A New Era for Judo in Rion
On Friday, December 20th, the Judo Section of the JSR celebrated a momentous occasion: the inauguration of thier newly renovated headquarters. Vincent Martell, the section president, expressed his immense pride and joy, emphasizing that the modern and functional space will serve as a hub for connection and growth for judokas of all ages.
“This growth is more than just bricks and mortar,” Martell stated. ”It’s a place where our members can come together, share experiences, learn from each other, and embody the core values of judo, notably mutual aid.”
The event was not only a celebration of the new facilities but also a tribute to the origins of judo. Cédric Manem, a judo instructor at the club, and president Martell unveiled a stunning portrait of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo and the first Japanese martial art to be included in the Olympic Games. The portrait, created by local artist Alice Baldys, elicited gasps of admiration from the attendees.Manem highlighted the significance of Kano’s image in every judo section, stating, “Our grandmaster deserves a place of honor in every space dedicated to this discipline.”
baldys’s artwork is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the essence of Japanese culture. Mount Fuji,a symbol of strength and resilience,dominates the background,while the rising sun represents hope and new beginnings. In the foreground, a serene temple evokes the spiritual dimension of judo, and a delicate cherry blossom tree symbolizes the ephemeral beauty and constant renewal that are central to the practice.
Reflecting on the scale of the painting, Baldys remarked, “It seemed enormous in my studio, but here, it appears quite small.”
The teachers and president expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Baldys for her exceptional creation, recognizing that it will serve as a constant source of inspiration for generations of judokas to come.
A Chat with judo Champion, Marie Dubois, on the rebirth of Judo in Rion
Today, we’re joined by the esteemed Marie Dubois, a three-time national Judo champion and pillar of the Judo community for over two decades. Marie, thank you for joining us today.
Marie: It’s a pleasure to be here!
Moderator: The recent inauguration of the Judo Section of the JSR’s new headquarters seems like a momentous occasion – a real turning point for the sport in Rion. What are your thoughts on this progress?
Marie: It’s fantastic news! Having a modern, dedicated space for judo training is a game changer. It not only provides excellent facilities but also fosters a strong sense of community among members. When I started training, we were crammed into a tiny gym with outdated equipment. A proper facility like this can truly elevate the training experience and inspire judokas of all levels.
Moderator: Absolutely! The article mentioned this new space aims to be more than just “bricks and mortar,” serving as a hub for connection and growth. Do you think this emphasis on community is crucial to Judo’s continued development?
Marie: Absolutely. Judo is not just about physical prowess; it’s about discipline, respect, and camaraderie.
Training alongside others, sharing techniques, and supporting each other is integral to the heart of judo. This new center offers a fantastic platform for building those connections, making judo accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Moderator: Speaking of accessible, the unveiling of Jigoro Kano’s portrait caught my attention. As the founder of judo, his legacy is woven into the very fabric of the sport. What does Kano’s presence represent for you, and do you agree with the notion that every dojo should honor him in some way?
Marie: Kano Sensei’s vision shaped judo into the gorgeous and impactful martial art it is indeed today. He embodied the principles of discipline, respect, and self-enhancement that are at the core of judo. Having his portrait prominently displayed is a powerful reminder of the values we strive to uphold every time we step on the mat. I believe honoring kano Sensei is essential, not just through portraits, but also by embodying his teachings in our training and interactions.
Moderator: Well said.The article briefly describes Alice Baldys’ portrait, which, according to those present, is quiet stunning. What kind of impact do you think such a piece of art can have on the judo community?
marie: Artwork has a powerful ability to inspire and uplift. Having such a beautiful and culturally rich piece in the dojo can create a truly impactful atmosphere. It stands as a visual testament to the history,values,and beauty of Judo,reminding us of the discipline’s Japanese heritage.
Moderator: That’s a great point.
Now, on a slightly more controversial note, the article emphasizes “mutual aid” as a core judo value.
Though, competition is such a notable part of the sport.
Do you think these two concepts can coexist, or does competition inherently contradict the notion of mutual aid?
Marie: That’s a great question, and one we frequently enough grapple with in the Judo community. While competition is an integral part of judo, it should never overshadow the core spirit of mutualRespect and support.True judo values ethical competition where respect for your opponent is paramount.
We encourage each other to grow, learn, and improve, even in competition.
Mutual aid isn’t about coddling; it’s about fostering a supportive habitat where everyone strives to be their best self, both on and off the mat.
Moderator: I think that’s a powerful and insightful outlook.It makes us think about the true essence of competition and how it can be a force for both individual growth and building a stronger community.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today, Marie. It’s been a privilege. Reader, what are your thoughts on the new era for judo in Rion? Do you agree with Marie’s assessment? Let us know in the comments below!
