Sixteen-year-old Célia Deman achieved a significant milestone in her judo journey, receiving her first-degree black belt in a formal ceremony held at the village’s multipurpose hall. The event was attended by prominent figures, club members, and representatives from various judo organizations, including the municipalities of Allain and Colombey, the Grand Toulois mixed union, and the Meurthe-et-Moselle departmental judo committee. Fabien Deman, president of the Judo Club, presented Célia with the coveted black belt, marking a culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
The ceremony commenced with a tribute to Évelyne geny, a former president of the MJC La Colombe, who left a lasting impact on the judo community. Célia’s achievement was notably meaningful for her instructor, Lucas Schaeffer, as she was his first student to attain this prestigious rank.
A Rising Star in Judo
the atmosphere was charged with emotion, especially for Célia, who had poured her heart and soul into reaching this level. Her commitment and talent have earned her recognition not only as a skilled judoka but also as a capable referee and a promising teaching assistant. Driven by her passion, Célia has set her sights on further advancement, aiming to achieve the second dan black belt and obtain the professional qualification certificate (CQP) in judo.
Célia’s journey began at the tender age of five, and since then, she has become a role model for the younger generation of judokas at the club. Her dedication and success have inspired many, evident in the numerous medals won by the club’s young athletes at a recent competition in Farébersviller. Célia’s story exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and the profound impact a dedicated mentor can have on a student’s life.
A Black Belt at Sixteen: An Interview with Judo Champion, Sensei Marie Dubois
It’s not every day you encounter such a remarkable young talent in the world of judo. Célia Deman, at just sixteen years old, has accomplished what many judokas strive for their entire lives – earning her first-degree black belt. Today,we’re joined by Sensei Marie Dubois,a retired judo champion and coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport,to discuss Célia’s amazing achievement and what it takes to reach such heights in judo.
Moderator: Sensei Dubois, thank you for joining us today. Célia’s story is truly inspiring. What are your thoughts on her achieving a black belt at such a young age?
Sensei Marie Dubois: It’s truly remarkable. Achieving a black belt in judo takes immense dedication, discipline, and passion. To see someone as young as Célia reach this milestone is a testament to her extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment.
Moderator: Absolutely. The article mentions that Célia started judo at the tender age of five. how important is early exposure to a discipline like judo in shaping a young athlete’s journey?
Sensei Dubois: Early exposure is crucial.Starting young allows athletes to develop essential skills, body awareness, and a strong work ethic from a very young age. It also fosters a love for the sport and a sense of belonging within a dojo community.
Moderator: Célia is also recognized as a capable referee and teaching assistant. Do you think these additional roles contribute to her overall development as a judoka?
Sensei dubois: Absolutely.Refereeing and teaching require a deep understanding of the sport’s rules and techniques. By officiating and guiding others, Célia strengthens her own knowledge and develops leadership qualities.
Moderator: The article mentions Célia’s ambition to achieve the second dan black belt and obtain the professional qualification certificate (CQP) in judo. What advice would you give her as she continues her journey?
Sensei Dubois: Célia has a bright future ahead. My advice would be to never stop learning, remain humble, and always seek out opportunities to grow.
Moderator: It’s inspiring to see Célia serving as a role model for younger judokas at her club. How critically important is mentorship in the development of young athletes?
Sensei Dubois: Mentorship is invaluable. A good mentor can guide, inspire, and provide crucial support throughout an athlete’s journey. Célia’s instructor, Lucas Schaeffer, deserves a lot of credit for nurturing her talent and helping her reach this milestone.
Moderator: This leads me to another point. The article mentions the passing of Évelyne Geny, a former president of the MJC La Colombe, who had a significant impact on the judo community.
Sensei Dubois: It is indeed a loss to the judo community. Individuals like Ms Geny, who dedicate themselves to nurturing and supporting the sport, play a crucial role in its growth and development
Moderator: Sensei Dubois, thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. Célia’s story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the importance of strong mentors in helping young athletes reach their full potential.
We’d love to hear from you, our readers! What are your thoughts on Célia’s achievement? Do you agree that early exposure to sports is crucial for young athletes? Share your opinions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going.
