call it now “Dojo Jacques Drapier”

In operation since 2014, the dojo of Pont-l’Abbé was inaugurated on June 3rd. Until then, it was called “the new dojo” in reference to the old dojo, a building that had suffered the onslaught of time since the 1950s.

Jacques Drapier, 94 years old…

In operation since 2014, the dojo of Pont-l’Abbé was inaugurated on June 3rd. Until then, it was called “the new dojo” in reference to the old dojo, a building that had suffered the onslaught of time since the 1950s.

Jacques Drapier, 94, founder of the Judo Club in 1970 had made the trip for the occasion. He came to attend the inauguration of the dojo which now bears his name. It must be said that Jacques Drapier represents for the judokas of the club the right and just human values. However, it is not easy to imagine Jacques, humble and full of humor, training 7-year-olds on tarpaulins and straw in the 1970s.

On the podium, the Departmental Council with its president and two advisers, three senators, the deputy of the 5^e constituency, the Community of Communes Cœur de Saintonge with its president and several mayors, affirmed by their presence the interest they show for sport, judo, and in particular the Judo Club of Pont-l’Abbé which regularly shines in competitions of all levels.

The festive day began with a family judo training session where some sixty parents and children discussed on the tatami under the sharp eye of Daniel Montefort, the multi-award-winning trainer who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. At the end, belts are awarded, a memorable moment for everyone. Judo is first of all a lot of humility.

Jacques Fleury, 1^is French champion of the club in 1981 speaks of values: “Judo was decisive, the fundamental meeting of my life. We don’t cheat, we respect, we recognize the value of everyone, whether strong or weak, we are courageous…” In the audience, former and young judokas, two international athletes listen: Chloé Buttigieg, 2^e of the Grand Slam of Paris, world class. And then Delphine Guénon, trained at the club, three times vice-champion of France, current European and world champion in kickboxing. Among the anonymous present, several black belts 5^e and…

With its 70 club-trained black belt judokas, the club’s awards book is wide open. Olivier Macaud thanked Mayor Alexandre Schneider for this beautiful inauguration, the CdC for the subsidies and the minibus loan, the Departmental Council for its moral and financial support and the sponsors.