Guadalajara is about to make history with the inauguration of the largest martial arts center in Latin America—Centro de Artes Marciales de Guadalajara (CEDAM). This cutting-edge facility, with a remarkable investment of over 100 million pesos (MP), is set to be unveiled this Friday, September 27, by local authorities. The CEDAM represents a major leap 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, the director of Public Works for the municipality, this project marks the most significant sports infrastructure development Guadalajara has seen in over two decades. The Guadalajara City Council has invested heavily in this facility, which has been designed to support a variety of martial arts disciplines, including taekwondo, karate, and jiu-jitsu, among others.
“This is the largest sports infrastructure project we’ve seen at the municipal level in nearly 20 years,” said Ontiveros. “It’s a historic work, designed to host international martial arts competitions. With this center, La Perla Tapatia and the entire country will have the opportunity to cultivate our next Olympic champions.”
The CEDAM, described as the “jewel in the crown” by Ontiveros, represents a significant accomplishment for interim mayor Francisco Ramírez Salcido and governor-elect Pablo Lemus, who are both looking to end their terms on a high note.
A Closer Look at the CEDAM
The new martial arts center is not just an average facility. It boasts a 1,500-seat stadium designed to host large-scale competitions. According to Ontiveros, the facility is built for versatility and endurance, featuring top-tier architecture from local Guadalajara designers. The stadium’s design incorporates low-maintenance materials, with stands made from hydraulic concrete and a steel structure covered in aluminum sheets, giving it a modern, pixelated effect.
“The CEDAM is a beautiful structure. It’s a small stadium with an advanced architectural design, created by talented Guadalajara architects from the Public Works office. It’s built to last, requiring minimal upkeep while still offering 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, previously home to the Hidalgo Sports Unit. The complex includes more than just martial arts facilities—it features an 11-player soccer field, jogging circuits, children’s playgrounds, exercise equipment, locker rooms, showers, and bathrooms, offering everything needed to service the community.
Unique in Latin America
What truly sets the CEDAM apart is that it’s one of the few centers in Latin America specifically designed for martial arts. “This is a space built exclusively for martial arts, capable of hosting international competitions. It’s the only one of its kind in Latin America, both in terms of infrastructure and scale,” Ontiveros noted.
While there are other sports complexes across Latin America, none match the size, scope, or specialization of CEDAM. The design and functionality of the center are key reasons why it is expected to attract major martial arts events, both national and international.
Why Martial Arts?
The decision to focus on martial arts is part of a broader effort by Guadalajara’s city council to promote various sports. While previous administrations have invested in soccer, racquet sports, and even boxing, martial arts had been somewhat overlooked. CEDAM now fills that gap, offering a premier space for training and competition that can serve as a breeding ground for future champions.
“Guadalajara has always supported multiple sports disciplines,” Ontiveros explained. “From soccer to tennis and paddle tennis, to American football and swimming—we’ve touched almost all of them. Martial arts were one of the few remaining areas that needed attention, and this center allows us to complete that cycle.”
A Legacy of Investment
The construction of CEDAM has taken place in eight stages, with the total investment exceeding 100 million pesos—significantly higher than the initially reported 60 million pesos. Ontiveros emphasized that the project is built to last, with a focus on sustainability and long-term usability.
“The materials we’ve 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 usage. Everything in this facility has been designed for maximum efficiency in operation and maintenance.”
A Hotbed for Future Martial Arts Champions
The CEDAM is expected to be more than just a state-of-the-art sports complex—it’s poised to become a talent hub for future martial arts champions. As Ontiveros pointed out, municipal-level sports facilities like this one are often the first stepping stone for athletes before they progress to the state or national level.
“Municipalities are usually where athletes begin their careers, and from there, they often move on to state-level competitions. I have no doubt that we’ll see champions emerge from CEDAM, just as we’ve seen in other sports,” Ontiveros remarked.
With the Guadalajara Martial Arts Center nearing completion—currently at 90% finished—the final touches include the installation of the roof, a complex, multi-layered structure designed for insulation and aesthetics. Once completed, the 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 its conclusion, Ontiveros reflected on Guadalajara’s broader infrastructure needs, pointing out that while CEDAM represents a significant achievement, more work remains to be done in areas like drainage, public spaces, and other essential services. However, with projects like CEDAM, Guadalajara continues to set a high standard for public works, blending functionality with architectural innovation.
Catch all the latest updates on Guadalajara’s groundbreaking sports infrastructure and more at Fajador.co!
