Thouarsais Judo Club: Expanding Horizons and Embracing new Challenges
The Thouarsais Judo Club is thriving, boasting a steady membership of 270 individuals. As outgoing president Anthony Lavault emphasized, the club continues to demonstrate strong momentum [[1]]. This positive trajectory was further solidified with the recent appointment of franck Bureau as the new president, a decision confirmed by the steering committee. Christophe lemoine and Sandrine Quinty will serve as secretary and treasurer, respectively.
One of the club’s most notable achievements this year is the increased representation at the French Championship. With fifteen selections, the club surpassed last year’s impressive fourteen, showcasing the dedication and talent of its members.
Beyond competition success, the club is experiencing significant growth in its training infrastructure. The “mille dojos” project spearheaded by the French Federation of Judo and associated disciplines (FFJDA) has enabled the Thouarsais Judo Club to expand its reach. In addition to the existing dojos at the Thouarsais community of communes sports complex, the Marie-de-la-Tour-d’Auvergne castle, and Saint-Varent, the club now has access to renovated facilities in Argentonnay and the sports hall of the Saint-Charles institution. This expansion allows for greater versatility in scheduling and caters to a wider range of participants.
Yann Leroux continues to lead the club’s training sessions, ensuring high-quality instruction for all members.
Jérôme Bretaudeau, deputy general secretary of France judo, highlighted the club’s commitment to diversification during his address at the general assembly. Along with traditional judo, the Thouarsais Judo Club now offers Taï Fight Training and MMA (mixed martial arts), broadening its appeal and attracting a diverse range of martial arts enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the club is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a renowned Japanese instructor, whose identity remains a closely guarded secret. This exciting progress promises to further elevate the club’s training program and provide members with invaluable insights from a world-class expert.
Expanding Horizons: A Conversation With Judo Champion Lucie Décosse
Welcome back, fight fans! Today, we’re joined by the esteemed Lucie Décosse, two-time Olympic judo champion and current commentator, to discuss the exciting developments unfolding at the Thouarsais Judo Club. Lucie, welcome to the show.
Lucie: It’s a pleasure to be here. I’m always excited to see judo thriving and expanding its reach.
From strength to Strength
Our readers will know that the Thouarsais Judo Club is on a real hot streak, boasting 270 members and boasting increased portrayal at the French Championship this year—fifteen selections compared to fourteen last year! What are your thoughts on this incredible momentum?
lucie: It’s incredibly encouraging to see. A club with that level of membership and participation is a testament to the hard work of the coaches, volunteers, and of course, the athletes themselves. Fifteen selections for the French Championship is no small feat, demonstrating the depth of talent within the club.
Expanding the Dojo: A Wider Net
The club is also benefitting from the “mille dojos” project, gaining access to new training facilities in Argentonnay and the Saint-Charles institution. how vital is it to have diverse and accessible training spaces for a martial arts club like Thouarsais?
Lucie: Absolutely vital. Expanding the training infrastructure means reaching more people, offering greater flexibility, and catering to a wider range of needs and abilities. It allows the club to be truly inclusive and tap into a diverse pool of talent.
More Than Just Judo
The Thouarsais Judo Club has also embraced diversification, incorporating Taï Fight Training and MMA into their program. What are your thoughts on this multi-disciplinary approach?
Lucie: I think it’s a visionary move. Judo is wonderfully versatile, but branching into other disciplines can provide a more rounded martial arts experiance, expose athletes to diffrent techniques and strategies, and attract individuals who might not have initially considered judo. It’s about opening doors and creating a vibrant martial arts community.
Learning From the Best
the club is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a renowned Japanese instructor, whose identity is shrouded in secrecy. What are your expectations for turning to international expertise?
Lucie: I’m incredibly excited. Bringing in a Japanese judo master will be an invaluable chance for the club’s members to learn from the cradle of judo. It will allow them to gain fresh perspectives, refine their techniques, and deepen their understanding of the sport’s ideology and discipline.
Join the Discussion!
We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but we’d love to hear from you! What do you think of the Thouarsais Judo Club’s progress? Do you think diversifying martial arts programs is beneficial? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Keep training hard, and see you next time!
