Chilean Judoka Arantxa Meneses Secures Placement at Japan’s IBU

Arantxa Meneses Hernández, a 19-year-old judoka from San Fernando, Chile, has secured a rare placement at the International Budo University (IBU) in Japan.

She is scheduled to attend the institution for a specialized academic and athletic program running from 2027 to 2028.

The opportunity marks a significant milestone for the local athlete, who currently trains with the San Fernando municipal judo workshop and the Club Deportivo Social y Cultural Judo Colchagua. According to family members, the IBU accepts only 20 international students annually, making the selection process highly competitive.

Records indicate that nearly 25 years have passed since a Chilean student last gained entry into this specific program. Upon her arrival, Meneses is expected to become the first athlete from San Fernando to study at the university, establishing a new precedent for the regional judo community.

To facilitate her move to Japan, the athlete’s family is currently seeking corporate sponsors and financial support to cover the costs associated with her international training. The family noted that the project relies on these contributions to ensure she can complete the full term of her studies.

As part of the funding strategy, Meneses plans to provide visibility for potential sponsors through her social media channels. She intends to document her journey, including her arrival in Japan and her daily experiences at the university throughout the 2027-2028 academic year.

Supporters and members of the community interested in following her athletic career and preparation process can find updates via her Instagram account, @ari_leisarana. The family continues to manage the logistics of her transition as the 2027 start date approaches.

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