News in Press-centre

The International Judo Club was inaugurated in Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) on September 8. The agreement on its creation was signed by Nikita Anisimov, FEFU Interim President, and Kiyoshi Yamada, Tokai University President (Japan).

As Nikita Anisimov pointed out, this joint project harmoniously united the development of sport in the university and the strengthening of Russian–Japanese ties.

"The new club was created in partnership with Tokai University, which actively develops judo in Japan," said Nikita Anisimov. "In addition, thanks to the leaders of our countries, there is a strong strengthening of interstate relations in all areas. The merger of these aspects underscores the special mission of Far Eastern Federal University as an outpost of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region."

The opening ceremony was attended by Alexander Yasin, head of the Primorsky Region Judo Federation, and Yasuhiro Yamashita, the Olympic champion in open class, the president of the All Japan Judo Federation. The famous sportsman presented FEFU a set of classic kimonos, and Tokai University presented two professional tatami, where young Russian and Japanese judoists gave demos of judo.

Starting from the new academic year, judo will develop at the university as a mass sport and will enter the program on physical education. Students and faculty will be able to master the skills for free under the guidance of high-quality coaches who will be trained in Japan.

"As early as October, experts from Tokai University will come to FEFU to train athletes," Yasuhiro Yamashita said. "The first Russian judo coach Vasily Oschepkov, who lived in Vladivostok, would be glad to our cooperation."

"I will take an active part in the life of the FEFU club," said Tamerlan Tmenov, the Vice President of the Russian Judo Federation, Olympic medalist. "I plan to personally hold master classes and invite all the famous eminent athletes to work with students."

In the spring of 2017, Far Eastern and Tokai universities signed an agreement on the launch of academic exchange programs for students and researchers. To date, FEFU partners are 38 universities and research centers in Japan.