Couserans Judo Club Shines at National tournament
The Dojo du Couserans sent its top junior judo athletes to compete in the prestigious national judo tournament, a Label A event, held in Toulouse. This high-stakes competition drew nearly 500 of FranceS most promising young judokas, representing the nation’s leading clubs.
The Couserans team, comprised of four fighters who had excelled in departmental and regional tournaments, delivered an notable performance. Three out of the four athletes secured top-ten rankings,showcasing their extraordinary skill and determination.
In the men’s division, Sormain Mathyss dominated the over 73 kg weight class, securing a commendable 5th place finish. Liam Bertrandom, competing in the under 38 kg category, displayed strong potential, winning his initial bout before narrowly losing in the second round.This setback prevented him from advancing further in the tournament.
The women’s division saw remarkable success for the Couserans team.Eden Sidaner fought valiantly, earning a respectable 7th place finish. Mihaëla Niculaï, making a prosperous transition from the youngest category to the minimal category, emerged as the champion, claiming the coveted gold medal.
Mihaëla’s victory was notably noteworthy considering her relative lack of experience compared to some of her opponents who were entering their second season in the minimal category. Her dominance throughout the tournament,winning all six of her matches by ippon before the regulation time expired,solidified her position as a rising star in French judo.
This impressive performance follows Mihaëla’s previous successes, including her 2023 regional championship title and her 2024 regional vice-champion title in the youngest category.
The Dojo du Couserans coaching staff expressed immense pride in the entire team’s performance, highlighting the athletes’ physical prowess, technical skills, and mental fortitude. They extended their best wishes for continued success, hoping that these talented judokas will earn a spot in the French championship finals.
From Regional Champion to National Gold: An Exclusive interview with judo Coach Jean-Luc Monteil
The Dojo du couserans judo team’s recent triumph at the national Label A tournament in Toulouse has ignited a wave of excitement within the French judo community.
With three out of four athletes securing top-ten rankings,including Mihaëla Niculaï who clinched the gold medal in the minimal category,the performance was nothing short of remarkable. To gain further insight into this success, I had the privilege of speaking with Jean-Luc Monteil, a seasoned judo coach with decades of experience and a keen observer of young talent.
Moderator: Coach Monteil, congratulations on the Dojo du Couserans’ impressive showing at the national tournament! This wasn’t their first taste of success, was it?
Jean-Luc Monteil: Thank you! Indeed, this team has been consistently performing well at the departmental and regional levels. Mihaëla’s previous regional championship title and vice-champion title in the youngest category clearly demonstrate her potential.
Moderator: Mihaëla’s victory, particularly given her relative lack of experience compared to some competitors, is truly noteworthy. What were your initial thoughts when you saw her dominance throughout the tournament, winning all six matches by ippon before the regulation time expired?
Jean-Luc Monteil:
We always knew Mihaëla was special. She possesses an exceptional combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and mental fortitude. Her dedication to training is truly inspiring, and she consistently strives to learn and improve.While we were confident in her potential, to see her achieve such decisive victories at a national level was exhilarating.
Moderator: This kind of dominance at such a young age raises the question: what does the future hold for Mihaëla?
Jean-Luc Monteil:
It’s far too early to make any predictions, but her talent is undeniable.If she continues to train diligently and remain focused, she has the potential to achieve great things in judo.It’s essential that we nurture her progress and provide her with the support she needs to reach her full potential.
Moderator: And what about the rest of the team?
Jean-Luc Monteil:
sormain’s fifth-place finish in the over 73kg category and Eden’s seventh place in the women’s division are commendable achievements,especially considering the high level of competition. Liam, despite his early exit, showed great potential and will undoubtedly learn from this experience.This entire team embodies the spirit and determination that defines Judo du Couserans.
Moderator: What message would you give to aspiring young judokas who are inspired by the achievements of the Dojo du Couserans team?
Jean-Luc Monteil:
Judo is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. It teaches discipline, respect, perseverance, and ultimately, self-belief. It rewards hard work and dedication. Embrace the challenges, learn from your mistakes, and never give up on your dreams.
Should young judokas be encouraged to specialize so early, or should they explore a wider range of martial arts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
