Young Judokas Shine at Departmental Championships
The Brivois judo Club is celebrating a triumphant season, with young athletes achieving notable results at recent competitions. Ali DE GAITCHIA secured a commendable third-place finish in the -60kg category at the junior and cadet departmental championships, earning him a spot in the interdepartmental championship.
Manon NICOLAS showcased her versatility,clinching first place in the young cadet referees’ cup and securing a second-place finish in the -52kg competition. Lucas PAZIENZA also made his mark, claiming third place in the -73kg category, while Thomas REICHMANN placed fourth in the same weight class. These outstanding performances propelled Manon and Lucas to the Loire-Auvergne interdepartmental cadet championships.
Manon continued her winning streak, finishing seventh and securing her qualification for the AURA championship, scheduled for Ceyrat on February 8, 2025. Unfortunately,Lucas’s journey was cut short due to an injury.
Judokas Advance in Grades and Foster Camaraderie
Beyond the competitive arena, members of the Brivois Judo Club demonstrated their dedication to personal growth. A group of adolescents and adults recently traveled to the Maison du Judo in lyon, where they participated in grading examinations.
Florian TAVERNIER earned 10 points towards his third DAN, while Fabrice DUVAL achieved an impressive 40 points for his second DAN. emma MOURGUES, Isabelle PAILHES, and Manon NICOLAS each added 27, 10, and 10 points respectively, bringing them closer to achieving their first DAN. Florian and Fabrice’s presence provided valuable support and mentorship to their fellow judokas throughout the day, reinforcing the club’s strong sense of community.
Festive Celebrations Mark the End of a Successful Year
As the year drew to a close, the Brivois Judo Club embraced the holiday spirit with festive gatherings. The youngest judokas celebrated Christmas on the tatami, enjoying a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie. santa Claus made a special appearance,delighting the children with bags of treats.
The older judokas shared a common class, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose before the holiday break. Meanwhile, the Taïso practitioners organized a convivial aperitif dinner, where everyone contributed a dish, strengthening the bonds of friendship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
From Tatami to Triumph: A Chat with Judoka Champion Fabrice Duval
Welcome back, fight fans! Today, we have the distinct pleasure of chatting with Fabrice Duval, a respected sensei and judoka who recently achieved an impressive 40 points towards his second DAN at the Maison du Judo in Lyon. Fabrice, thanks for joining us.
Fabrice: It’s my pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. The Brivois Judo Club has been making waves lately, particularly with the success of their junior athletes. Ali De Gaichtia, Manon Nicolas, Lucas Pazienza, and Thomas Reichmann all had standout performances at the departmental championships. Does this wave of young talent surprise you?
Fabrice: Not at all. These youngsters are dedicated, passionate, and incredibly driven. They train hard, listen to their coaches, and seem to genuinely enjoy the sport. It’s inspiring to see their growth and dedication.
Moderator: Manon Nicolas, in particular, seems unstoppable. She followed up her departmental success with a seventh-place finish and qualification for the AURA championship. What do you think makes her such a formidable competitor?
Fabrice: Manon has a unique combination of power, technique, and mental fortitude. she’s not afraid to take risks, and she always gets back up, stronger than before, after a setback. It’s that fighting spirit that sets her apart.
Moderator: Regrettably, Lucas Pazienza’s journey was cut short by injury. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in combat sports. what advice would you give to young athletes dealing with setbacks like this?
Fabrice: It’s heartbreaking to see a promising athlete sidelined by injury. My advice? Don’t lose sight of your goal. Use this time to focus on recovery, mental planning, and refining technique. Remember, setbacks are a part of the journey, they don’t define it.
Moderator: Shifting gears slightly, you recently gained 40 points towards your second DAN.congratulations! What does this achievement mean to you?
Fabrice: It’s a great honor and a testament to years of dedicated training and learning. Judo is a lifelong journey, and each step forward is a milestone worth celebrating. But for me, the true reward is mentoring young judokas and seeing them grow both on and off the mat.
Moderator: Speaking of mentorship, you and Florian Tavernier were there to support the other judokas during the grading examinations. How critically important is a strong sense of community within a judo club?
Fabrice: It’s absolutely essential. Judo is much more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that teaches discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Supporting each other, both on the mat and off, is crucial to individual and collective growth.
Moderator: And Fabrice, the Brivois Judo Club ended the year on a high note with festive celebrations. What role do you think these gatherings play in fostering a positive club environment?
Fabrice: They’re critically important for building relationships, boosting morale, and reinforcing that sense of belonging. Judo is physically demanding, so it’s great to have these moments of fun and relaxation to unwind and connect with fellow judokas.
Moderator: Thank you so much for your time and insights, Fabrice. Your passion for judo is truly inspiring. We wish you and the Brivois Judo Club all the best in the coming year!
Fabrice: Thank you for having me.
What do you think, judo fans? Share your thoughts on the brivois Judo Club’s success and the importance of mentorship in sports in the comments below!
