Novara Judo Centre Athletes Excel at Prestigious Christmas Judo Camp
A group of talented judokas from the Novara Judo Center recently honed their skills at the renowned “Christmas Judo Camp” held in Bardonecchia from December 26th to 29th. simon Vestali, Gabriele Martinone, Simone Di Giorgio, Mathieu and Aristid Sempio, and Mattia Manuel Moneta represented Novara with distinction.
This intensive training camp, organized by Akyiama Settimo in partnership with Cr Fijlkam Piemonte, attracted over a thousand athletes from across Europe and beyond. Participants included judokas from Italy, France, Israel, Germany, Switzerland, and Cyprus, creating a diverse and competitive surroundings.
Leading the camp was Christa deguchi, the reigning olympic champion from Paris 2024 and a two-time world champion (2023 and 2019). Deguchi was joined by an impressive coaching team,including Tommy Marcias,the 2021 vice world champion and 2019 European champion,and Kyle Reyes,the 2022 and 2021 vice world champion and 2021 Pan American Champion.
This remarkable lineup of instructors provided invaluable guidance and mentorship to the participating athletes.The Novara judokas benefited immensely from the chance to train alongside and learn from some of the best in the world.
master Flavio Vestali, highlighting the camp’s success, stated, “The feedback from this year’s experience was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of mountain scenery and high-level judo training proved to be a winning formula, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, institution, and responsibility both on and off the mat.”
This camp follows a similar experience for some of these Novara athletes just two months prior,where thay had the privilege of training with Alice Bellandi,Italy’s Olympic champion in the 78 kg category,who also secured gold at the Paris 2024 Games.
Dojo Dreams: An Interview with Olympian, Alice Bellandi
We’re thrilled to welcome back Alice Bellandi, Italy’s Olympic champion in the 78 kg category and gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Games, to discuss the amazing feats of young judokas from the Novara Judo Center at the recent “Christmas Judo Camp.”
Interviewer: Alice, thank you for joining us again. You recently had the pleasure of working with some of these Novara athletes just two months ago. What were your thoughts on their dedication and talent?
Alice Bellandi: it was truly inspiring to see such passion and commitment from these young judokas. They were eager to learn, soak up every piece of advice, and push their boundaries. Their determination reminded me a lot of myself at that age.
Interviewer: The Christmas Judo Camp must have been an incredible experience for them. Training with world champions like Christa Deguchi, Tommy Marcias, and Kyle Reyes, all under the breathtaking backdrop of Bardonecchia, sounds like a dream come true.
Alice Bellandi: Absolutely! This camp offered a unique opportunity for these judokas to elevate their game. Learning from Olympic and world champions, witnessing their techniques firsthand, and training in such a stimulating environment is invaluable.
Interviewer: Master Flavio Vestali described the camp as combining “high-level judo training with a spirit of camaraderie, institution, and responsibility”. How vital is this balance between athletic development and character building in young athletes?
Alice Bellandi: It’s crucial! Judo is more than just throws and holds; it’s about discipline, respect, and a strong moral compass. The values instilled through judo extend far beyond the mat, shaping these young individuals into well-rounded members of society.
Interviewer: As a role model for aspiring judokas, what message would you give them, especially those from the Novara Judo Center who are striving for excellence?
Alice Bellandi: never give up on your dreams.Believe in yourself,work tirelessly,and embrace the challenges along the way. Surround yourselves with supportive coaches and teammates, and always remember that judo is a journey of continuous learning and growth.
Interviewer: Thank you, Alice, for sharing your insights.We know our readers will be inspired by your words. Now, we want to hear from you, our audience!
do you think training camps like the “Christmas Judo Camp” play a vital role in nurturing young athletic talent? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and let’s keep the conversation going!
