The moment was solemn. This Thursday morning, a French delegation of around ten players and staff members visited the Kodokan, the cradle of judo, founded here in 1882 by Jigoro Kano.
The Blues were first welcomed by the current president of the Kodokan, Haruki Uemara, Olympic champion in all categories in Montreal in 1976. After an introduction to some fundamental principles of this martial art, starting with the notion of balance, the Blues were surprised to see Kosei Inoue appear, Olympic champion under 100 kg in Sydney in 2000 and triple world champion.
The local legend, still solidly built at 44, demonstrated a few techniques, under the captivated gaze of the audience.
“I had already come here with my club when I was younger, we had been returned by Japanese people smaller than us”
One player, in particular, did not miss a beat: Jules Favre, ten years of practice and black belt, who played in the French Junior Championships. “I had already come here with my club when I was younger, we had been returned by Japanese people smaller than us, laughed the three-quarters of La Rochelle. It is a mythical, solemn place, which inspires a lot of respect. I was super willing to come this (Thursday) morning. I didn’t know that Inoue would be present, he’s a gentleman here, a legend. »
The Blues in full initiation this Thursday. (A. Mounic/The Team)
Despite his will and the encouragement of his partners, Favre could not shoot with Inoue, the Japanese champion declining due to the health context. “I don’t want to be expelled from Japan”joked Inoue. “It was the best way to return to France tomorrow on the first plane”laughed Favre.
Inoue then put on a Les Bleus jersey for the souvenir photo.
