The project has come a long way since its inception in 2020, successfully navigating the COVID era and a brief period of being without a training base, to establish themselves as one of the leading, and most successful, Dojos in the region.
To illustrate the point, the team started the new year much in the same way they concluded the last by once again being amongst the podium finishers and medal winners at international competition level.
The team’s most recent exploits saw them win a total of eight medals at the Philippines International Judo Open in Manila on Jan 10, consisting of two golds, two silvers and four bronze.
Proving herself once again as one the finest emerging young talents in regional combats sports, six-year-old Lea won gold in the Philippines’ capital city to take her tally of tournament wins to a staggering 24 in just 11 months.
This time she dominated every opponent she faced across three challenging contests, winning one match in just 3.5 seconds. Her fearless form was illustrated by the fact she was awarded ippon (the highest possible score) in each contest she won.
Having won the accolade of Best Female Fighter at international judo competitions in China, the USA and Singapore last year, in addition to similar titles at the Thailand National Judo and Jiu Jitsu Championships, Lea’s talent is clear for all to see and the future in the sportis extremely bright.
Reliable
The other gold medal winner for the Dojo Phuket team was claimed by newcomer Dominykas, who triumphed in the under 66kg youth category. Adding to his previous gold medal won at the Riga European Cup 2025 in Lithuania last year, Dominykas is clearly one to watch as the year progresses.
Meanwhile, ever reliable team captain David fought hard across four gruelling contests to claim a silver in Manila, as did Shane who performed with astute speed, technique and intelligence to secure his runner-up spot.
Bronze medals were won by Leo, Evgenii, Daniil (who also qualified for his green belt) and newcomer Iroslav, who, competing in his first ever judo tournament, fought like a lion to secure an impressive three wins from four matches.
Fellow team members Mayel, Sagit and Domantas just missed out on podium finishes but still fought impressively and will no doubt be among the medal winners in future competitions.
“Overall it was an excellent team performance to start 2026 and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved,” Alexis told The Phuket News. “We start as we mean to go on and I am extremely excited about what is to come in the year ahead.”
Memorable
The success in Manila came after a similarly impressive performance by the team at the Indonesia International Judo Open, which ran across the weekend of Dec 13-14 last year in Jakarta.
Eight medals overall were won, comprising three gold and five bronze, with the club also awarded a special trophy for best ranking in the children’s division.
It was an especially memorable day for Kevin who won gold in what was his first championship victory. The young athlete was also promoted to white belt with a second yellow stripe status for his successful exploits.
Meanwhile, Meera excelled with fantastic technique and tactics to win gold, simultaneously securing her blue belt status, and Lea was once again among the medals, picking up gold for her 23rd international competition win.
Johnathan delivered an incredible performance to win bronze and reach the podium at international level for the first time, while teammate Daniil also won bronze, qualifying for his orange belt with second green stripe status in the process.
Sagit demonstrated great spirit across his four contests, including against an opponent 10kg heavier than him in the medal match. His endeavours were rewarded with a bronze medal and a promotion to blue belt with one brown stripe status.
Elsewhere, Mayel delivered strong performances across four fights in the cadet division to win bronze and his blue belt with one brown stripe status, while team captain David was similarly solid, his control and technique evident as his also secured a podium finish and a bronze medal.
It was another fine team performance and a fitting end to an incredible, medal-laden year across numerous international tournaments. Confidence is clearly high and big things are expected in 2026.
Inspiring
Further fuelling this confidence is the fact the team now have a new dojo facility at which to hone their skills, recently opened in the Manik area of Cherng Talay. This came after the Dojo spent several months without a base, having been ejected from their previous location at Blue Tree Phuket.
“It is in an idyllic spot near the lake and we are surrounded by mountains, forest and nature,” Alexis explained.
“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.
The goal is to have 100 children enrolled as students at the facility within the next 12 months, Alexis explained.
“It is an exciting time. Good things are happening here at the Dojo Phuket and we genuinely believe the sky is the limit,” he concluded.
For more details including how to get involved please visit the Dojo Phuket Facebook page.