VALE – Shihan Ivan ZAVETCHANOS – 9th Dan

9 July 1928 – 13 June 2025 (96 years)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shihan Ivan Zavetchanos, 9th Dan, who passed away peacefully in Melbourne on the morning of 13 June 2025.

Shihan Ivan was the founder and long-serving Executive Director of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA), which he established in 1981. He was a central figure in the development of Judo in Australia and a mentor to generations of judoka both locally and internationally.

Ivan is survived by his wife Celie and daughters Helene and Andrena. On behalf of the entire AKJA community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Over a remarkable 70-year contribution to the art of Judo, Ivan held countless leadership roles:

• Co-founder of the Judo Federation of Australia (1951)
• Founder of the Victorian Amateur Judo Union (VAJU) (1952)
• Founding member of the International Judo Federation (IJF) (1952)
• Founder and President of the Oceania Judo Union (1954–1979)
• President of the JFA (1958–1969), Vice President of the IJF (1958–1979)
• Coach and Manager of the Australian Olympic Judo Team – Tokyo 1964
• National, Continental and International Judo Referee
• Promoted to 8th Dan in 2001, and awarded 9th Dan by the World Judo Federation in 2014

Ivan also established the Shudokan Budo Academy in Brunswick in 1947–48, one of the longest-running Judo clubs in Australian history. In 2010, he was a founding member of the World Judo Federation, shaping its direction and structure.

His quiet strength, humility, and tireless commitment to Judo left an indelible mark on our sport. His teachings, particularly in the area of Kata, continue to influence judoka across Australia.

Ivan Zavetchanos will be remembered not just for his titles and achievements, but for the integrity, vision, and spirit he brought to Judo. His legacy lives on through the AKJA, VAJU, and every student, teacher, and club he inspired.

We invite the Judo community to join us in honouring his memory at our upcoming tournament, where a formal tribute will be held.

Rest in Peace, Shihan Ivan Zavetchanos.

Your legacy lives on in all of us.