The Croix-de-Pierre dojo celebrated its forty years of activity. For the occasion, Olivier Zelei, volunteer educator, explains the benefits of this booming activity since the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A few days ago, he celebrated his 40 years of activity in the presence of the old and new generations. In 1984, Jean-Paul Gensane and Alex Delaure, two judo enthusiasts, created a dojo in a former classroom of the Maurice Bécanne primary school, installing around twenty tatami mats. We set out to introduce this Japanese martial art to local kids: “From the first season, we welcomed around thirty children,” remembers Alex Delaure, technical director of the Croix-de-Pierre dojo.
Following the AZF explosion, a second dojo was built near the gymnasium on rue Théodore Rivière: “Among our first students, some are still there, notes Alex Delaure, like Olivier Zelei, student since 1984, graduated in 2015 and educator volunteer in 2013. Or Claude Boyals who for 16 years trained several black belts Others, after accompanying their children, put on a kimono before. get involved in the association’s office. Still others like Jean Teston, a black belt, registered his two sons in 1984 and took over as president of the association.
A moral code to promote the values of judo
This sporting activity has found a new lease of life since the Paris 2024 Olympics where champions like Teddy Riner have become real examples for young people: “We have 70 members, estimates Olivier Zelei, including 80% children with 15% girls and 20% of adult teenagers The practice of judo has grown. Judo, much more than a simple sport, is distinguished by the moral values it transmits. As Olivier Zelei points out, “its moral code is based on essential principles such as politeness, courage, modesty, honor, self-control, friendship and respect.” In a society sometimes losing its bearings, these values taught during the courses reassure parents and help to form responsible and respectful individuals.
