It was an iconic dojo in Paris 20th arrondissement. The Fair-Play-Sport – set in the Cité Champagne district – shut down despite a petition and a pool were launched.
Place of social cohesion for over 25 years, this dojo used to gather on the tatamis amateurs and passionate between 4 and 77 years old, curious to discover and practice martial arts. Several generations of adults and kids were used to meet to learn several forms of martial arts: aikido, self-defense, stunts, grappling… Self-taught and Karate World Champion Jean-Pierre Vignau – founder of Fair-Play-Sport – now 77 years old, saw the debuts of David Félix in his dojo who became 1998 World’s Karate Champion in Rio de Janeiro.
After over 25 years of good offices, Fair-Play-Sport had to shut down over suspension of payments. Since the health crisis, debts have been piling up (€90,000 of unpaid rent), leading to petition in bankruptcy and shutting down at the end.
“We are sorry not to continue the FAIR-PLAY-SPORT adventure at 5 cité champagne. We are considering all relocation possibilities in the area. We are interested in all your propositions, ideas and suggestions”, the dojo posted in July on Facebook.
Since them, a pool and a petition have been launched to prevent the place from closing as it was used to teach martial arts and the art of living and living together. But it was not enough. The Fair-Play-Sport dojo had to shut down in July. “I’m disappointed, they took 27 years of my life away”, Vignau told BFM Paris.
But Vigneau does not intend to let it all go. According to BFM Paris, the founder of the historic dojo in Paris 20th arrondissement recently opened another venue in Bagnolet. Yet, the distance and the lack of slots available prevent him to welcome students as he would like to.
Official website
fairplaysport.org
