Ivica originally started Judo in New Zealand, and went on to represent his country, nationally and internationally, winning multiple National and Oceania titles. He had a top 16 finish at the 2013 World Championships, competed for New Zealand at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and was on the edge of competing in the Olympic games twice, in both London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Ivica is the current coach of the NSW Judo Team, Cadet Coach for the Australian Team and still finds time to coach grassroots level Judo at UNSW Judo Club, in Sydney Australia.