The team, formerly based at Blue Tree Phuket until the end of last year and then without a base for while, finally opened their brand new dojo studio in the Manik area of Thalang last month to enable them to focus once again on a disciplined and coherent training strategy as they continue their impressive exploits.
Most recently was the Malaysia International Judo Open at the Kluang Sports Hub in Johor between Oct 16-19 where the team amassed 11 medals and the trophy for ‘Best Kids Team’ in the 6-13 age bracket, up against 23 other competing teams.
In the 6-13 age group Lea, Damir, Max, Gleb and Sagit all performed to their maximum potential to each grab gold medals, while Danil, Timur and Dima won silver and Andrei bagged a bronze.
It was an especially memorable occasion for Gleb who won the top medal in his first ever competition while also earning his orange belt with one green stripe for his outstanding performance, while for Lea it meant her 22nd title at the age of only six and a half.
Further belt promotions were awarded to Max, who earned his green belt with one blue stripe for his outstanding performance, and Timur, who earned his orange belt
Meanwhile, David won a gold medal in the 13–14 age group, bronze in the 15–16 age group, while also finishing an admirable fifth overall in the 17–18 age group to cap a hugely successful overall team performance.
Knock-out
Prior to this the team were in Beijing on the weekend of Oct 3-4 for the China International Judo Open, once again delivering a knock-out performance.
Gold medals were won by Alex, Lea, Max and lead instructor Alexis Plantard, while Damir secured silver and both Leo and David came in just fifth respectively just under medal classification.
Lea was also awarded the trophy for Best Female Fighter of the competition to add to her collection of similar titles from the USA and Singapore Judo Open tournaments as well as the Thailand National Judo and Jujitsu Championships, proving she is currently one of the hottest emerging young talents globally in the sport.
However, arguably the most impressive achievement in the Chinese capital was winning the third-place bronze trophy in the overall team contest, given the number and technical ability of so many other teams participating.
Breathtaking
Previously, the team were in action at the Bhutan International Judo Open at what is likely the highest judo competition on Earth, held at a breathtaking 4,000 meters above sea level in the Himalayas.
The Aug 23-24 tournament attracted hundreds of top-class athletes from the likes of Japan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Russia, France and Bhutan who showcased outstanding performances in a truly unqiue setting.
Dojo Phuket team captain David led by example to claim gold, while Lea competed fiercely in the under-10 mixed-gender division to secure silver after losing out in the final to a male opponent three years her senior, while 11-year-old Max also stepped up in age group to secure silver in the under-14 division.
Before that, on the weekend of Aug 9-10, the team competed at the Thailand Judo Cup in Samuth Sakhon where they won an incredible 14 medals and two trophies of distinction.
Meera led the charge with two golds, Leo, Mayel and David all claimed one gold and one silver respectively, while Lea won a gold and a bronze, Ashia claimed silver and bronze and Max scored two bronze.
Additionally, Alexis won a trophy for best coach while his daughter Lea won a trophy for best fighter.
Idyllic
The team’s exploits on the road came after it was confirmed their new dojo facility in Manik had been finalised and officially opened.
“It is in an idyllic spot near the lake and we are surrounded by mountains, forest and nature,” Alexis told The Phuket News.
“No traffic, no noise, no pollution – just the sound of birds and crickets. It’s a peaceful and inspiring place and the perfect space to train and develop future champions and Olympians.”
The new facility is 400m², making it the largest private judo dojo in Thailand, while there is also a 200m² gym/CrossFit area and a spacious 4,400m² garden.
Close to 100 people attended the official opening in mid-September and the goal is to have 100 children enrolled as students at the facility within the next 12 months, Alexis explained.
“There is also an exciting addition to our team,” the Frenchman told us. “A new assistant coach who is an Olympian and five-time world champion will be joining us around Christmas time. I can’t reveal specific details just yet but watch this space!
“Good things are happening here at the Dojo Phuket and we genuinely believe the sky is the limit,” Alexis concluded.
For more details including how to get involved please visit the Dojo Phuket Facebook page.