Creating A Better Armenia With Judo
Roman Mitichyan’s story is rooted in the highlands of Vanadzor.
He and his team have recently hosted a judo tournament in his hometown of Vanadzor to farm talent and cultivate a landscape for judo to continue thriving in Armenia and Vanadzor in particular. In addition, the tournament was dedicated to the memory of the fallen Armenian soldiers of the 44-Day Artsakh War. The Mayor of Vanadzor was present at the event. The inaugural tournament occurred just one week ago, and Mitichyan and his team look to make this judo tournament an annual event.
Making a name for himself in the Sambo and Judo world, Mitichyan trained at the Hayastan Academy under world-renowned grapplers Gene Lebell and Gokor Chivichyan. In 2006, he won 1st place in the USJI National Championships. Mitichyan’s fighting career resumed in the UFC before his career pivoted into film.
Having roles in Argo, Joh Wick, Sons of Anarchy, CSI, NCIS, and the Promise, Mitichyan is one of few Armenians in Hollywood.
Filmed & Edited by Zartonk Filmmakers Krikor Sahagian & Shant Khatcherian