Alexis is a serial medal winner at international level competition in judo, jiu-jitsu and various forms of wrestling who decided to share his love of these sports by teaching students at the Cherng Talay-based Dojo.
Starting with one solitary student in 2020, and battling through the travails of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexis has since trained hundreds of students ranging in age from three to over 60. He now has a lean, mean team of 30 pupils, many in the younger age bracket, who have consistently dazzled at numerous national and international competitions.
For proof, one only need cast an eye at the Dojo’s trophy cabinet, which glitters with gold, silver and bronze medals and cups galore. The team have been regular trailblazers, winning titles and best team accolades at international competitions in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Bhutan, Indonesia, France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, as well as being awarded “Best Children’s Judo Team” in Thailand this year and last year. Seriously impressive.
Most recently the team won 10 medals (six gold, two silver and two bronze) at the 13th Lao Judo Championship last weekend of Oct 26-27 in Vientiane, Laos. Finishing in the top five teams overall, they also won the best children’s team trophy, while young student Tomo won the best fighter award.
‘CAMARADERIE’
However, despite their impressive haul of silverware by collectively overcoming so many obstacles on the competition mat, Alexis and his team are now facing their biggest challenge yet as it has recently been confirmed the Blue Tree-sponsored Dojo facility is being forced to close on Jan 1, 2025.
In an official statement on June 22 this year, Blue Tree announced it was “parting ways with over 70% of our current team” following a “thorough evaluation of our operational model and an unwavering commitment to meet evolving guest preferences.”
The Blue Tree Lagoon water park was the most prominent casualty, officially closing its doors on Aug 1, but several other businesses have also been impacted. The Dojo, which received funding support as a lifestyle provider at the park, is one such example.
It means Alexis and his students face the daunting reality of effectively being homeless and unable to engage in their daily martial arts training routine.
“Obviously, having no location in which to train is the main issue,” Alexis explained. “However, we have already committed to numerous competitions next year, in the United States, Australia and Europe. Flight tickets have already been purchased and arrangements for accommodation confirmed which cannot be reversed. To not be able to train effectively as a team before such competitions will seriously undermine us.”
It leaves Alexis in a quandary. Talk to the man for just a minute and his passion for martial arts is clear – talk to him for a minute more and his passion for teaching is even more evident.
“What we have built here over the years is tremendous,” he explained to The Phuket News recently. “Our current team is incredibly special and I am so extremely proud of them. The camaraderie between the team is second to none – we truly are one big happy family.”
LIFE VALUES
Alexis is keen to stay in the Cherng Talay area, preferably in or near to the current Blue Tree location, as he does not want to inconvenience his existing pupils and their families, or even worse, lose them altogether.
“At our current location in Blue Tree there are 15 international schools within a five to 20-minute radius, accommodating more than 5,000 students. It is the perfect catchment area,” he explains.
“The plan is to construct a new 400 square metre facility that will include dedicated fighting areas. This expansion will allow us to accommodate over 200 judokas regularly over the next two years and enable us to host championships frequently, further nurturing the judo community in southern Thailand.”
In an effort to secure this and keep his Dojo alive Alexis is seeking help from local businesses or individuals who may be willing to act as sponsors by lending financial support. He has compiled a complete overview on the specifications and related costs of a suitable facility that would enable him and the team to continue their quest to become one of the most established Dojos not only locally but nationally and internationally.
The Phuket News has covered the progress of the Dojo at Blue Tree for several years and there is little doubt as to the role it plays in the local community as a safe space for children to not only undertake physical activity and learn martial arts but to simultaneously be taught and understand fundamental life values that sports like judo teach.
“Judo transcends mere combat techniques,” explains Alexis. “It instills values such as politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship. It’s contribution to the fabric of the local community cannot be underestimated.”
Alexis is now hoping that help can be secured and the marvellous journey he is taking his students on can continue for many years to come.