Japan funds dojo construction
THE Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ) has received US$73 498 from the Embassy of Japan for the construction of a dojo at the National Sports Stadium.
The dojo, which will be the first of its kind in Zimbabwe and an important milestone in the history of Judo in the country, will be constructed through funding from the Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects of the Japanese Government.
Speaking at the grant signing ceremony in Harare on Tuesday, Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe Shinichi Yamanaka said that once constructed, the dojo will be possible for judoka to hold specialised judo training and host official competitions in the new facility.
“I am sure that everyone here present would like to see Zimbabwean judoka perform well at international competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic games,” he said.
“I hope the dojo will also help to grow the sport of judo in Zimbabwe. As you all know, judo is much more than the mere learning and application of combat techniques it teaches politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, respect, self-control, and friendship.
“Judo also helps to build bridges of friendship between Zimbabwe and Japan. Through judo, people can learn Japanese culture and language, by learning judo etiquette, rules, greetings, and terminology.”
Ambassador Yamanaka said they will organise an annual Japanese Ambassador’s Judo Tournament with matches for young children to adults.
“Now we are actually at the starting line, and the hard work starts from here. I hope that you will all continue with your dedication so that within one year, we can gather at the National Sports Stadium to open the new, beautiful dojo,” he said.
JAZ president Smart Deke said the remarkable initiative will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone in the advancement of judo in Zimbabwe.
Mr Deke said Japan’s unwavering commitment to fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange through sport was commendable.
“Your investment in our judo community not only demonstrates a deep understanding of the transformative power of sport but also reflects a shared vision for nurturing talent and promoting unity,” he said.
“The establishment of this high-performance centre is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of collaboration and partnership. It will serve as a hub for excellence, providing our athletes with the necessary resources and facilities to excel on the international stage.
“More importantly, it will serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring judokas across Zimbabwe, offering them a platform to pursue their dreams and aspirations. I would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, particularly Minister Kirsty Coventry, for her unwavering support and vision for the development of judo in our country.”