Dojo Beutrois celebrated a momentous occasion on Monday, January 13th, as two dedicated judokas, Cédric Lesiak and Brice Goglin, achieved the prestigious rank of black belt. This achievement marks a meaningful milestone for the club, representing the first black belts awarded sence 2014. [1] President Gervais Gaudière emphasized the dedication and hard work required to attain this level, stating, “It’s a great success, the fruit of a lot of work. You don’t become a black belt by chance.” He expressed optimism for more black belt recipients in the coming year, highlighting that this achievement is not an endpoint but rather the beginning of a new chapter in their judo journey.
Both Lesiak and Goglin, long-standing members of Dojo Beutrois, underwent rigorous training and a challenging competition known as “line” to earn their black belts. This test involved facing five opponents in rapid succession, each bout lasting less than a minute. Their instructor praised Lesiak’s commitment and competitive spirit, while noting Goglin’s extraordinary progress, having achieved the black belt in just a year and a half. The instructor expressed anticipation for Goglin’s return to competition.
A Thriving Community
The newly minted black belts expressed gratitude to their fellow club members and families for their unwavering support. Dojo beutrois, wich celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2024, has experienced a surge in membership as the post-Covid recovery period. [2] President Gaudière attributes this growth to the club’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to both camaraderie and rigorous training. He noted, “Our number of members is also increasing because we are a family club which knows how to have pleasant moments but which also works a lot.” Despite this success, the club faces a challenge: limited space. The Dojo is becoming increasingly cramped as membership continues to rise.
The judo session concluded with a conventional galette des rois, providing an opportunity for President Gaudière to extend his well wishes to students, parents, and instructors.
Celebrating Black Belts and Building Community: An Interview with Judo Olympian, Marie-Eve Gahié
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Olympic judoka Marie-Eve Gahié to discuss the recent success story of Dojo Beutrois, a judo club in France that recently awarded its first black belts since 2014. Marie-Eve, who achieved international fame through her dedication and talent on the judo mat, is also passionate about the growth and development of the sport at the grassroots level.
Hello Marie-Eve, thank you for joining us today. What were your initial thoughts when you heard about Dojo Beutrois celebrating their first black belts since 2014?
marie-Eve Gahié: It’s fantastic news. Achieving a black belt is a notable milestone in any judoka’s journey. It represents years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance.
Dojo Beutrois president, Gervais Gaudière, highlighted the challenging “line” competition these judokas had to overcome. Having competed at the highest level yourself, can you elaborate on the physical and mental demands of such a test?
Marie-Eve Gahié: The “line” is intense. Facing five opponents consecutively, each with their own style and tactics, requires incredible stamina, focus, and tactical awareness. You need to maintain your composure under pressure and adapt quickly to different situations. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s a true test of mental fortitude.
President Gaudière also mentioned the importance of Dojo Beutrois being a “family club”. How crucial is a supportive community in developing young athletes, notably in a demanding sport like judo?
marie-eve Gahié: A strong community is absolutely crucial.the support of coaches, fellow athletes, and families creates a positive environment where individuals can thrive. It fosters motivation, resilience, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Dojo Beutrois is experiencing a surge in membership since the pandemic, facing the challenge of limited space. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge. How can judo clubs manage growth while maintaining a high standard of training and community atmosphere?
Marie-Eve Gahié: It’s a common problem for growing clubs. Finding suitable space and ensuring qualified instructors are available are key issues. One solution could be to explore partnerships with local schools or community centers to access additional training facilities. Maintaining open communication with members and creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers
This story highlights the dedication of clinicians and the positive impact thay have on athletes. Do you believe stories like this can inspire young people to take up judo?
Marie-Eve Gahié: absolutely. Seeing others succeed, especially within their community, can be incredibly motivating. It shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
what advice would you give to young judoists just starting their journey?
Marie-Eve Gahié: Enjoy the process! Judo is not only about winning; it’s about personal growth, discipline, and camaraderie. Be patient, work hard, and never lose sight of your goals.
Let’s hear from you! What are your thoughts on the importance of grassroots sports clubs like Dojo Beutrois? Do you have any personal experiences with judo or other sports that have shaped your life? Share your comments below!
