Chilean Judo Champion Jorge Pérez Álvarez Returns to Punta Arenas for Exclusive Masterclass

On Friday, April 24, 2026, Chilean judoka Jorge Pérez Álvarez returned to his hometown of Punta Arenas to lead an exclusive masterclass at the Centro Elige Vivir Sano. The event, organized by Programa Promesas Chile with support from Crecer en Movimiento, Deporte de Participación Social and Deporte Competitivo programs of the Instituto Nacional de Deportes (IND) Magallanes, was completely booked ahead of time, reflecting strong local interest in judo development.

Pérez Álvarez, a pan-American medalist and internationally recognized competitor, conducted sessions for two distinct groups: 40 spots were allocated for youth athletes aged 9 to 14 with a minimum requirement of 5 kyu rank, although 50 spots were available for juvenile and adult participants. Both categories filled rapidly, demonstrating the community’s eagerness to learn from a national and international reference in the sport.

The masterclass aimed to strengthen judo development in the Magallanes region by providing direct access to high-level expertise. As stated in the event announcement, Pérez Álvarez’s presence offers local athletes a unique opportunity to train under someone who has competed at the highest levels, thereby supporting the growth of discipline and technique in the area.

While the specific competitive achievements of Jorge Pérez Álvarez were not detailed in the available sources, his recognition as a pan-American medalist and international competitor was confirmed through the event description. The masterclass represents part of ongoing efforts to promote judo in southern Chile, where athletes often face logistical challenges in accessing national and international competitions due to geographic isolation.

The event took place on the date specified in the announcement—April 24, 2026—at the Centro Elige Vivir Sano in Punta Arenas, Chile. No further details about the curriculum, specific techniques taught, or participant feedback were provided in the verified sources consulted for this report.

For ongoing updates on judo events in Chile and the development of athletes like Jorge Pérez Álvarez, readers are encouraged to follow official channels from the Instituto Nacional de Deportes and regional sports programs in Magallanes.

Have you attended a similar masterclass or trained under a visiting elite athlete? Share your experience in the comments below.