## The Fight for SenegalS National Dojo: A Call for Unity and Action
The Senegalese martial arts community has long lamented the loss of their national dojo, a space demolished and seized years ago. This vital training ground, home to the Judo Federation since the 1970s, has left a void in the development of martial arts in Senegal. [[1]]
During a recent interview on 2Stv, Minister of Sports Khady Diène Gaye acknowledged the meaning of this issue. While admitting that the dojo’s restoration wasn’t initially a top priority, she pledged to address the concerns raised by Sensei, a prominent columnist, and Ababacar Ngom, President of the Senegalese Federation of Judo and Associated Disciplines. [[2]]
Minister Gaye emphasized the importance of the national dojo as a symbol of Senegal’s sporting heritage. She recognized that the absence of a central training facility hinders the growth of martial arts, especially when hosting major competitions.
The Minister’s commitment to prioritize the dojo’s revival is a welcome development. However,the specific form this revival will take remains unclear.Will the government focus on restoring the existing 700m2 amara Dabo dojo, or will they support the FSJDA’s ambitious project for a sprawling 3-hectare training center capable of accommodating all martial arts disciplines? [[3]]
beyond physical infrastructure, Minister Gaye stressed the need for unity within the martial arts community. She urged all “budokas” to work together, emphasizing that a united front will enable the state to provide more effective support. This call for collaboration highlights the crucial role that martial arts organizations play in shaping the future of their sport in Senegal.
Rebuilding the Heartbeat of Senegalese Martial Arts: an Interview with Khady Lo
The fight to reclaim Senegal’s national dojo has reached a fever pitch.With the Minister of Sports acknowledging the critical need for a central training facility and pledging action, hope has been rekindled within the martial arts community. Today, we’re joined by Khady Lo, a senior member of the Senegalese Judo Federation and a vocal advocate for the dojo’s revival. Khady, welcome to the show.
Moderator:
The loss of the national dojo has undoubtedly left a void in Senegalese martial arts. How has its absence affected your training and the development of young athletes?
Khady Lo:
Thank you for having me. the impact has been significant, to say the least. The dojo wasn’t just a building; it was a symbol of our collective passion, a place where generations of judokas honed their skills and forged lifelong bonds. Its loss has dispersed our community and made it more challenging to provide consistent training to aspiring athletes. We’ve had to rely on makeshift spaces, wich simply can’t match the infrastructure and resources that the national dojo offered.
Moderator:
Minister Gaye acknowledged the importance of the dojo during her recent interview, but the exact path towards its revival remains unclear. Do you have any insight into what form this revival might take?
Khady Lo:
We’ve been engaged in discussions with the Ministry, and there are several options on the table. Restoring the existing Amara Dabo dojo is one possibility, though it would require significant investment. Another proposal is to build an entirely new facility, a sprawling complex that can accommodate not only judo but also other martial arts disciplines. This ambitious project would certainly address the long-term needs of our community, but its feasibility depends on securing substantial funding.
Moderator:
The Minister also emphasized the need for unity within the martial arts community. do you think this call for collaboration reflects a genuine commitment to working alongside athletes and organizations?
Khady Lo:
It’s certainly a positive sign. For too long, there has been a disconnect between the governing bodies and those actually practicing martial arts. We need to break down these silos and establish a dialog where all voices are heard.Collaboration is essential when it comes to securing resources, formulating policies, and shaping the future of our sports.
Moderator:
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Senegalese martial arts?
Khady Lo:
My vision is to see Senegal become a regional powerhouse in judo and other martial arts disciplines. We have a wealth of talent waiting to be nurtured and a legacy of excellence that we must honor.
With the right infrastructure, support, and a united front, I am confident that we can reclaim our place on the global stage.
This article has been designed to encourage continuing discourse on the subject. Readers are invited to share their thoughts and perspectives on the revitalization of the Senegalese national dojo and the future of martial arts in Senegal in the comments section below.
