Edvin Ćudić: A Journey Through Journalism, Human Rights, and Aikido
Edvin Ćudić is a multifaceted professional whose life and work bridge the gap between academic rigor, social activism, and the disciplined art of martial arts. Born on December 31, 1988, in Brčko, Ćudić is the great-great-grandson of Ibrahim Ustavdić, a teacher. Having grown up in both Gračanica and Brčko, his early experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina laid the foundation for a career dedicated to truth, reconciliation, and personal development.
Academic Foundation and Professional Evolution
Ćudić's intellectual journey began at the University of Sarajevo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2012. Seeking to deepen his understanding of societal structures and governance, he furthered his studies at Ankara University, eventually obtaining a master's degree in political science in 2018.
This academic background propelled him into the world of high-impact journalism. He has collaborated with numerous prestigious newspapers and magazines, including Danas, Monitor, and Oslobođenje. His reporting is recognized internationally, with his stories translated into English, French, Italian, Macedonian, and Ukrainian.
Advocacy for Human Rights and Reconciliation
Beyond reporting, Ćudić has actively worked to address the scars of conflict. In 2013, he founded UDIK. His commitment to peace and justice led to his election in 2019 as a member of the Regional Council of the RECOM Reconciliation Network (RMP), representing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2021, he has contributed his expertise as a member of the Board of Directors of the CDTJ in Banja Luka.
Ćudić has been a vocal advocate against genocide denial and a proponent of post-conflict recovery. He played a pivotal role in memorializing the crimes at Kazani, serving as one of the initiators of the memorial for the Kazani pit located in the hills above Sarajevo.
Due to the sensitive nature of his work in human rights and political commentary, Ćudić has frequently faced threats. Despite this, he continues to provide expert commentary to global media outlets such as AFP, DW, El País, Internazionale, and Sveriges Radio, among others.
The Path of Aikido and Mental Wellness
Parallel to his professional life, Ćudić has pursued a lifelong dedication to martial arts. He began practicing jujutsu at the age of 14 in Brčko, which eventually led him to Aikido—a modern Japanese martial art focused on harmony and neutralizing aggression without causing injury. He began formal Aikido training in 2017 under Nihad Klinčević Shidoin and Pavel Pavelka Fukushidoin, later training with Alen Hadžiabdić.
His dedication culminated in 2024 in Vrnjačka Banja, where he was awarded the rank of 2nd Dan by Saša Obradović Shihan. In 2026, he expanded his contribution to the art by founding the Yutaka Dojo in Sarajevo. He maintains active membership in the Aikikai Foundations of both Belgrade and Tokyo.
Furthermore, Ćudić has extended his interest in Japanese philosophy to mental health. Since 2024, he has served as an International Consultant to the International Committee for Morita Therapy (ICMT), a branch of the Japanese Society for Morita Therapy in Tokyo. Morita Therapy is a psychological approach that emphasizes accepting one's feelings and focusing on purposeful action.
Key Facts
- Education: Bachelor's in Journalism (University of Sarajevo, 2012) and Master's in Political Science (2018).
- Martial Arts: 2nd Dan in Aikido; founder of Yutaka Dojo in Sarajevo (2026).
- Human Rights: Member of the RECOM Reconciliation Network Regional Council and CDTJ Board of Directors.
- Global Reach: Consultant for the International Committee for Morita Therapy (ICMT) in Tokyo.
- Activism: Initiator of the Kazani pit memorial in Sarajevo.
Summary of Professional and Personal Milestones
| Year | Achievement/Role | Field |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Bachelor's Degree in Journalism | Education |
| 2013 | Founded UDIK | Organization |
| 2017 | Started Aikido training; signed Declaration on Common Language | Martial Arts / Linguistics |
| 2018 | Master's Degree in Political Science | Education |
| 2019 | Regional Council member, RECOM Reconciliation Network | Human Rights |
| 2021 | Board of Directors, CDTJ Banja Luka | Human Rights |
| 2024 | Awarded 2nd Dan in Aikido; Consultant to ICMT Tokyo | Martial Arts / Therapy |
| 2026 | Founded Yutaka Dojo in Sarajevo | Martial Arts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Edvin Ćudić's academic background?
Edvin Ćudić holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Sarajevo (2012) and a master's degree in political science (2018), having also studied at Ankara University.
What is the Yutaka Dojo?
The Yutaka Dojo is an Aikido training center founded by Edvin Ćudić in Sarajevo in 2026.
How has Edvin Ćudić contributed to human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
He has served on the Regional Council of the RECOM Reconciliation Network, the Board of Directors of the CDTJ in Banja Luka, and was a key initiator of the memorial for the Kazani pit.
What is his connection to Japan?
Beyond his practice of Aikido and membership in the Tokyo Aikikai Foundation, he serves as an International Consultant to the International Committee for Morita Therapy (ICMT) in Tokyo.
Which media outlets have featured his work?
His commentaries and interviews have appeared in numerous international outlets, including AFP, DW, El País, Internazionale, and Sveriges Radio, as well as national publications like Danas and Oslobođenje.