Guadalajara is about to make history with the inauguration of the largest martial arts center in Latin America: the Guadalajara Martial Arts Center (CEDAM). This state-of-the-art facility, with a remarkable investment of over 100 million pesos (MP), will be inaugurated this Friday, September 27 by local authorities. The CEDAM represents a major step forward for Mexico’s martial arts community and promises to position Guadalajara as a premier destination for international competitions.
A 20-year milestone for Guadalajara
According to engineer Francisco Ontiveros Balcázar, director of Public Works of the municipality, this project marks the most important sports infrastructure development Guadalajara has seen in more than two decades. The Guadalajara City Hall has made a significant investment in this facility, which has been designed to support various martial arts disciplines, such as taekwondo, karate and jiu-jitsu, among others.
“This is the largest sports infrastructure project we have seen at the municipal level in almost 20 years,” Ontiveros said. “It is a historic work, designed to host international martial arts competitions. With this center, La Perla Tapatía and the entire country will have the opportunity to cultivate our next Olympic champions.”
The CEDAM, described by Ontiveros as the “crown jewel,” represents a significant achievement for interim mayor Francisco Ramírez Salcido and governor-elect Pablo Lemus, who seek to end their terms in office on a high note.
A closer look at CEDAM
The new martial arts center is not just an ordinary facility. It features a 1,500-seat stadium designed to host large-scale competitions. According to Ontiveros, the facility is built for versatility and strength, and features top-notch architecture by local Guadalajara designers. The stadium’s design incorporates low-maintenance materials, with hydraulic concrete bleachers and a steel structure covered in aluminum sheeting, giving it a modern, pixelated effect.
“The CEDAM is a beautiful structure. It is a small stadium with an advanced architectural design, created by talented architects from the Guadalajara Public Works office. It is built to last, requires minimal maintenance and at the same time offers world-class amenities for martial arts athletes and spectators. “said Ontiveros.
The center is part of a larger sports complex located in the Ex Penal neighborhood, formerly home to the Unidad Deportiva Hidalgo. The complex includes more than just martial arts facilities: it has an 11-a-side soccer field, jogging tracks, children’s play areas, exercise equipment, locker rooms, showers and restrooms, offering everything needed to serve the community.
Unique in Latin America
What really distinguishes CEDAM is that it is one of the few centers in Latin America designed specifically for martial arts. “This is a space built exclusively for martial arts, with the capacity to host international competitions. It is unique of its kind in Latin America, both in infrastructure and scale,” Ontiveros emphasized.
While there are other sports complexes throughout Latin America, none match the size, scope or specialization of CEDAM. The center’s design and functionality are key reasons why it is expected to attract major martial arts events, both nationally and internationally.
Why martial arts?
The decision to focus on martial arts is part of a broader effort by Guadalajara’s city hall to promote various sports. While previous administrations have invested in soccer, racquet sports and even boxing, martial arts have been somewhat overlooked. CEDAM now fills that void, offering a first-rate space for training and competition that can serve as a breeding ground for future champions.
“Guadalajara has always been committed to multiple sports disciplines,” Ontiveros explained. “From soccer to tennis and paddle tennis to football and swimming, we’ve touched on almost all of them. Martial arts was one of the few areas left that needed attention, and this center allows us to complete that cycle.”
A legacy of investment
The construction of the CEDAM has been carried out in eight stages, with a total investment of more than 100 million pesos, significantly higher than the 60 million pesos initially reported. Ontiveros emphasized that the project is built to last, with a focus on long-term sustainability and usability.
“The materials we have used require almost no maintenance, which is key for public works projects like this,” he said. “For example, the green areas have been reforested with drought-resistant plants to minimize water use. Everything in this facility has been designed for maximum efficiency in operation and maintenance.”
A breeding ground for future martial arts champions
CEDAM is expected to be more than just a state-of-the-art sports complex: it is poised to become a talent center for future martial arts champions. As Ontiveros pointed out, sports facilities at the municipal level such as this one are often the first step for athletes before advancing to the state or national level.
“The municipalities are usually the place where athletes start their careers and from there they often move on to state level competitions. I have no doubt that we will see champions come out of CEDAM, just as we have seen in other sports,” Ontiveros commented.
With the Guadalajara Martial Arts Center nearing completion (currently at 90% completion), the finishing touches include the installation of the roof, a complex multi-layered structure designed to provide insulation and aesthetics. Once completed, CEDAM will not only serve its immediate community but will also put Guadalajara on the map as a premier destination for martial arts in Latin America.
The future of Guadalajara’s sports infrastructure
As the project reaches completion, Ontiveros reflected on Guadalajara’s broader infrastructure needs, noting that while CEDAM represents a significant achievement, there is still work to be done in areas such as drainage, public spaces and other essential services. However, with projects such as CEDAM, Guadalajara continues to set a high standard in public works, combining functionality with architectural innovation.
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