A Judo Sensei’s Triumphant Return
Rachid Merkache beams as he returns to the tatami, guiding his young judoka students at the modest Lionel-Joudain room in Sully. Just over a year ago,his world was shrouded in darkness.
“I was struggling,” he admits, recalling the period when he relied on antidepressants to cope with the emotional turmoil. This difficult time coincided with family challenges,as his parents faced health issues.
Adding to his burden, Merkache was dismissed from his position as judo instructor at the Sully municipal sports club (CSMS) in December 2020, a decision attributed to “serious misconduct.” Despite the club’s leadership resigning amidst strong protests from students and parents, the controversy lingered.
The legal battle continues, with a case pending before the industrial tribunal.A conciliation hearing took place last November, and both parties submitted their responses at the beginning of 2022. The date for the final hearing remains uncertain.But for now, merkache finds solace in his return to the dojo, his gaze drawn to the portrait of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, a martial art that has been his lifelong passion since his childhood days at the Blanc-Mesnil club in Seine-Saint-Denis.
“I competed at an interregional level,” he shares, reminiscing about his time at one of the leading judo clubs in the Paris region.”I was fortunate to have exceptional coaches who nurtured my desire to teach rather than solely focus on competition.”
Although he could have pursued a sixth dan, Merkache, now 49, chose to remain at the second dan, the minimum requirement for a state patent.
“Competition never truly appealed to me,” he explains. “I find greater fulfillment in the beauty and nobility of martial arts.” This philosophy has clearly resonated with his students, as evidenced by the club’s membership surge from a mere 35 when he arrived at the turn of the century to an impressive 266 just three years ago.The COVID-19 pandemic inevitably impacted membership numbers, which have as dropped to around 100. However, Merkache’s approach, characterized by a focus on individual growth rather than relentless competition, has fostered a supportive and encouraging environment.
“He never pressured us to compete,” observes Thomas Guillet, the current president of the Judo Club Sullylois, who was once Merkache’s student. “That sense of reassurance is invaluable.”
Guillet, who aims to fully reintegrate Merkache into the club, highlights the teacher’s unwavering dedication.
“He’s an exceptional instructor,” guillet emphasizes. “He imparts his knowledge effectively and demonstrates the techniques he teaches. He even shares videos he finds online to help us refine our skills.”
Merkache’s initial return to the club was as a volunteer for six months, supported by Laurent Barruet, the than-president. This period, though financially challenging, provided Merkache with a much-needed emotional lifeline.
“It was my escape valve,” he reflects. “The children’s smiles and the parents’ kindness kept me going. I’ll never forget their support.”
After these six months, Merkache transitioned to self-employment, resuming paid instruction. guillet assures that “once the situation with the federation is resolved, we will hire him as a full-time employee of the association next season.”
This story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of passion. Rachid Merkache’s journey, marked by adversity and triumph, exemplifies the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on his students and community.
A Comeback Story: rachid Merkache Finds Redemption on the Tatami
Rachid Merkache’s return to the tatami is a powerful story of resilience and redemption. This isn’t simply a comeback for a judo sensei; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
While details regarding his dismissal from the CSMS in December 2020 remain shrouded in ambiguity, Merkache’s candid reflection on his struggles with depression during that period provides poignant context. it’s a reminder that behind every athlete or instructor, there’s a person grappling with personal challenges, frequently enough unseen by the public eye.
The overwhelming support from students and parents, who protested against his dismissal, speaks volumes about the impact Merkache had on their lives. Clearly, his teachings extended beyond the technical aspects of judo, fostering a strong sense of community and respect.
His return to teaching at the Lionel-Joudain room offers a glimmer of hope, both for Merkache and his students. It signifies a fresh start,an prospect for healing and rebuilding.
While we await clarity on the circumstances surrounding his departure from CSMS, Merkache’s story invites us to consider the complexities of personal struggles and the power of community support. It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating disagreements and emphasizing the redemptive power of second chances.
As Merkache guides his young judoka on the tatami, his journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that setbacks don’t define us, but rather, the strength with which we rise above them. This comeback is a victory not only for judo, but for the human spirit.
