This Wednesday, March 8, Larbi Benboudaoud, a great man in French judo, spent the day with 13 prisoners from Perpignan prison. A day punctuated by demonstrations but also much more theoretical discussions where each judo lesson becomes a life lesson.
Straight as an “i”, feet anchored in the carpet-padded floor forming a tatami, Larbi Benboudaoud faces his students. They are thirteen, seated, squirming in all directions to adjust their kimono. All drink the words of this former director of the high performance of French judo, world champion (1999) and Olympic vice-champion (2000) in the category of less than 66 kg. His apprentices of the day are inmates of the penitentiary center of Perpignan.
Invited by prison sports instructors John Baraton and Laurie Chrétien, Larbi Benboudaoud is coming to give prisoners an introduction to judo this Wednesday, March 8. But not only. Because if he does not have the build of a Teddy Riner, his aura is more imposing than a mountain. “What is the best quality for an athlete?“, he questions. “Discipline“, “work“, “mental“answers the small assembly. “Alright. In your life it’s the same. You will find yourself faced with a situation, in a moment T, and it is you who will have to make a choice. You can find all the excuses in the world, it’s your mind that dominates“. The young men, all under the age of forty, nod silently.
With his partner, Larbi Benboudaoud provided demonstrations. The first supervisor of the prison, Sylvie Duyme, black belt in judo exceptionally participated in the activity.
The judoka connects the bridges between the school of judo and that of life. “We can have a linear life path, or a zigzag one, it’s all about staying within the framework. All those who have reached the end have one thing in common: they have not left this framework“. Or : “Set goals and stick to them. After boy, your goal must not be to overtake Mesrine!“. So many words, mixed with judo exercises, which particularly resonate in the ears of some.
After such a day, tonight when we get back to the cell, we’ll sleep better
For the sake of anonymity, his first name will not be revealed, but an inmate, aged under thirty, seems almost upset. This tall man of 1m90 with square shoulders admits: “This gentleman was the pride of France but he still comes to see us in prison, it’s exceptional. His words speak to me, motivate me. What he says is wonderful. Unfortunately we are here, we have to be there. But that shouldn’t stop us from bouncing back afterwards. His speech, I had already heard. But to receive it here, from his mouth, he who has also known the neighborhoods but has been so successful, is different. It’s a model. I’m even sad to meet him so late because, for me, a top athlete, it’s over. But this meeting will mark me for life“.
One of his co-detainees appreciates this moment which allows him to escape his mind. Far from the routine of prison days punctuated by his canteen work. The young man opens up:I’ve been here since 2020 and this is the second activity of its kind I’ve taken part in. It’s great to receive people from outside. We can show that in prison we can also behave properly. Everyone asks for more. We would dream of having that every month. John really did a lot for us. It gives us a little recognition“. With a frank smile on his lips, this prisoner begins to philosophize: “After such a day, tonight when we get back to the cell, we’ll sleep better“.