In Châteaubriant, Gary Michel transmits his passion for martial arts and his values

For Gary Michel, it was a dream. It has become a reality: to make its passion for martial arts his job. It exercises in particular on tatami mats from Châteaubriant (Loire-Atlantique).

“I started judo when I was five years old. At first, I wanted to practice karate, like my mom. But, I was too small, ”says the young man.

So I went to judo. It suited me well. The principle of putting people on the ground suited me. I have never stopped since. Today, I have the chance to make a living from my passion.

Judo, self-defense and jujitsu

He works on judo, self-defense and jujitsu sessions. “I also teach adapted sports. It is very enriching. It’s always a pleasure to see them evolve. For example, at the start, they are afraid of falling, of going to the ground. Finally, after several sessions, they do it alone and love it. The job is complex. We have to adapt to all audiences and to each individual’s level, ”he observes.

I work in three different cities. Châteaubriant, la Chevrolière and Divatte-sur-Loire. It gives me the road but I have no choice.

The teacher sacrifices himself to make a living from his favorite sport.

Caught off guard by the health crisis

Fortunately, Gary Michel spends more time in the dojos than in his vehicle. “In good weeks, I intervene twenty-eight hours. The ideal is when I work at Châteaubriant on Saturdays all day. I am nearby. With the exception of those who train at the Pôle espoirs, it is very difficult to land full time, ”he underlines.

The health crisis has obviously considerably reduced its activity.

I was caught off guard. I admit I lacked responsiveness. It blocked me in the projects I had set up with the students. Besides, it took me a long time to bond with them.

Fortunately, the athlete recovered. ” I created a blog. There is new content every day. I post videos where I take shots in order to continue training. I film myself with my computer. I try to explain the movements to be performed as well as possible. Printable coloring pages for kids are also available. ”

Find the ground

The technician nevertheless prefers to find the reality on the ground.

I am not social media. It is a great first for me to distribute content via the internet. I can’t wait to reunite with my students. It is as important to them as it is to me. I am a passionate person who needs contact with others.

Gary Michel also says he has “a thought for the volunteers. They are the ones who hold the reins of the clubs. I take my hat off to them for their dedication. “

In the meantime, he talks. “I exercise every day. It is essential to keep your line for credibility. The questioning is also daily. As soon as I have any doubts about a technique, I start to revise it. When I ask my group for something, I have to be able to do it perfectly well. “

Important to test yourself

The teacher also hones his knowledge during competitions.

It’s good to face other fighters. This allows you to test yourself. Succeeding in a take in front of someone who prevents me from doing it means that I have mastered it.

The improvement in the health situation should allow Gary Michel, in the coming weeks, to extend his arms and hang his hands on his future opponents. Beware of those who dare to approach their kimono!