14/06/2025
VALE - Shihan Ivan ZAVETCHANOS - 9th Dan
9/7/1928 - 13/6/2025 - 96yrs
It is with much sadness that I advise that Mr Ivan ZAVETCHANOS 9th dan passed away this morning peacefully in Melbourne. Ivan was the founder of the Australian Kodokan Judo Australia in 1981 and filled the role of Executive Director since that time.
Ivan is survived by his wife Celie and two daughters Helene and Andrena. On behalf of the AKJA, I offer sympathy and condolences to Celie and the family at this very sad time.
Ivan has been a mentor and father figure to many an Australian Judo player over the last 70 years. He was a quiet spoken gentleman who was well respected with a strong determination and will to achieve and promote Judo throughout Australia and around the world. Many within the AKJA will have fond memories of time spent with Ivan over the years and the instruction and direction he has provided; especially in the realm of Judo Kata. He will be sorely missed.
In 1947-48, Ivan started the Shudokan Budo Academy in Brunswick VICTORIA which until recent years was probably the longest continuously running Judo club in AUSTRALIA. In 1952, Ivan started the Victoria Amateur Judo Union (VAJU) which was a foundation member of the JFA. Due to dissent within the JFA in 1980/81, the VAJU left the JFA and was then instrumental in forming the AKJA along with other State Associations.
The Australian Kodokan Judo Association was founded in 1981 by Mr Ivan Zavetchanos, one of Australian Judo’s most illustrious icons whose curriculum vitae is too lengthy to do justice to, here. By way of introduction, he was, amongst many other things, a co–Founder of the Judo Federation of Australia 1951, a member of the Australian Olympic Committee, one of 17 founding members of International Judo Federation in 1952, founder of Oceania Judo Union 1954, Australian Open Champion 1954 & 1955, President J.F.A. 1958–1969, President O.J.U. 1958–1979, Vice–President I.J.F. 1958–1979, Australian Olympic team manager/coach Tokyo , 1964, National, Continental and International Judo Referee. Ivan travelled to Japan and other countries around the world many times for the purpose of promoting Judo, especially Australian Judo. He was promoted to 8th Dan in 2001.
In 2010, Mr Zavetchanos was a founding member of the World Judo Federation and together with the other founding members was crucial in the direction and development of the WJF.
On the 4th October 2014 at the opening ceremony of the AKJA National Judo Championships in Hobart, Mr Ivan Zavetchanos, was awarded his 9th Degree Black Belt by the World Judo Federation. Mr David Gordge, AKJA President & Vice President (South East Asia & Oceania) of the World Judo Federation made the presentation to Mr Zavetchanos on behalf of the WJF. This is the first 9th Dan presented in Australia by the WJF.
His impact on Judo within this country can not be underestimated. He will be sadly missed.
R.I.P. Shihan Ivan Zavetchanos.
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The message above was originally shared by the AKJA and our President David Gordge. VAJU has added commemorative images to honour our founder, Shihan Ivan Zavetchanos.
In addition, we wish to acknowledge Shihan Ivan’s enduring legacy and highlight that the Victorian Amateur Judo Union (VAJU) is now stronger than it has been in years. We are proud to welcome a growing number of clubs who continue to support grassroots judo across the State of Victoria in Australia. Our sincere thanks to all current and newly affiliated members:
Zenyo Judo
Tori Judo 取 柔道
Yuki Judo
Sambo Geelong
The St Albans Tinshed
Sang-Rok Wonthaggi Judo Club
Senshi Academy
WAVERLEY JUDO
If you would like to join or support our not-for-profit organisation, please get in touch via [email protected]
We also invite the community to attend our upcoming tournament, where we will be paying formal tribute to Shihan Ivan Zavetchanos: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YK4N68ixV/