Founded in 1917 and based in Vich, in the canton of Vaud, Ecole Mont-Olivet is an independent Swiss school welcoming approximately 300 pupils, from the age of three through to the Swiss Maturity Diploma. Its trilingual and holistic educational approach places particular emphasis on personal development, respect, confidence and a sense of belonging. In recent years, judo has been integrated directly into its curriculum through a partnership with the Swiss Judo Federation and the strong commitment of its president, Olympic and world medallist Sergei Aschwanden. Sport and its values have consequently become central pillars of the school’s educational philosophy.
Directly associated with the grand slam that bears its name, Ecole Mont-Olivet has also been welcoming Joshiro Maruyama in recent months, giving its pupils an exceptional opportunity to benefit from the knowledge, experience and refined technical expertise of one of Japan’s greatest judoka.
During Wednesday morning’s masterclass, President Vizer was able to see, first-hand, the quality of the work being carried out and the positive impact judo is having throughout the school community, among pupils, teachers, parents and members of staff. After observing the session, he met the pupils, from the youngest to the oldest, who eagerly asked him questions about his own experience as a judoka, his responsibilities as IJF President and his understanding of the judo values.
“Judo has given me a great deal throughout my life. It helped me build myself and has always been present during the important and the difficult moments,” explained President Vizer. “Judo is a school of discipline and respect. It has an essential place in the development of young people, particularly within schools.”
For Ecole Mont-Olivet Director Christophe Santschi, the visit represented both a great honour and the recognition of a long-term educational commitment. “This is a great day for our school and a tremendous source of inspiration for all our pupils, who have had the opportunity to welcome the IJF President. We are convinced that judo has an important place within our curriculum. Every pupil can practise and progress, both on the tatami and in life. We are also delighted to be associated with the grand slam. Our pupils will attend the event and I am certain they will be deeply moved to experience a competition of this magnitude. This is the beginning of a great adventure for everyone.”
To mark the occasion, President Vizer presented the official IJF plaque to Mr Santschi, symbolising the relationship between the International Judo Federation and an institution that has chosen to make judo an integral part of its education system.
The many questions asked and the smiles lighting up the pupils’ faces left no doubt that the visit had made a lasting impression. Sergei Aschwanden, whose efforts have been instrumental in establishing and developing the partnership, also highlighted the wider significance of the project. “Judo is an extraordinary sport, combining physical, mental and moral qualities. Here at Ecole Mont-Olivet, we have found particularly fertile ground in which its values can grow for the benefit of society.”
Those words reflected everything visible throughout the morning. The pupils were not simply learning how to perform a technique or improve a movement; they were learning how to concentrate, persevere, respect their partners and progress together. Under the guidance of Joshiro Maruyama, every grip and every exchange became part of an education extending far beyond sport.
Ahead of the opening of the Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Grand Slam 2026, the masterclass and President Vizer’s visit provided the perfect beginning to an historic week during which the eyes of the international judo community will turn towards Switzerland. From a school dojo in Vich to the tatami of the Vaudoise Arena, the same values will accompany pupils and champions alike.
“Congratulations to everyone for the work that has been undertaken and for making judo a central pillar in the education of young people,” concluded President Vizer. “It is a fantastic example for others to follow. I am pleased to say that we will continue working together.”
