Teh Mauzéen Judo club, under the leadership of Franck Pino Cortes, hosted its annual Christmas Cup on December 22, 2024. This year’s event was particularly significant, marking a fresh start for the club following its separation from Dan79. The village hall buzzed with energy as over 110 judokas from Aiffres, Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan, Beauvoir-sur-Niort, and Mauzé joined the festivities. Competitors across various age groups, from chicks to juniors, participated in warm-ups and matches throughout the day, drawing a crowd of approximately 550 spectators.
The resounding success of the Christmas Cup validated the club’s recent decisions, particularly its commitment to prioritizing enjoyment in judo practice while still supporting those who aspire to compete. As Pino Cortes emphasized, the club’s focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment has fostered a positive dynamic. This sentiment was echoed by Patrick Bernacchi, the club’s vice-president, who highlighted the contributions of new volunteers, including parents eager to support the youth team. The arrival of Simon Rey Sourdey as the new coach has also been instrumental in cultivating a calm and professional atmosphere, attracting fresh talent and reinvigorating the club. Jean-François Chedumbrun, coach for the Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan and Beauvoir-sur-Niort clubs, shared similar observations, praising the positive changes within the Mauzéen Judo club.
The Mauzéen Judo club is experiencing a resurgence, evident in its improved financial stability, a surge in volunteerism, the return of former members, and a growing junior category. As the fourth largest judo club in the department, the Mauzéen Judo club has successfully redefined itself as a close-knit community, striking a balance between recreational and competitive judo. Pino Cortes confidently affirmed, “We made the right decisions.”
Rediscovering the Joy of Judo: An Interview with Jean-François Chedumbrun
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Jean-François Chedumbrun, a respected Judo coach with years of experience leading clubs in Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan and Beauvoir-sur-Niort. Jean-François, we wanted to pick your brain about the recent success of the mauzéen Judo club, especially in light of their Christmas Cup tournament.
Moderator: Jean-François, the success of the Mauzéen Judo club’s Christmas Cup grabbed everyoneS attention, especially given the club’s recent changes. What are your thoughts on what we’re seeing there?
Jean-François Chedumbrun: Well, it’s heartwarming, truly. As someone who’s worked in the judo community for years, I’ve seen clubs struggle, especially during times of transition. But Mauzéen, they’ve managed a remarkable turnaround.This Christmas Cup wasn’t just about competition, it was about the atmosphere, the joy you could see on the faces of the kids, and families coming together.That’s the heart of judo.
Moderator: Absolutely, that sense of community is crucial. the article mentions the club’s decision to focus on both enjoyment and competition. Do you think that’s a winning combination?
Jean-françois Chedumbrun: I firmly believe so. pushing young athletes solely towards competition can lead to burnout.You need that spark, that genuine love for the sport. when you celebrate both the individual wins and the shared experience, you create a lasting habitat where kids want to learn and grow.
Moderator: The article also highlights the importance of the new coaching staff and the influx of volunteers. How do those factors contribute to the overall success?
jean-François Chedumbrun: Think of it like building a house.You need strong foundations, and in this case, those are the passionate coaches and dedicated volunteers. simon Rey Sourdey’s arrival seems to have brought a positive energy. Good coaching inspires confidence, while volunteers provide that essential support network, creating a welcoming space for everyone to thrive.
Moderator: We’ve all seen clubs struggle with finances, especially smaller ones.It’s encouraging to hear about Mauzéen’s improved financial stability.How do you think they’ve managed that alongside their focus on community and fun?
Jean-François Chedumbrun: it’s definitely a balancing act. Strong leadership is key. When a club is clear about it’s financial needs and engages its community, it fosters trust and encourages support. Maybe they’ve organized successful fundraisers, maybe they’ve streamlined spending. There are many ways to achieve financial stability, but it starts with open dialog and a shared vision.
Moderator: Looking ahead, what do you see in store for the Mauzéen Judo club?
Jean-François Chedumbrun: I see a bright future. They’ve rediscovered their identity, they’ve built a strong foundation, and their commitment to both competition and enjoyment will continue to attract new talent. Personally, I’m excited to see how they build on this momentum and inspire even more people to experience the joys of judo.
moderator: thank you so much for your insightful comments, Jean-François. We truly appreciate your perspective on this inspiring story.
What are your thoughts on the Mauzéen Judo club’s resurgence? How crucial is it for clubs to find that balance between competing and enjoying the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
