Former Ghana head coach founds judo club in Red Centre

Ezekiel DoDoo was shocked when his new home didn’t have a judo club. Now he’s made it his mission to create positive change in the Red Centre. Read his story here.

Alice Springs Judo Club founder Ezekiel DoDoo teaching students. Picture: Judo Australia

A world class judo player and instructor found himself at a loss upon realising his new home town was club-less.

Former head coach of Ghana Judo and founder of the Alice Springs Judo Club, Ezekiel DoDoo, 52, is looking to create positive change in his new community.

A political refugee who moved to the Red Centre for work was looking to continue practising his martial art, but was stumped when he discovered judo had no home in Alice.

DoDoo saw this not as a hindrance, but as opportunity and privilege to start something positive.

Ezekiel DoDoo started the Alice Springs Judo Club in the Red Centre in a bid to help the community. Picture: Instagram @ezekieldodoo

“I’ve done judo for very many years now and have studied in countries such as Korea, Hungary and Japan,” DoDoo said.

“So when I arrived in Alice I wanted to keep training.

“I saw that there was karate, boxing, eskrima, taekwondo and aikido but no judo; that had to change.”

Through the assistance from Judo NT and Judo Australia, ASJC has been up and running for four months at time of publication.

To date the club has seen a small but steady growth in numbers, something DoDoo is hopeful will expand into a big community in the future.

“We don’t have many students at the moment but I’m hoping to grow into something big,” DoDoo said.

“We have kids, juniors and seniors, boys and girls who are training, but the ultimate goal is to one day have competitions and take students to tournaments across the country and have them proudly represent Alice Springs.

“For the long term a big goal is to develop a student to make the national side and compete at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. It’s a big goal but with dedication and support it can happen.”

Alice Springs Judo Club founder Ezekiel DoDoo teaching students. Picture: Judo Australia

A firm believer that positive action has positive consequences DoDoo said his focus was to not only spread the sport of judo but help the vulnerable and disenfranchised youth and members of Alice Springs.

“Seeing the crime and problems in the city and how many vulnerable children there are, I want judo to become a safe place where they can channel their aggression and learn discipline and respect that will help better them as people and members of the community,” he said.

“If we can get youth off the streets and into more activities that can only be good.

“I love Alice and the people and the weather, it reminds me of home.

“I know Alice isn’t perfect but I won’t be leaving anytime soon.”

If you’d like to give judo a try, contact the Alice Springs Youth Community Centre at: [e-mail] or phone: [phone].