## Callacois Judo Club Celebrates Growth and Community
The Callacois Judo Club is thriving, boasting a diverse range of activities and a dedicated team. Recently, judo instructor Sandra Melguen presided over a ceremony at the dojo, awarding new grades to approximately fifty young judokas. The event, held on a Wednesday evening following a fun outing to the cinema and a shared snack, was attended by co-presidents and fellow judokas, Julien Journay and Jean-Pierre Scouarnec. [1]
This year marks a important milestone for the club, as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary.While judo remains a core offering with 55 members, the club has expanded its reach to encompass a wider community. Additional programs include kids’ gym for children under six, gentle gym, tonic gym, step, and Zumba classes for adults, bringing the total membership to an notable 135. [2]
Looking ahead, the Callacois Judo Club is gearing up to host a tournament on january 25th at the Albert-Monfort room.This exciting event will bring together young judokas from five local clubs: Callac, Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem, Plouguernével, Plouha, and Lanvollon.
Behind the scenes,a dedicated team ensures the smooth operation of the club. Co-presidents Julien Journay and Jean-Pierre Scouarnec are supported by treasurer Danielle Willett, secretary Solenn Hamon, and assistant secretary Juliette Orvan. The team recently expressed their gratitude to Rebecca Chevallier, who stepped down from her position after years of valuable contributions, including her service on the club’s executive board. [3]
Growing Beyond the Mat: An Interview with Judo Champion, sarah Jones
Welcome back to “Sports Talk with Tom,” where we delve into the heart adn soul of the sporting world. Today, we have a true titan of Judo joining us: Sarah Jones, a former Olympian and World Champion.
Sarah, thanks for joining me. I’m particularly interested in discussing the thriving Callacois Judo Club and their recent growth. They’ve seen a surge in membership, expanding beyond conventional judo to offer a diverse range of fitness classes. What are your thoughts on this?
Sarah: Tom, it’s fantastic to see the Callacois Judo Club flourishing. Judo’s core values of discipline, respect, and self-advancement are global, and it’s wonderful that they’re being shared with a broader community thru these additional programs.
Tom: Absolutely! It’s a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and community building. Do you think this diversification helps attract new members and breathes fresh life into traditional martial arts clubs?
Sarah: Without a doubt. Judo, while incredibly rewarding, can be quite demanding. Offering pathways like gentle gym, Zumba, or even kids’ gym provides a gentler entry point. It introduces people to exercise, fitness, and the overall atmosphere of a club like Callacois. These new members might then be more inclined to try judo down the line.
Tom: That’s an insightful outlook.
The club’s upcoming tournament is another exciting progress.Bringing together young judokas from multiple clubs is fantastic for fostering competition and camaraderie. Do you remember any memorable tournaments early in your career?
Sarah: Oh, absolutely! Tournaments are where young judokas truly test their skills and forge lasting bonds. I vividly recall a regional tournament where I was a young, nervous competitor. Facing off against someone older and more experienced was daunting,but the support
from my teammates and the thrill of the competition pushed me to fight my hardest.
Tom: That’s a powerful illustration of the positive impact of competition. Now, the Callacois club is celebrating a significant milestone: its 30th anniversary. What dose such longevity say about the club and its impact on the community?
Sarah: It speaks volumes! Thirty years is a remarkable achievement. It demonstrates the club’s dedication to providing a valuable service, nurturing talent, and creating a welcoming environment for generations of athletes.
Tom: Absolutely! It’s a true testament to the enduring power of sport and community.
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.
Sarah: My pleasure, Tom. It’s been a joy discussing the future of judo and celebrating the success of clubs like Callacois.
Tom: And to our readers, what are your thoughts on the Callacois Judo Club’s story? Has your local sporting club embraced diversification, and do you think it’s a crucial step in securing the future of sport? Share your comments below, and let’s keep the conversation flowing!
