INTERNATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY (I.S.U.)
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINER’S AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR
March 29, 2026, Klaipeda Green Park Hotel, Republic Lithuania
Detailed information on www.worldfitness.lt
Registration and Contacts: info@worldfitness.lt
SHORT HISTORY OF METHODICAL SEMINARS.
First in the U.S.S.R. seminar for bodybuilding trainers was organized in 1986 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). «U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport» («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») sent a number of weightlifting specialists to Klaipeda where traditional “Amber Prix International” (“Gintartinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) was held at the same time. The Ministry named “Amber Prix International” as the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship” («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Weightlifting specialists read lectures and presented the “U.S.S.R. Trainer’s Certificates”. When Lithuania restored it’s Independence under support of the Lithuania Ministry of Sport the “National Lithuania Association of Bodybuilding” (L.N.K.A., Lietuvos nacionaline kulturizmo asociacija) was created in 1991. The Association started organizing annual bodybuilding and fitness trainer’s seminars. Since 2000 World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) started organizing trainers seminars instead of the Association. Needing more thorough teaching the “International Sport University” (I.S.U.) was created in Lithuania in 2015. Since that time I.S.U. is organizing International Trainer’s seminars in various countries. Since 2017 I.S.U. is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. at the U.N..
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY (I.S.U.)
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINER’S AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR
March 29, 2026, Klaipeda Green Park Hotel, Republic Lithuania
Detailed information on www.worldfitness.lt
Registration and Contacts: info@worldfitness.lt
SHORT HISTORY OF METHODICAL SEMINARS.
First in the U.S.S.R. seminar for bodybuilding trainers was organized in 1986 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). «U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport» («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») sent a number of weightlifting specialists to Klaipeda where traditional “Amber Prix International” (“Gintartinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) was held at the same time. The Ministry named “Amber Prix International” as the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship” («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Weightlifting specialists read lectures and presented the “U.S.S.R. Trainer’s Certificates”. When Lithuania restored it’s Independence under support of the Lithuania Ministry of Sport the “National Lithuania Association of Bodybuilding” (L.N.K.A., Lietuvos nacionaline kulturizmo asociacija) was created in 1991. The Association started organizing annual bodybuilding and fitness trainer’s seminars. Since 2000 World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) started organizing trainers seminars instead of the Association. Needing more thorough teaching the “International Sport University” (I.S.U.) was created in Lithuania in 2015. Since that time I.S.U. is organizing International Trainer’s seminars in various countries. Since 2017 I.S.U. is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. at the U.N..
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY (I.S.U.)
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINER’S AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR
March 29, 2026, Klaipeda Green Park Hotel, Republic Lithuania
Detailed information on www.worldfitness.lt
Registration and Contacts: info@worldfitness.lt
SHORT HISTORY OF METHODICAL SEMINARS.
First in the U.S.S.R. seminar for bodybuilding trainers was organized in 1986 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). «U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport» («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») sent a number of weightlifting specialists to Klaipeda where traditional “Amber Prix International” (“Gintartinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) was held at the same time. The Ministry named “Amber Prix International” as the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship” («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Weightlifting specialists read lectures and presented the “U.S.S.R. Trainer’s Certificates”. When Lithuania restored it’s Independence under support of the Lithuania Ministry of Sport the “National Lithuania Association of Bodybuilding” (L.N.K.A., Lietuvos nacionaline kulturizmo asociacija) was created in 1991. The Association started organizing annual bodybuilding and fitness trainer’s seminars. Since 2000 World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) started organizing trainers seminars instead of the Association. Needing more thorough teaching the “International Sport University” (I.S.U.) was created in Lithuania in 2015. Since that time I.S.U. is organizing International Trainer’s seminars in various countries. Since 2017 I.S.U. is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. at the U.N..
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY (I.S.U.)
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINER’S AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR
March 29, 2026, Klaipeda Green Park Hotel, Republic Lithuania
Detailed information on www.worldfitness.lt
Registration and Contacts: info@worldfitness.lt
SHORT HISTORY OF METHODICAL SEMINARS.
First in the U.S.S.R. seminar for bodybuilding trainers was organized in 1986 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). «U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport» («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») sent a number of weightlifting specialists to Klaipeda where traditional “Amber Prix International” (“Gintartinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) was held at the same time. The Ministry named “Amber Prix International” as the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship” («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Weightlifting specialists read lectures and presented the “U.S.S.R. Trainer’s Certificates”. When Lithuania restored it’s Independence under support of the Lithuania Ministry of Sport the “National Lithuania Association of Bodybuilding” (L.N.K.A., Lietuvos nacionaline kulturizmo asociacija) was created in 1991. The Association started organizing annual bodybuilding and fitness trainer’s seminars. Since 2000 World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) started organizing trainers seminars instead of the Association. Needing more thorough teaching the “International Sport University” (I.S.U.) was created in Lithuania in 2015. Since that time I.S.U. is organizing International Trainer’s seminars in various countries. Since 2017 I.S.U. is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. at the U.N..
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL SPORT UNIVERSITY (I.S.U.)
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINER’S AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR
International Sport University International seminar was held on March 29, 2026, in Conference hall of Klaipeda Green Park Hotel, Republic Lithuania. Participants of the seminar: Rector of the International Sport University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, Director of the administration UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARIENE, President of the Lithuania sport fitness federation (Lietuvos sportinio fitneso federacija) awarded for the social work with the International U.N.E.S.C.O. Organization Honour Diploma DARIUS DAUBARAS, Professor SVETLANA PUGACHEVA (профессор Светлана Пугачёва), Lecturer ALINA PELEPKO, Secretary RENATA PELEGRIMIENE and participants from Baltic countries.
Lectures were done by Professor SVETLANA PUGACHEVA and Lecturer ALINA PELEPKO.
SHORT HISTORY OF METHODICAL SEMINARS.
First in the U.S.S.R. seminar for bodybuilding trainers was organized in 1986 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). «U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport» («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») sent a number of weightlifting specialists to Klaipeda where traditional “Amber Prix International” (“Gintartinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) was held at the same time. The Ministry named “Amber Prix International” as the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship” («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Weightlifting specialists read lectures and presented the “U.S.S.R. Trainer’s Certificates”. When Lithuania restored it’s Independence under support of the Lithuania Ministry of Sport the “National Lithuania Association of Bodybuilding” (L.N.K.A., Lietuvos nacionaline kulturizmo asociacija) was created in 1991. The Association started organizing annual bodybuilding and fitness trainer’s seminars. Since 2000 World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) started organizing trainers seminars instead of the Association. Needing more thorough teaching the “International Sport University” (I.S.U.) was created in Lithuania in 2015. Since that time I.S.U. is organizing International Trainer’s seminars in various countries. Since 2017 I.S.U. is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. at the U.N..
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
2026 I.S.U. NEWS INTERNATIONAL.
INDIA PILATES INSTITUTE.
Everest Yoga and Pilates Institute extend a warm welcome. In March, 2026 on the occasion of presenting certificates to the graduates who completed the teaching course Professor LALIT KUMAR SONI visited the above mentioned organizations. The institute's significant future plans were discussed with it’s Director SAJEEEV TYAGI. Everest Yoga and Pilates Institute aims to work together with the associated International U.N.E.S.C.O. Organization member International Sport University (I.S.U.). In the nearest future Chairmen of the Institute plan to visit Republic Lithuania and meet with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
More information of International Site www.wff.lt
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINERS AND JUDGES SEMINAR IN KLAIPĖDA.
WE WILL DEVELOP NEW FITNESS CATEGORIES.
WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO TURN BODYBUILDING INTO NORMAL SPORT.
In preparation for the 37-th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–25, 2026, at the Neringa “Agila” Cultural Cultural Center, the WFF-WBBF World Federation together with the International Sport University will organize an International Trainers and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.
Participants of the seminar will be awarded corresponding international qualifications.
During the event, new fitness categories will be introduced, athlete evaluation criteria discussed, and important judging issues reviewed. The organizers emphasize their commitment to gradually returning to the classical understanding of bodybuilding based on aesthetics, symmetry, and professionalism.
Part of the seminar lectures and practical sessions are expected to be conducted by a unique guest professor — currently the world’s only old-school professional posing virtuoso.
Final details are now being coordinated, and the organizers expect the program to remain unchanged.
More information coming soon. Follow International Pages www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt
BEFORE THE 37TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP –
INTERNATIONAL COACHES AND REFEREES SEMINAR
• After welcoming 300 athletes in Klaipėda, we expect large number of participants in Nida.
• The October competition will last three days.
• The seminar will introduce completely new categories.
In preparation for the 37-th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–25, 2026, at the Neringa “Agila” Cultural Cultural Center, the WFF-WBBF World Federation together with the International Sport University will organize an International Trainers and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.
Participants of the seminar will be awarded corresponding international qualifications.
During the event, new fitness categories will be introduced, athlete evaluation criteria discussed, and important judging issues reviewed. The organizers emphasize their commitment to gradually returning to the classical understanding of bodybuilding based on aesthetics, symmetry, and professionalism.
Part of the seminar lectures and practical sessions are expected to be conducted by a unique guest professor — currently the world’s only old-school professional posing virtuoso.
Final details are now being coordinated, and the organizers expect the program to remain unchanged.
More information coming soon. Follow International Pages www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt
HONORARY DOCTORATE – DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA
The Highest International Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement
In June 2013, Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), paid an official visit to the city of Lviv, Ukraine.
Lviv, one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities, is renowned for its rich history, remarkable architectural heritage, and long-standing academic traditions. It was in this distinguished setting that an event of special significance took place—one recognizing Edmundas Daubaras' decades of international leadership and achievement.
Upon his arrival, the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. was officially welcomed by a delegation of the City of Lviv, which escorted him to the apartments of the prestigious Leopol Hotel.
The highlight of the visit was the solemn ceremony held at Lviv Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest institutions of higher education, whose origins date back to 1788. In recognition of more than three decades of outstanding international organizational, sporting, and public activity, the University's Academic Council conferred upon Edmundas Daubaras the honorary academic title of Doctor Honoris Causa (Doctor of Sciences, D.Sc.).
This distinction is among the highest academic honors awarded in recognition of exceptional contributions to society, international cooperation, science, sport, and culture.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives of the academic community from Ukraine and neighboring countries. Among them were Professor Dr. Yaroslav Kmit (Ярослав Кміт), Rector of Lviv Stavropigion University and Vice President of the International UNESCO Programs Implementation Center, as well as Professor Viktor Idzio (Віктор Ідзьо), Rector of Moscow University, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy, and Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Higher Education of Ukraine, together with many other prominent scholars.
The honorary doctorate awarded to Edmundas Daubaras represented far more than personal recognition. It became an international acknowledgment of the global W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. movement, to whose development and worldwide expansion he devoted a substantial part of his life. Over the years, the organization united dozens of countries, organized numerous international championships, and established close cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and governmental bodies throughout the world.
Conclusion
The conferral of the honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa upon Edmundas Daubaras marked an important international recognition of his lifelong work and achievements. This distinguished academic honor confirmed that his decades of dedication to the global development of fitness and bodybuilding, the promotion of international cooperation, and the strengthening of international sports organizations had earned recognition not only within the sporting world but also from the academic community. It remains one of the most significant acknowledgments of Edmundas Daubaras' contribution to the history of international sport.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF LONG-STANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
CONFERMENT OF THE U.N.E.S.C.O. AMBASSADOR OF PEACE TITLE
For many decades, the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation) has carried out extensive international activities that have attracted the attention and recognition of various international organizations. Through its initiatives promoting sport, healthy lifestyles, culture, and international cooperation, the Federation has made a significant contribution to strengthening international relations and promoting the name of Lithuania worldwide.
In September 2023, upon the nomination of Professor DSc. Yaroslav Kmit, Rector of the oldest Stavropigion University in Lviv, Ukraine, the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, was awarded the title of "U.N.E.S.C.O. Ambassador of Peace" (2023).
On the same occasion, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was presented with a commemorative medal featuring a star, symbolizing this international recognition and distinction.
The title was awarded in recognition of Dr. Daubaras' long-standing contribution to the development of international cooperation, the unification of sports organizations from different countries, and the promotion of peace, mutual respect, and humanistic values through sport.
Throughout its decades of activity, the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation has become one of the most active international sports organizations, bringing together representatives from dozens of countries. The Federation's championships, congresses, and international projects have contributed to strengthening sports diplomacy, expanding cultural cooperation, and fostering dialogue among nations.
CONCLUSION
The conferment of the "U.N.E.S.C.O. Ambassador of Peace" title upon Dr. Edmundas Daubaras represents a significant international recognition of his lifelong dedication and achievements. At the same time, it acknowledges the consistent efforts of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation in promoting international cooperation, the values of sport, and dialogue among nations. This distinction marks another important milestone in the Federation's history and reflects its growing authority and reputation within the international sports community.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINERS AND JUDGES SEMINAR IN KLAIPĖDA.
WE WILL DEVELOP NEW FITNESS CATEGORIES.
WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO TURN BODYBUILDING INTO NORMAL SPORT.
In preparation for the 37-th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–26, 2026, at the Neringa “Agila” Cultural Cultural Center, the WFF-WBBF World Federation together with the International Sport University will organize an International Trainers and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.
Participants of the seminar will be awarded corresponding international qualifications.
During the event, new fitness categories will be introduced, athlete evaluation criteria discussed, and important judging issues reviewed. The organizers emphasize their commitment to gradually returning to the classical understanding of bodybuilding based on aesthetics, symmetry, and professionalism.
Part of the seminar lectures and practical sessions are expected to be conducted by a unique guest professor — currently the world’s only old-school professional posing virtuoso.
Final details are now being coordinated, and the organizers expect the program to remain unchanged.
More information coming soon. Follow International Pages www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt
WFF-WBBF – New Times, New People, New Opportunities.
The World WFF-WBBF Federation is constantly moving forward. Sport is changing, and so are the people who are shaping its future.
We have written more than once about the innovations introduced by the WFF-WBBF Federation and its continuous commitment to progress. For three decades, the Federation has been searching for new solutions, experimenting with new ideas and improving its competitions in order to make international events increasingly attractive to both athletes and spectators.
Today, the results are clearly visible. In recent years, between 200 and 300 athletes from different countries around the world have taken part in WFF-WBBF international events. At the same time, a new generation of talented organizers, coaches and judges has become increasingly involved in the Federation's activities.
One of them is Alina Pelepko.
From Athlete to International Federation Official
Alina Pelepko, a coach from a sports club in Gargždai, joined the activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation several years ago. She did not enter the international sports scene as a newcomer – she had already gained valuable experience as an athlete.
Her sporting career began under the guidance of coach Aleksas Stankus. Alina competed in numerous events and soon achieved significant results. In 2003, she became the Champion of the Republic of Lithuania and the winner of the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in the Bikini category.
Her experience as an athlete, combined with the knowledge she gained and her passion for sport, naturally developed into a career as a coach and sports organizer.
The encouragement of the Federation's Secretary General, Ugnė Raudytė-Daubarienė, played an important role in the next stage of Alina's professional development.
Since 2024, Alina Pelepko has headed the Fitness Model and Bikini divisions of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.
Today, she not only holds responsible positions within the Federation, but is also actively involved in preparing athletes for international competitions. Alina coaches athletes from Lithuania and Latvia, gives lectures at seminars, conducts practical training sessions and shares her sporting and coaching experience.
The results of her work are already visible on the international stage – her athletes have achieved high placements at World and European Championships.
Important Events Ahead
The WFF-WBBF Federation continues to move forward, with a number of important events approaching.
The 37th WFF-WBBF World Championship in Nida is just around the corner. The championship will be held together with the 3rd Neringa Mayor's Cup at the prestigious “Agila” Cultural Centre in Nida.
On September 27, in Klaipėda, an international seminar for coaches and judges will take place on the eve of the events.
In May 2027, Klaipėda will host a special anniversary celebration – the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prix” tournament, one of the oldest competitions in our sport in the world.
This is yet another example of how the WFF-WBBF Federation continues its long-standing tradition while looking firmly toward the future.
A New Generation – The Future of the Federation
Alina Pelepko's story is a good example of how experience is passed from one generation to the next in sport. An athlete becomes a coach, a coach becomes involved in international activities, and the knowledge gained is passed on to a new generation of athletes.
These are precisely the people who are helping shape the future of the WFF-WBBF Federation today.
New times. New ideas. New talent. And the same determination to keep moving forward.
We wish Alina Pelepko continued success, strength and new victories – both on her personal journey and in developing a new generation of champions in Lithuania and on the international stage.
To move forward means not being afraid to change. The WFF-WBBF Federation has been doing exactly that for three decades.
More information is on international page www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL COACHES’ AND JUDGES’ SEMINAR IN KLAIPĖDA: THE ART OF POSING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
An international seminar for coaches and judges will take place in Klaipėda on September 27, focusing on one of the most important, yet increasingly underestimated, elements of bodybuilding – posing.
In preparation for the 37th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–26, 2026, at the “Agila” Cultural Centre in Neringa, the WFF-WBBF World Federation, together with the International Sport University, will organize an international coaches’ and judges’ seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.
The upcoming seminar is significant not only because of its international scope, but also because of its long-standing tradition. Coaches’ seminars in Klaipėda were first organized back in 1987, meaning that this year marks another chapter in a tradition that has continued for almost four decades.
Posing – More Than Just a Required Part of Competition
The main topic of this year’s seminar will be posing in competition – posing technique, stage presentation, aesthetics, and the importance of posing in the overall evaluation of an athlete.
According to the organizers, this subject is particularly relevant today. In their view, the standard of posing has declined considerably in recent years, while stage presentation has increasingly lost some of its aesthetic and artistic qualities.
In bodybuilding, an athlete’s physique must not only be displayed – it must be presented professionally. Posing allows athletes to demonstrate their proportions, symmetry, muscular development, posture, and overall aesthetic preparation. For this reason, the art of posing remains an essential part of high-level bodybuilding.
The seminar will therefore bring together highly experienced professionals who will share their knowledge and practical experience and address the question of how to improve posing standards and restore a greater sense of professionalism and aesthetics to stage presentation.
New Fitness Categories and Current Judging Issues
The seminar will cover much more than posing. Participants will also be introduced to new fitness categories, while important issues concerning athlete evaluation criteria and current judging practices will be discussed.
Particular attention will be given to ensuring that coaches and judges share a clear understanding of judging principles and are able to evaluate athletes objectively in terms of physical development, proportions, symmetry, aesthetics, and stage presentation.
Seminar participants will also have the opportunity to obtain the appropriate international coaches’ and judges’ qualifications, making the event an important platform for professional development and qualification improvement.
A Return to the Classical Concept of Bodybuilding
The purpose of the seminar goes beyond the professional development of judges and coaches. The organizers aim to strengthen the understanding of bodybuilding as a sport in which success is determined not only by physical development, but also by aesthetics, proportions, symmetry, elegance, stage presence, and professional presentation.
It is an effort to return to the classical concept of bodybuilding – one in which an athlete’s stage performance should be engaging and appealing not only to the judges, but also to the audience.
The September 27 seminar in Klaipėda will be an important step toward improving the qualifications of coaches and judges, developing athlete evaluation standards, and strengthening posing culture within international bodybuilding and fitness.
Further information about the seminar programme, lecturers, and participation requirements will be announced soon.
More information: www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt
World Sport History.
Honorary Doctorate for Polish Patron Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski.
In November 2026, immediately following the 37th WFF-WBBF World Championships in Nida, Lithuania, a ceremonial event will be held in Poland during which Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski, a long-standing friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, renowned Polish businessman, patron and public figure, will receive one of the highest academic distinctions – the title of Honorary Doctor. The ceremony will also be attended by the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.
A Long-standing Friendship and Partnership
Jurek Gotowski’s cooperation with the World WFF-WBBF Federation began in 2006. That year, he became one of the organisers of an international WFF-WBBF tournament in Bydgoszcz. However, his involvement did not end there.
Recognising the importance of international sports cooperation, J. Gotowski became actively involved in the Federation’s activities and soon emerged as one of its most important supporters in Poland.
His most significant contribution to WFF-WBBF activities was the organisation of the WFF-WBBF World Championships in Bydgoszcz in 2008. To this day, the event is regarded as one of the most impressive championships in the history of the Federation.
It was not only a top-level sporting competition, but also a major international event that attracted considerable attention in Europe and beyond.
An Impressive World Championship in Bydgoszcz
The World Championships were held at the prestigious “Łuczniczka” Sports Hall. Bydgoszcz was decorated with Federation symbols, exceptional conditions were provided for athletes and guests, and unique crystal medals were presented to the winners.
The high standard of organisation became an example for many international WFF-WBBF championships that followed.
Particular attention was devoted to promoting the event and strengthening its international prestige. As many as eight international press conferences were held before and after the World Championships.
Official meetings were also held at Bydgoszcz City Hall with the then Mayor Konstanty Dombrowicz and Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd.
On the occasion of the World Championships, Poland’s then Minister of Sport, Zbigniew Pacelt, hosted an official reception for the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw. This was a significant sign of the Federation’s international recognition at the governmental level.
Contribution to Lithuanian-Polish Cooperation
In 2008, Jurek Gotowski also financed the participation of a large Polish national delegation in the 40th International “Amber Prize” Tournament in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The delegation was led by Bydgoszcz Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd. During the visit, cooperation projects between Bydgoszcz and Klaipėda were presented and discussed with Viačeslav Karmanov, then Director of the Administration of Klaipėda City Municipality.
In this way, sporting cooperation developed into broader ties between Lithuanian and Polish cities, encompassing sport, culture and public cooperation.
Recognition of His Merits
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international activities of WFF-WBBF, in 2009 Federation President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras presented Jurek Gotowski with the International Honorary Gold Medal.
This distinction added to J. Gotowski’s extensive collection of state and public awards received for his services to the Republic of Poland.
A Loyal Friend of the Federation
For nearly two decades, Jurek Gotowski has remained a loyal friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. He continues to support Federation events in Poland, attends major Federation celebrations as an honorary guest and contributes through his activities to the strengthening of international sports cooperation.
True patronage is measured not only by financial support. It is demonstrated through a long-term commitment to people, ideas and shared values.
Jurek Gotowski’s longstanding activities represent precisely such an example of patronage and international friendship.
The awarding of the Honorary Doctor title in Poland in November 2026 will become another significant recognition of his longstanding work and outstanding contribution.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND TRAINERS SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA.
WHEN BODYBUILDING BECAME JUST ABOUT MUSCLES: WHERE DID THE ART OF POSING GO?
Bodybuilding was once about much more than displaying muscles. It was about the stage, music, movement, artistry, and the ability to turn one’s physique into a true stage performance. Today, much of that has disappeared. Has bodybuilding become too simplistic?
This question will be discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda, Lithuania, at an international seminar for coaches and judges, organized by the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU).
One of the main topics of the seminar will be the art of posing, its importance in competition, new categories and judging principles, as well as the future development of bodybuilding.
There Was a Time When Muscles Alone Were Not Enough
There was a period in bodybuilding history when an athlete had to be more than physically well prepared. He had to know how to present his physique.
In 1987, during the establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation, a series of specialized seminars was organized. One of them was conducted by Vitalijus Asovskis, then head of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.
Together with Česlavas Tamulevičius, the founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, and drawing on their practical experience and years of work with athletes, he developed a classification of the main bodybuilding poses.
This was not merely technical work. Posing was understood as a special language through which an athlete told the story of his physique on stage.
On Stage, It Was Not Enough to Be Strong — You Had to Know How to Show It
At that time, the free posing routine played a particularly important role.
An athlete did not simply perform the mandatory poses. He created his own performance: choosing the music, arranging the sequence of poses, transitions and movements, and creating a complete stage presentation.
Judges evaluated the overall impression of the routine, artistry, stage presence, musicality, posing technique and the athlete’s ability to move smoothly from one pose to another.
This forced athletes to develop far beyond the gym.
Lifting weights alone was not enough to become a stage virtuoso. Athletes had to learn how to control their bodies, understand music, use the stage, connect with the audience and present themselves to the judges.
Anyone can lift a barbell. Far fewer can command a stage.
As a result, there were occasions when a physically outstanding athlete lost to a competitor who was better able to present his physique on stage.
This judging philosophy encouraged bodybuilders to work harder and develop not only their physiques, but also their stagecraft.
The Vilnius School Created Not Only Physiques, but Stage Art
Specialists of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding carefully studied the experience of other sports. They analyzed routines from artistic gymnastics and figure skating, examining their structure, artistry, musicality and judging principles.
This experience was then adapted to bodybuilding.
As a result, Lithuania produced an entire generation of athletes for whom the stage was just as important as the training hall.
Among them were Pranas Murauskas, Jevgenijus Gorelikas, Jevgenijus Žurcevas, Rišardas Krinickis, Vytautas Pleckevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Vladas Kapcevičius, Viačeslavas Chleborodovas and many other athletes of that era.
Their performances were not simply demonstrations of poses.
They were performances.
What Happened to Bodybuilding Today?
Today, free posing routines are no longer evaluated in many bodybuilding competitions.
And this creates one of the fundamental problems.
If posing skill has no impact on the final result, why should an athlete spend hundreds of hours developing it?
Perfecting posing requires time. It requires coaching, specialized knowledge, stage experience, musical awareness and countless rehearsals.
As a result, athletes naturally focus on the elements that directly influence their competitive results.
The result is increasing uniformity.
The same movements. The same poses. The same stage solutions.
The athlete walks onto the stage, displays his physique and walks off.
But where has the individuality gone? Where is the personality of the performance? Where is the moment when spectators are waiting not only to see what kind of physique an athlete has brought to the competition, but how he will present it?
Is Bodybuilding Losing Its Stage Identity?
Bodybuilding has always been unique because it brought together sport and stage performance.
Muscle was only one part of the equation.
The other was the ability to present it.
When the artistic component disappears from the judging system, competitions become increasingly uniform. And the more uniform they become, the fewer reasons spectators have to look forward to the next athlete’s performance.
Perhaps this is why it is time to look again at something that was once considered an essential part of bodybuilding.
2027 Could Become a Year of Change
The WFF-WBBF Federation has announced plans to reintroduce the evaluation of free posing routines for professional bodybuilders starting in 2027.
This would represent an attempt to bring back an element that once encouraged athletes to become not only physically powerful, but also true stage performers.
Will this change bodybuilding?
The answer will depend on how the judging criteria are formulated and how the idea is received by athletes, coaches and judges.
But one thing is clear:
Bodybuilding cannot be reduced to a display of muscles.
An athlete on stage should not simply stand there.
He should perform.
This will be one of the key subjects discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda at the International Seminar for Coaches and Judges.
Perhaps it is time to remember that bodybuilding does not begin when an athlete steps onto the stage.
It begins when an athlete learns how to tell the story of his physique on stage.
More information about the seminar: www.worldfitness.lt
INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND TRAINERS SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA.
WHEN BODYBUILDING BECAME JUST ABOUT MUSCLES: WHERE DID THE ART OF POSING GO?
Bodybuilding was once about much more than displaying muscles. It was about the stage, music, movement, artistry, and the ability to turn one’s physique into a true stage performance. Today, much of that has disappeared. Has bodybuilding become too simplistic?
This question will be discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda, Lithuania, at an international seminar for coaches and judges, organized by the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU).
One of the main topics of the seminar will be the art of posing, its importance in competition, new categories and judging principles, as well as the future development of bodybuilding.
There Was a Time When Muscles Alone Were Not Enough
There was a period in bodybuilding history when an athlete had to be more than physically well prepared. He had to know how to present his physique.
In 1987, during the establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation, a series of specialized seminars was organized. One of them was conducted by Vitalijus Asovskis, then head of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.
Together with Česlavas Tamulevičius, the founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, and drawing on their practical experience and years of work with athletes, he developed a classification of the main bodybuilding poses.
This was not merely technical work. Posing was understood as a special language through which an athlete told the story of his physique on stage.
On Stage, It Was Not Enough to Be Strong — You Had to Know How to Show It
At that time, the free posing routine played a particularly important role.
An athlete did not simply perform the mandatory poses. He created his own performance: choosing the music, arranging the sequence of poses, transitions and movements, and creating a complete stage presentation.
Judges evaluated the overall impression of the routine, artistry, stage presence, musicality, posing technique and the athlete’s ability to move smoothly from one pose to another.
This forced athletes to develop far beyond the gym.
Lifting weights alone was not enough to become a stage virtuoso. Athletes had to learn how to control their bodies, understand music, use the stage, connect with the audience and present themselves to the judges.
Anyone can lift a barbell. Far fewer can command a stage.
As a result, there were occasions when a physically outstanding athlete lost to a competitor who was better able to present his physique on stage.
This judging philosophy encouraged bodybuilders to work harder and develop not only their physiques, but also their stagecraft.
The Vilnius School Created Not Only Physiques, but Stage Art
Specialists of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding carefully studied the experience of other sports. They analyzed routines from artistic gymnastics and figure skating, examining their structure, artistry, musicality and judging principles.
This experience was then adapted to bodybuilding.
As a result, Lithuania produced an entire generation of athletes for whom the stage was just as important as the training hall.
Among them were Pranas Murauskas, Jevgenijus Gorelikas, Jevgenijus Žurcevas, Rišardas Krinickis, Vytautas Pleckevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Vladas Kapcevičius, Viačeslavas Chleborodovas and many other athletes of that era.
Their performances were not simply demonstrations of poses.
They were performances.
What Happened to Bodybuilding Today?
Today, free posing routines are no longer evaluated in many bodybuilding competitions.
And this creates one of the fundamental problems.
If posing skill has no impact on the final result, why should an athlete spend hundreds of hours developing it?
Perfecting posing requires time. It requires coaching, specialized knowledge, stage experience, musical awareness and countless rehearsals.
As a result, athletes naturally focus on the elements that directly influence their competitive results.
The result is increasing uniformity.
The same movements. The same poses. The same stage solutions.
The athlete walks onto the stage, displays his physique and walks off.
But where has the individuality gone? Where is the personality of the performance? Where is the moment when spectators are waiting not only to see what kind of physique an athlete has brought to the competition, but how he will present it?
Is Bodybuilding Losing Its Stage Identity?
Bodybuilding has always been unique because it brought together sport and stage performance.
Muscle was only one part of the equation.
The other was the ability to present it.
When the artistic component disappears from the judging system, competitions become increasingly uniform. And the more uniform they become, the fewer reasons spectators have to look forward to the next athlete’s performance.
Perhaps this is why it is time to look again at something that was once considered an essential part of bodybuilding.
2027 Could Become a Year of Change
The WFF-WBBF Federation has announced plans to reintroduce the evaluation of free posing routines for professional bodybuilders starting in 2027.
This would represent an attempt to bring back an element that once encouraged athletes to become not only physically powerful, but also true stage performers.
Will this change bodybuilding?
The answer will depend on how the judging criteria are formulated and how the idea is received by athletes, coaches and judges.
But one thing is clear:
Bodybuilding cannot be reduced to a display of muscles.
An athlete on stage should not simply stand there.
He should perform.
This will be one of the key subjects discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda at the International Seminar for Coaches and Judges.
Perhaps it is time to remember that bodybuilding does not begin when an athlete steps onto the stage.
It begins when an athlete learns how to tell the story of his physique on stage.
More information about the seminar: www.worldfitness.lt
INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND TRAINERS SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA.
WHEN BODYBUILDING BECAME JUST ABOUT MUSCLES: WHERE DID THE ART OF POSING GO?
Bodybuilding was once about much more than displaying muscles. It was about the stage, music, movement, artistry, and the ability to turn one’s physique into a true stage performance. Today, much of that has disappeared. Has bodybuilding become too simplistic?
This question will be discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda, Lithuania, at an international seminar for coaches and judges, organized by the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU).
One of the main topics of the seminar will be the art of posing, its importance in competition, new categories and judging principles, as well as the future development of bodybuilding.
There Was a Time When Muscles Alone Were Not Enough
There was a period in bodybuilding history when an athlete had to be more than physically well prepared. He had to know how to present his physique.
In 1987, during the establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation, a series of specialized seminars was organized. One of them was conducted by Vitalijus Asovskis, then head of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.
Together with Česlavas Tamulevičius, the founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, and drawing on their practical experience and years of work with athletes, he developed a classification of the main bodybuilding poses.
This was not merely technical work. Posing was understood as a special language through which an athlete told the story of his physique on stage.
On Stage, It Was Not Enough to Be Strong — You Had to Know How to Show It
At that time, the free posing routine played a particularly important role.
An athlete did not simply perform the mandatory poses. He created his own performance: choosing the music, arranging the sequence of poses, transitions and movements, and creating a complete stage presentation.
Judges evaluated the overall impression of the routine, artistry, stage presence, musicality, posing technique and the athlete’s ability to move smoothly from one pose to another.
This forced athletes to develop far beyond the gym.
Lifting weights alone was not enough to become a stage virtuoso. Athletes had to learn how to control their bodies, understand music, use the stage, connect with the audience and present themselves to the judges.
Anyone can lift a barbell. Far fewer can command a stage.
As a result, there were occasions when a physically outstanding athlete lost to a competitor who was better able to present his physique on stage.
This judging philosophy encouraged bodybuilders to work harder and develop not only their physiques, but also their stagecraft.
The Vilnius School Created Not Only Physiques, but Stage Art
Specialists of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding carefully studied the experience of other sports. They analyzed routines from artistic gymnastics and figure skating, examining their structure, artistry, musicality and judging principles.
This experience was then adapted to bodybuilding.
As a result, Lithuania produced an entire generation of athletes for whom the stage was just as important as the training hall.
Among them were Pranas Murauskas, Jevgenijus Gorelikas, Jevgenijus Žurcevas, Rišardas Krinickis, Vytautas Pleckevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Vladas Kapcevičius, Viačeslavas Chleborodovas and many other athletes of that era.
Their performances were not simply demonstrations of poses.
They were performances.
What Happened to Bodybuilding Today?
Today, free posing routines are no longer evaluated in many bodybuilding competitions.
And this creates one of the fundamental problems.
If posing skill has no impact on the final result, why should an athlete spend hundreds of hours developing it?
Perfecting posing requires time. It requires coaching, specialized knowledge, stage experience, musical awareness and countless rehearsals.
As a result, athletes naturally focus on the elements that directly influence their competitive results.
The result is increasing uniformity.
The same movements. The same poses. The same stage solutions.
The athlete walks onto the stage, displays his physique and walks off.
But where has the individuality gone? Where is the personality of the performance? Where is the moment when spectators are waiting not only to see what kind of physique an athlete has brought to the competition, but how he will present it?
Is Bodybuilding Losing Its Stage Identity?
Bodybuilding has always been unique because it brought together sport and stage performance.
Muscle was only one part of the equation.
The other was the ability to present it.
When the artistic component disappears from the judging system, competitions become increasingly uniform. And the more uniform they become, the fewer reasons spectators have to look forward to the next athlete’s performance.
Perhaps this is why it is time to look again at something that was once considered an essential part of bodybuilding.
2027 Could Become a Year of Change
The WFF-WBBF Federation has announced plans to reintroduce the evaluation of free posing routines for professional bodybuilders starting in 2027.
This would represent an attempt to bring back an element that once encouraged athletes to become not only physically powerful, but also true stage performers.
Will this change bodybuilding?
The answer will depend on how the judging criteria are formulated and how the idea is received by athletes, coaches and judges.
But one thing is clear:
Bodybuilding cannot be reduced to a display of muscles.
An athlete on stage should not simply stand there.
He should perform.
This will be one of the key subjects discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda at the International Seminar for Coaches and Judges.
Perhaps it is time to remember that bodybuilding does not begin when an athlete steps onto the stage.
It begins when an athlete learns how to tell the story of his physique on stage.
More information about the seminar: www.worldfitness.lt
WFF-WBBF International since 1968
Trainer‘s and Coaches seminar since 1986
September 27, 2026, Klaipeda, Lithuania
Official information: www.wff.lt; www.worldfitness.lt
