From a schoolboy inspired by martial arts movies to a police officer building his skills through Judo, Alpheus Fiuramo is proving that it is never too late to challenge yourself.
Alpheus Fiuramo’s interest in martial arts began in 2008, when he was a student at Koloale Community High School.
His older brother had joined a Judo club and regularly trained at the Multipurpose Hall. Watching his brother train sparked Alpheus’s interest, while martial arts movies added to his fascination with the sport.
Growing up, Alpheus also experienced bullying, which motivated him to learn a martial art himself.
Years later, he has found an opportunity to pursue that interest through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Judo Club. Alpheus now serves in the RSIPF Close Personal Protection Department, balancing his policing duties with training in the martial art that first caught his attention as a schoolboy.
Through his commitment to training, Alpheus is one of 13 members of the club who have graded up to yellow belt, marking an important step in their Judo journey.
“I never back down from a challenge because I believe it builds character. Earning my yellow belt is an achievement for me because it shows my commitment to learning and developing my skills in Judo,” Alpheus said.
Beyond the achievement, Alpheus sees Judo as an opportunity to develop skills that can support his work as a police officer. Training helps build fitness, coordination and control, which can be useful in policing duties, including the safe detention and apprehension of suspects.
He encourages fellow officers to join the club, saying it is a good way to refresh their skills, keep fit and stay motivated outside work.
The RSIPF Judo Club was officially established in March 2026 and is helping members develop their skills through regular training and grading.
Kevin Shaw, an advisor with the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) and a Judo instructor, is a second-degree black belt known as Nidan. He brings years of experience to the club and guides members as they work towards their next level.
“Judo is about so much more than just learning techniques. It develops discipline, physical fitness, coordination, and the ability to remain composed under pressure , qualities that are valuable in policing. Seeing 13 members achieve their yellow belts is a great milestone for the club, and I hope their progress inspires more officers to step onto the mat and discover what Judo can offer,” Shaw said.
Shaw also recognised Alpheus’s achievement and the opportunities that may lie ahead.
“Alpheus’s achievement shows what can be achieved through commitment and training, and who knows where his Judo journey might take him. In the future, he may have the opportunity to represent the RSIPF at international police Judo competitions. It’s something our officers can aspire to while continuing to develop their skills, fitness, and discipline,” Shaw said.
The club now has more than 35 members, including RSIPF officers, Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) officers and children of police officers, who train twice a week to develop their techniques and work towards further grades.
The RSIPF Judo Club acknowledges the valuable support of the Australian Defence Force, Pacific Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation and Oceania Judo Union, whose assistance with crash mats, judo uniforms and training T-shirts has supported the club’s training and development.
For Alpheus, earning his yellow belt is more than a grading achievement. It represents his commitment to pursuing an interest that began during his school years and his determination to keep challenging himself.
Alongside 12 other members who graded up to yellow belt, Alpheus has shown what commitment, discipline and a willingness to learn can achieve. Their success is also an encouragement to other officers to step onto the mat, challenge themselves and discover new skills.
From a schoolboy inspired by martial arts to a police officer continuing to learn and grow, Alpheus’s journey is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue an interest, take on a new challenge and achieve something you can be proud of.
