In a gymnasium usually reserved for throws and pins, the unmistakable croon of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” recently filled the air. The unlikely setting? A charity judo gala in Varese, where the Crans-Montana youth team traded their gis for tuxedo jackets to perform alongside a live jazz orchestra — a fusion of sport and music that’s captivating this Alpine border region.

The event, titled “Le Note di Sinatra per i Ragazzi di Crans-Montana” (Sinatra’s Notes for Crans-Montana’s Youth), was organized by local broadcaster Rete55 and held at the historic Teatro Apollonio. What began as a fundraiser for the team’s upcoming European Judo Union (EJU) circuit has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, blending the discipline of judo with the improvisational spirit of jazz — and drawing unexpected parallels between the two.

The Unlikely Collaboration

The Crans-Montana Judo Club, based in the Swiss ski resort town just 30 miles from Varese, has long been a powerhouse in youth judo. The team’s 18 athletes, aged 14–18, have dominated regional tournaments this season, with five members ranked in the top 10 of their respective EJU weight classes. But their recent performance at Teatro Apollonio showcased a different kind of agility.

“Judo is about rhythm — knowing when to attack, when to yield,” said head coach Luca Moretti, a former Swiss national team member. “Jazz is the same. You listen, you react, you flow. The kids didn’t just sing; they performed with the same focus they bring to the tatami.”

The gala featured 12 Sinatra standards, with the judo team providing vocals and percussion (using their obi belts as makeshift drum straps). The live band, composed of Varese Conservatory musicians, adapted their arrangements to match the athletes’ breathing patterns — a nod to judo’s emphasis on controlled respiration. The result was a performance that earned a standing ovation from the 450-person audience, including officials from the Italian Judo Federation (FIJLKAM) and the Swiss Judo Federation.

Why Sinatra? Why Now?

The choice of Sinatra wasn’t arbitrary. The legendary singer’s ties to Italy (his parents hailed from Sicily) and his association with precision and cool under pressure made him an ideal muse for a judo team. But the deeper connection lies in the event’s timing.

Crans-Montana’s judo program has faced funding cuts in recent years, with travel costs to EJU tournaments in Eastern Europe straining the club’s budget. The gala raised €22,000 — enough to cover flights and lodging for the team’s next three competitions, including the European Cup Cadets in Prague (May 16–18).

“This wasn’t just about money,” said Rete55 producer Elena Bianchi. “It was about showing these kids that their sport is part of something bigger — a tradition, a culture. Sinatra’s music, like judo, is about respect: for your opponent, for the moment, for the craft.”

The Judo-Jazz Connection

For outsiders, the fusion of judo and jazz might seem forced. But practitioners of both disciplines notice natural overlaps:

• Improvisation: Jazz musicians and judoka both rely on split-second decisions. A saxophonist’s solo and a judoka’s tokui-waza (favorite technique) are both products of instinct honed by repetition.
• Balance: Jazz harmony and judo’s kuzushi (breaking balance) require an understanding of weight distribution, and timing.
• Respect: Both art forms demand reverence for the process. In judo, bowing to your opponent; in jazz, acknowledging the musicians who came before you.

The team’s standout performer, 16-year-old Marta Rossi (reigning Swiss U18 champion at -52kg), drew particular praise for her rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight.” Rossi, who trains six days a week, admitted the performance was more nerve-wracking than a tournament. “On the mat, I know what to expect. But singing? That was recent. I had to trust my teammates, just like in a match.”

What’s Next for Crans-Montana

The gala’s success has sparked conversations about integrating arts into sports training. The Swiss Judo Federation has invited the team to perform at the 2026 Swiss National Championships in Lausanne, where they’ll open the event with a shortened set.

On the competition front, the team’s next challenge is the European Cup Cadets in Prague. Rossi and her teammates will face stiff competition from France’s INSEP academy and Russia’s Sambo-70 program — two of the continent’s most dominant youth judo pipelines. Coach Moretti is optimistic: “The gala reminded us that judo isn’t just about winning medals. It’s about connection. That’s a lesson we’ll take into every match.”

Key Takeaways

• Fundraising with Flair: The gala raised €22,000 for Crans-Montana’s judo program, securing travel funds for three upcoming EJU tournaments.
• Cultural Fusion: The event highlighted parallels between judo and jazz, from improvisation to respect for tradition.
• Youth Development: Athletes like Marta Rossi demonstrated how arts integration can build confidence and teamwork beyond the mat.
• Regional Impact: The collaboration between Varese and Crans-Montana strengthened cross-border ties in a region often divided by national boundaries.
• Next Steps: The team will perform at the Swiss National Championships in June before competing in Prague (May 16–18).

How to Follow

For updates on Crans-Montana’s judo team and future cultural events:

• Official team website: judocransmontana.ch
• Rete55’s coverage: rete55.ch/sport
• EJU tournament schedule: eju.net

Have you seen sports and arts collide in unexpected ways? Share your stories in the comments or tag us @archysport.