Nicolas is the President of the Federation, and a competitor in his own right. He took gold in the −90 kg category at the Oceania Open in Port Vila in 2017, and finished fifth at the Oceania Senior Championships in 2018. As President he has driven the Federation's biggest step forward — the Dojo Ted Drew — while building the pathway that now takes our young athletes to the Commonwealth Games and the Pacific Games. He is as likely to be found on the tatami as behind a desk, and that is rather the point: he asks nothing of our judoka that he does not do himself.

Nazario is the 1st Vice-President of the Federation — and an Olympian. He represented Vanuatu in the +100 kg category at the London 2012 Olympic Games, after competing at the 2011 World Championships in Paris, and took gold in his category at the Oceania Open held here in Port Vila in 2017. He also serves as 1st Vice-President of the Oceania Judo Union, which gives Vanuatu judo a voice across the region. At the dojo he puts that experience straight back into the club, organising our events and competitions and showing the next generation exactly how far a judoka from Vanuatu can go.

Riki is our JICA volunteer sensei, 3rd Dan. A Japanese judoka trained at Tokai University — one of the great judo universities in Japan — he was sent to Vanuatu by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. He teaches children and adults alike and brings the rigour of Japanese judo to the Dojo Ted Drew: precise technique, kata, and a strong emphasis on etiquette and respect. His work with our competitors and with the youngest beginners has lifted the level of the whole club. Riki is with us until 2028.

Véronica is an instructor and the Federation's Development Officer — and still very much a competitor. She represented Vanuatu at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, took silver at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, and came home from the Palau 2025 Mini Games with a team bronze. She is known for adapting her teaching to whoever is standing in front of her, from a nervous five-year-old to an adult starting judo late — and for the fact that she still steps onto the tatami and does it herself.

Anna is an instructor. She inspires her students through her passion.

Lala Joseph, now the manager of the Vanuatu judo team, started as a cleaner at the federation in 2018. With no knowledge of judo, she gradually became involved, motivated by her son's commitment. Facing real difficulties — no training venue, limited resources — she played a key role in finding a new space at Pango Village.

Under her management, the team won three historic medals at the Pacific Games, despite the absence of officials. She campaigns for self-defence, especially among women, and is concerned about the impact of cannabis on young people. Her journey embodies determination and inspiration for Ni-Vanuatu, particularly women and young people.

We were privileged to welcome a Sensei from Japan. Passionate and dedicated, she shared her expertise with great kindness and exemplary rigour. Her individual approach allowed every student to progress at their own pace, while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and respect. Shiho left us to explore new horizons in October 2025, but she will always remain in our memories.

Cédric is a sensei, our Technical Director and our Treasurer. On the mat he teaches the part of judo that never shows on a scoreboard: the bow before stepping onto the tatami, the care you owe the partner who lets you throw them, the patience that turns a beginner into a judoka. For Cédric, judo is a school of character first and a sport second — and our youngest members learn that from him before they learn their first throw.