Vanuatu Judo Federation has opened a new training dojo in Port Vila, providing local judokas with a permanent facility to train and develop the sport.

The new Dojo Ted Drew facility was officially opened last weekend, marking a major milestone for the federation after it was forced to leave its former training location at Ex-FOL following the 2024 earthquake.

For more than one and a half years, Vanuatu Judo continued its programmes from a small facility in Pango, where athletes maintained their training despite limited conditions.

The new dojo was made possible through support from the Japanese and French Embassies in Port Vila, providing Vanuatu judokas with a safer, modern, and more resilient training environment.

President of the Vanuatu Judo Federation, Nicolas Monvoisan, said the opening was an emotional moment for the federation as it represents a new generation of athletes.

“It’s an emotional moment for all of us because I’m the second generation judoka here, we’re having our third generation judokas, and for the first time ever in our history we’re able to have a proper facility. For that, I really want to thank everyone that came in to help us.”

Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, His Excellency Okuda Naohisa, highlighted Japan’s ongoing support for sports development through its assistance programmes.

“Part of Japan’s development assistance supports cultural objectives, sports, higher education and facilities in developing countries. Since its establishment in 1975, the programme has supported projects including Japanese language education, Japan studies at universities and the promotion of sports like this.”

French Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangene Vilmer said the new dojo represents the partnership between Japan, France, and Vanuatu.

“The Dojo is now yours. It will provide a safe, modern, resilient and environmentally sustainable place to train, learn and progress. This project reflects the partnership between Japan, the birthplace of judo, France which has become its other great home, and Vanuatu whose judokas represent their country with pride.”

The facility was built with support from both governments, including a full solar system funded through the partnership.

President of VASANOC Antoine Boudier encouraged athletes to respect and take care of the new facility.

“We are not just opening a sports facility, we are opening a place of discipline, respect, preservation and opportunities — a place where young people can develop not only as athletes but also as responsible, resilient and confident members of society.”

The opening ceremony included a ribbon cutting by the two ambassadors, VASANOC President, and Vanuatu Judo Federation President, followed by a judo demonstration.

Training programmes at the new dojo are expected to begin this week.