On Saturday May 8 at the Stadium in Agen a new seminar was held bringing together a dozen judo teachers working in the department. Organized at the initiative of Jérèmy Louws, departmental technical advisor, this collective training took place throughout the morning.
Beyond the technical aspect, the essential goal of this gathering was to maintain the link with all those who are the main animators of their club. “Several clubs are in great difficulty linked to the pandemic, in particular because their teachers, very often volunteers, have turned to other activities” explains Jérémy Louws.
Maintain the link with teachers …
This training for the maintenance of skills for professional teachers was held under the authority, once again, of Serge Feist (ninth dan, competitor and very high level coach) and Roland Alias, fourth state patent holder. dan responsible for the sports part within the departmental committee.
“The loss of licensees is significant, probably in the order of 40%, and great uncertainties threaten the re-entry” confided Serge Feist.
Judo is undoubtedly one of the disciplines that has been most affected by the current health situation. A combat sport which is practiced indoors, almost all activities have been suspended for nearly a year and a half.
… and regain the workforce
“Fortunately, many clubs have been able to keep in touch with their licensees and have been able to organize a few individual preparation sessions outdoors, but a few others have given up,” said the departmental technical advisor. Serge Feist who teaches at the Racing Club de France confirms that the phenomenon is unfortunately national and precise “This crisis comes at a time when French judo, mainly male, is in difficulty. A generation, like Teddy Riner, is at the end of cycle. Our fear for the future is that many young people have turned to other sports activities which may continue to be practiced. “
The 36 clubs in the department are nevertheless preparing for the start of the school year. “By this deadline, we hope to be able, ideally as early as June, to welcome our practitioners back to the dojos and organize summer courses.” This wish expressed by Jérémy Louws being, of course, conditioned on the decisions of the authorities who will, hopefully, have to measure the negative impact on the physical, psychological and educational health of young victims of the absence of any sporting practices.
