A new consecration, municipal this one came to greet a faithful servant of Limouxin judo.
What to say or write about Jean-Paul Cattanéo that hasn’t already been said. Perhaps at more than 75 springs, the Limouxin regularly puts on a kimono which is certainly the garment he has worn the most. What can we also say about the Dojo on rue des Roseaux which is again his second home.
An example for all
Almost naturally it is the first magistrate, Pierre Durand, who in this sporting discipline was his pupil, this Friday presented the medal of the City to Jean-Paul Cattanéo. An emblematic figure of the Limouxin judo club, he was initially an emeritus judoka, fifth dan black belt but also and above all, he proved to be over time a tireless trainer and teacher for any young Limouxin judoka. Educator, professor and referee, respected and appreciated by the entire Limouxin sports microcosm, Jean-Paul has striven to transmit his passion and the virtues that accompany it. Because judo, like the martial arts from the empire of the rising sun, has, beyond a purely sporting practice, its moral code. And in this area, “Sensei” Cattanéo does not compromise, and even if he does not have a tenor voice or the stature of a Roman gladiator, he imposes rigor and discipline on generations of little Limouxins.
The Limouxin judo club
If he is not the first judoka of the blanquetière city, he donned the white tunic at the age of 16 in 1965. Four years later, he obtained his first black belt. At that time, judo lessons took place in rue Paussifile not far from the presbytery of Saint-Martin. The facilities were then spartan and cramped, but the enthusiasm was there. A few years later it was the “préfa” of Saint-Antoine where young and old learned the art of falling. Year after year, generation after generation, Master Cattanéo’s students have grown up but they have not forgotten him and they have certainly not forgotten all this teaching distilled with rare and unfailing dedication.
However, Jean-Paul always keeps his eyes on the young shoots… Perhaps the secret of such longevity?
It is for all this journey which has not, moreover, yet found an epilogue, that the city wanted to thank this great Limouxin servant.
A ceremony where the emotion could be read on the face of Jean-Paul, but also on that of the many spectators and friends who came to attend this ceremony.
