally mocked both all the former and future ones, because he knew that for our job formal education had no value and membership in political parties even less, because for our job, the job of the war member of Croatian Special Police Forces, you needed courage and heart. Branko had both the courage and the heart for us all. He was a generator of human persistence, he used to bring others to the limits of their physical endurance and when everyone already thought they were on the verge of strength, he knew how to get from them something even they didn’t know was in them. As an athlete – karateka, he had the discipline of training which he passed onto others, but also as an athlete he knew that the saying “it is important to participate” didn’t apply to the job and the time which we lived in - it was important to win. In order to accomplish this victory he was prepared to invest all the time in the world, he did not regret any second, either in training or in the field, or during the preparation of the operation, or in a police or military action. He was always there – mostly for us, and the least for himself and, as it usually happens, for his loved ones. Often we talked about how strange it was that we always left at night, and returned at night, every time leaving someone behind, and each time we returned from action, Zagreb, his Samobor, which he loved less only in comparison to Klokočevec, seemed better and brighter. Somehow it all made sense when we saw that the independence of our country began to show results, somehow everything looked prettier and better, or maybe it just seemed that way to us after returning from the battlefield. We had our goals not so long ago, during wartime, for which today we do not seem to find the right words, but, believe me, everyone could have been proud of us. Those goals were much simpler than the ones you hear today from politicians giving heavy motivational speeches. Our aim was to keep our men safe, take care of them, and do everything for them in order to carry out their tasks of war members of Special Forces. When it comes to this Branko was the best, determined and brave, righteous and caring, not only for his 5th platoon, but for all of us. These were the clear aims of warriors, but what were our personal goals? These goals were also simple – to raise our families as we were taught by our parents, to work and create, to enjoy what we’ve earned and not what is someone else’s or undeserved, to be happy with our families, to watch them grow and become men, to leave our children behind us and to offer them more and better than

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Pogovor Afterword

we had as kids... To have and to earn – that’s what we wanted for ourselves and for our families, that’s what Branko wanted and was on his way to accomplish. It’s hard to write about the worst day of your life, but when they asked me to write this afterword or generally write about Branko, I knew this was inevitable. It was the day of his death, the worst day of my life, the day of departure of my friend, of my best man, my role-model... Yes, I was also one of many in our unit who wanted to be like him. I waited for Branko to get back, and was already a bit angry that all the rest reached our base after returning from the battlefields of Dubrovnik, and he still hadn’t, but soon the phone rang... Stjepan Sučić somehow managed to get to the phone, he pulled himself out of that unfortunate canal, under the highway, the unfortunate 12th kilometre of the highway. Only twelve kilometres stood between Branko and Kruno reaching their families, only twelve kilometres stood between them and the safe return to their base. Only twelve kilometres stood between me not having to knock on the door of the family I loved as my own, and not having to tell them that Branko was gone. There was no other way, I was his friend and best man, but also the commander of the Unit, I had to tell Branko’s family what had happened. That was the only thing his men were not able to do. No one was able to enter under the roof where we so often enjoyed Grandma’s beans, bacon and sausages, and where there was always enough room for everyone and always so much joy. No one wanted to come in and tell them the sad news. Not only the roof, but the whole sky came crushing down on the couple of us when I told Grandma Bošnjak and then pregnant Ljiljana that Branko was gone. Josipa was too young to understand what was going on, and the fence around the house soon became too small for all of us there crying – family, we his colleagues, many neighbours who quickly gathered at that saddest fence in the whole world. It was the saddest day of my life, even sadder for the Bošnjak family, for colleagues and friends. It was a day that was not supposed to happen, and for his Ljiljana, Josipa and Branko… only they know how it is to live without Branko. However, they also need to know that during all these years after Branko’s death they remained the same as him, loyal to the good, to family values and to the memory of their father who was in those difficult times of war a GREAT MAN, great for all of us and becoming grater every day because of his human warmth and his beautiful soul. I am infinitely grateful to the Bošnjak family for beautifully keeping the memory of our Branko, and I hope that I am in a small part also creditable along with many friends for giving Branko a kind of monument he would probably also have wanted for himself – The Branko Bošnjak Memorial. Young athletes from all over Europe and the rest of the world come to Samobor to participate at the international karate tournament, to compete, fight as sportsmen, hang out with each other, sing and laugh, and our Branko can be pleased of this sporting epitaph which is written in his memory every year. On this occasion we all get together and remember different stories, we remember the time that was cruel, but made sense, we don’t talk about everyday life, which is the way it is, a long way from our expectations, but for that reason we do not let our time, Branko’s time fade away. Anyone who reads this book should know that Branko Bošnjak was an ordinary man with extraordinary firm believes and with two families – the Bošnjak family and the “Alpha” family. He equally loved both his families and both of his families are sad that he’s gone. Both families, the Bošnjak family and the Special Police Unit “Alpha” family, wrote this book in his memory and in the memory of all other Croatian Homeland War defenders who made a sacrifice for our beloved Croatia. Let them have our eternal thanks and praise!

Zoran Cvrk

War Commander of the Special Police Unit “Alpha”

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Sadržaj Contents

PREDGOVOR ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7 UVOD ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 BRANKO BOŠNJAK – DA SE NE ZABORAVI / BRANKO BOŠNJAK NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN SJEĆANJA NE BLIJEDE / MEMORIES DO NOT FADE Mirjanina priča / Mirjana´s story ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Ljiljanina priča / Ljiljana´s story ............................................................................................................................................... 18 PRIJATELJI O BRANKU / FRIENDS ABOUT BRANKO Tomica Kos ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Vladimir Sekelj ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Ivan Bezjak ............................................................................................................................................................................ 30 BRANKO I ALFE ŽIVE VJEČNO! / BRANKO AND THE ALPHAS LIVE FOREVER! Specijalna jedinica policije “Alfa” PU zagrebačke / Special Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb Police Department ..................................... 32 Hrvatski vitez Branko Bošnjak / Croatian knight Branko Bošnjak ............................................................................................. 41 BRAĆA PO ORUŽJU / BROTHERS IN ARMS Milijan Brkić ........................................................................................................................................................................... 52 Stjepan Šantek ...................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Dean Rostohar ....................................................................................................................................................................... 58 Robert Koletić - Grba ............................................................................................................................................................. 62 Robert Hasija ......................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Goran Maretić - Paraga .......................................................................................................................................................... 66 Dražen Hadžić ....................................................................................................................................................................... 68 Dragutin Miklečić - Gec ......................................................................................................................................................... 69 Robert Kučas ......................................................................................................................................................................... 70

MEMORIJALI 1995. – 2015. / MEMORIALS 1995 – 2015 Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / Branko Bošnjak Memorial ......................................................................................................... 74 1. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 1st Branko Bošnjak Memorial ............................................................................................... 75 2. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 2nd Branko Bošnjak Memorial ............................................................................................. 79 3. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 3rd Branko Bošnjak Memorial .............................................................................................. 83 4. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 4th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .............................................................................................. 87 5. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 5th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .............................................................................................. 91 6. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 6th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .............................................................................................. 96 7. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 7th Branko Bošnjak Memorial ............................................................................................ 100 8. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 8th Branko Bošnjak Memorial ............................................................................................ 105 9. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 9th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .............................................................................................110 10. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 10th Branko Bošnjak Memorial ...........................................................................................115 11. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 11th Branko Bošnjak Memorial ........................................................................................... 121 12. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 12th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 126 13. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 13th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 131 14. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 14th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 137 15. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 15th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 142 16. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 16th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 148 17. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 17th Branko Bošnjak Memorial ........................................................................................... 153 18. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 18th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 158 19. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 19th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 164 20. Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka / 20th Branko Bošnjak Memorial .......................................................................................... 169 PRIJATELJI MEMORIJALA / MEMORIAL’S FRIENDS Koen Sharrenberg ................................................................................................................................................................ 172 Stjepan Čelan ...................................................................................................................................................................... 173 Juro Horvat .......................................................................................................................................................................... 175

KARATE KLUB “MLADOST” SAMOBOR / KARATE CLUB “MLADOST” SAMOBOR ................................................ 177 HRVATSKI KYOKUSHIN KARATE SAVEZ / CROATIAN KYOKUSHIN KARATE ASSOCIATION .................................. 183 Kyokushin karate klub “Dugo Selo” / Kyokushin Karate Club “Dugo Selo” ............................................................................. 185 Karate klub “Maksimir – Elka” / Karate Club “Maksimir – Elka” ............................................................................................ 187 Karate klub “Croatia” Zadar / Karate Club “Croatia” Zadar .................................................................................................... 189 Kyokushin karate klub “Moslavina” / Kyokushin Karate Club “Moslavina” .............................................................................. 191 Karate klub “Antun i Ivan Kukuljević” / Karate Club “Antun and Ivan Kukuljević” .................................................................... 193 Karate klub “Sosai” / Karate Club “Sosai” ............................................................................................................................ 195 Karate klub “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski / Karate Club “Tensho” Novi Vinodolski ...................................................................... 197

DRUŠTVO ZA ŠPORTSKU REKREACIJU “ŠPORT ZA SVE” SAMOBOR / SOCIETY FOR SPORTS RECREATION “SPORT FOR ALL” SAMOBOR ........................................................................................ 199 POGOVOR ..........................................................................................................................................................................202 AFTERWORD .....................................................................................................................................................................204 IMPRESUM / IMPRESSUM .............................................................................................................................................. 207

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Impresum Impressum

nakladnik / Publisher Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor / Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor sunakladnici / Co-publishers Udruga veterana Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” Zagreb / Special Police Unit “Alpha” Veterans Association Zagreb Društvo za športsku rekreaciju “Šport za sve” Samobor / Society for Sports Recreation “Sport for All” Samobor Uredništvo / Editorial Board Marija Alvir Trogrlić Ljiljana Šurbek Bošnjak Kristina Khos Suradnici / Associates Robert Koletić Stjepan Milković Fotografije / Photographs Arhiva KK “Mladost” Samobor / Photo archive of the KC “Mladost” Samobor Goran Jakobović, Nikola Banjeglav, Tomislav Brandt, Mario Kociper, Teo Miodragović, Ivan Suvalj, Goran Štefanek Knjiga “Alfe žive vječno!” – prilozi za ratni put Specijalne jedinice policije “Alfa” PU zagrebačke u Domovinskom ratu 1991.-1995. / Book “Alphas live forever!” - contributions to the war path of the Special Police Unit “Alpha” of Zagreb PD in the Homeland War 1991-1995 Prijevod / Translation Kristina Khos oblikovanje / design crnonabijelo, grafički studio / graphic studio Lektura i korektura - hrvatski jezik / Copy editor - Croatian Gordana Ivir Lektura i korektura – engleski jezik / Copy editor - English Ana Kos Tisak / Printing AKD – Agencija za komercijalnu djelatnost d.o.o., zagreb Naklada / number of Copies 1000 primjeraka / copies samobor, 2015. ISBN: 978-953-58691-0-8 TIPOGRAFIJA / TYPOGRAPHY MARLENE PRO, AUDREE J

Monografija je izdana uz potporu Ministarstva branitelja, AKD – Agencije za komercijalnu djelatnost d.o.o., Grada Samobora, Grada Svete Nedelje, Zagrebačke županije, Privredne banke Zagreb d.d. Zahvaljujemo svima koji su pomogli u izradi i izdavanju monografije te se ujedno ispričavamo zbog mogućih pogrešaka i propusta. Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor također zahvaljuje svima onima koji su tijekom posljednjih dvadeset godina podržavali Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka i koji su pomagali u njegovoj organizaciji.

This monograph was published with the support of the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, the AKD – Agencija za komercijalnu djelatnost d.o.o., the City of Samobor, the City of Sveta Nedelja, the Zagreb County, the Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. We thank everyone who helped in the preparation and publication of the monograph and also apologize for possible errors and omissions. Karate Club “Mladost” Samobor also thanks everyone who supported and helped in organizing the Branko Bošnjak Memorial during the past twenty years.

CIP zapis je dostupan u računalnome katalogu Nacionalne i sveučilišne knjižnice u Zagrebu pod brojem 000912592.

CIP code available in the digital catalogue of the National and University Library in Zagreb, under number 000912592

Memorijal Branka Bošnjaka

Memorijal Karate klub “Mladost” Samobor Trg kralja Tomislava 8a 10430 Samobor, Hrvatska T +385 1 3363 280 F +385 1 3363 280 E karateklubmladost.samobor@gmail.com W www.kyokushin-mladost.hr

Udruga veterana SJP “Alfa” Zagreb Remetinečka cesta 77 10020 Zagreb, Hrvatska T +385 1 6523 700 F +385 1 6523 669 E alfa4@zg.t-com.hr W www.uvsjp-alfa.hr

DŠR “Šport za sve” Samobor Trg kralja Tomislava 8a 10430 Samobor, Hrvatska T +385 1 3363 280 F +385 1 3363 280 E dsrsamobor@gmail.com

Branka Bošnjaka