Saturday afternoon, a hundred guests gathered at the Saint-Étienne-de-Tulmont dojo. The children had a field day rolling and somersaulting on the tatami covered for the occasion. Suddenly, President Alain Bisetto demanded silence. The door opened on Ahmed Chabi, their master at all, worthy octogenarian, emeritus judoka, to whom the Institute of Judo in Paris has just granted the high grade of seventh dan, white and red belt with which he girded his kimono . To the applause, he was invited to unveil the souvenir photo of this event.
Then he listened attentively to Christine Gainche retracing her national and international sports career with emotion. He participated in many competitions, notably obtaining a bronze medal at the African Games in Brazaville in 1965. Sought after abroad, Master Chabi was an international referee, expert consultant to the International Judo Federation, responsible for monitoring coach training programs funded by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). From 2004 to 2005, he was elected to the departmental judo committee. Among other distinctions and awards, the French Judo Federation awarded him the Palme d’Or in 2020.
It is this teacher and trainer who, for forty-two years, has trained judokas, young and old, in the dojos of Caussade and Saint-Étienne-de-Tulmont. Thanks to a great pedagogy combining pleasure and work, it has enabled some (adolescents and adults) to rise to the rank of black belt. Several of them wanted to be present to thank him. Modest, the interested party thanked the parents for their trust. Reunions and congratulations continued around the glass of friendship.
