The dojo du Couserans hosted its annual end-of-year judo and ju-jitsu tournament in Saint-Girons, attracting a large contingent of athletes from across the region. This year’s event, a longstanding tradition spanning over two decades, saw a notable increase in participation, prompting organizers to adapt the format.
Collaborating with the Ariège departmental Judo committee, the Dojo du Couserans focused on selectable categories aligned with regional and national competition standards. This strategic shift accommodated the over 150 male and female competitors who registered for the tournament.
The morning session featured intense matches between junior and junior judokas, overseen by aspiring referees under the guidance of seasoned officials. The afternoon showcased the technical prowess of ju-jitsu practitioners, with juniors, cadets, juniors, and seniors demonstrating their mastery of Ne Waza techniques. These specialists captivated the audience with their skillful execution of joint locks and intricate control holds, aiming to subdue their opponents.
Judo Highlights:
In the minimum weight class, Niculaï mihaëla, Mathyss Sormain, and liam Bertrandom secured frist place, while Eden sidaner and Curtis Pirotais earned third-place finishes.The youngest category saw Ilan Roques,Emmanuel Taco,and Oïan bagate claim second place,with Naïan Pidoux taking third and Jimmy Pirotais finishing fifth.
Ne Waza Ju-Jitsu Results:
The minimum weight class witnessed impressive performances from Eden Sidaner and Mathyss Sormain,who clinched first place,followed by Liam Bertrandom and Mihaëla Niculaï in second. In the cadet division, Damien Cazaux emerged victorious, with Estéban Léal securing second place and Estéban duques and Romane Cazaux earning third-place honors. The junior-senior category saw a dominant display from Patricia Gallego, Ambre Février, Jonathan Crespo, Jérémy Bousquet, and Nicolas Périgaud, who all claimed first place.Jérome Rivas secured second place, while Jérémy Cau, Alain Bayer, and Jean Pascal Balard achieved third and fifth place finishes, respectively.
Judo and Jiu-Jitsu Rising Stars: A Conversation with Coach Alain Bayer
Welcome back, fight fans, to another edition of Behind the Gi! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by legendary coach Alain Bayer, renowned for his expertise in both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. alain, thanks for joining me.
Alain: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Absolutely! Now, Alain, we’re fresh off the heels of another fantastic Dojo du Couserans tournament in saint-Girons. Over 150 athletes duked it out this year,showcasing amazing skill across various weight classes. What are your initial takeaways from this year’s event?
Alain: it was truly inspiring to see the level of talent on display. The Dojo du Couserans has always been a bastion for developing young fighters, and this year was no exception. The committee’s decision to align the categories with regional and national standards was a stroke of genius, attracting a diverse pool of competitors and elevating the competitiveness.
Moderator: I couldn’t agree more, the rising participation speaks volumes about the growth of Judo and Jiu-Jitsu in the region! We saw some remarkable performances in the Minimum Weight Class, with young guns like Niculaï Mihaëla and Mathyss Sormain taking top honours. For those not familiar with these disciplines, can you explain what makes this weight class particularly demanding?
Alain: In the Minimum Weight Class, technical precision and lightning-fast reflexes are paramount. These young athletes may not possess the raw physicality of their heavier counterparts, but they compensate with immaculate technique and unshakeable mental fortitude.They’re masters of leverage and strategy, turning their agility into a fearsome weapon.
Moderator: Absolutely captivating! Now, let’s shift gears to the Ne-Waza Jiu-Jitsu spectacle. We saw some breathtaking displays of joint locks and control holds.Damien Cazaux emerged triumphant in the Cadet Division, but estéban Léal gave him a run for his money. What qualities define a triumphant Ne-Waza practitioner?
Alain:
Ne-Waza is a chess match on the mat, demanding both physical and mental acuity. Success hinges on a deep understanding of submission techniques, the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves, and the unwavering confidence to execute your game plan under pressure.Damien and Estéban exemplify this perfectly.Their dedication to technique and strategic acumen is truly inspiring.
Moderator: A grate point, Alain. You’ve dedicated your life to nurturing young talent. Looking at these fantastic performances, are there any standout athletes you see potential in, ones who might be future champions in the making?
alain: Quite a few names come to mind! The Junior-Senior division was a showcase of incredible talent, with individuals like Patricia Gallego, Ambre Février, and Jonathan Crespo displaying remarkable poise and technical brilliance. Keep an eye on these names; they’re destined for greatness.
Moderator: I believe you!
The future of Judo and Jiu-jitsu in Ariège Brenn is certainly luminous. Alain, thank you for sharing your insights. We’re incredibly grateful for your contribution to the sport and know your legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.
Alain: The pleasure was all mine.
Moderator: And now, we wont to hear from you, our audience! Share your thoughts on the tournament results, your favorite athletes, and what you find most captivating about these martial arts. Let the discussion begin!
