Young Judokas Shine at Bernis Tournament
The Bernis judo club hosted a bustling judo tournament on January 11th and 12th, attracting over 300 young athletes from eleven regional clubs. The event, a longstanding tradition for over fifteen years, took place at the multiactivity room on the route de Nîmes.
This year, the tournament was held slightly later than usual due to scheduling constraints, as explained by the club treasurer while serving pancakes to the enthusiastic crowd of parents. The weekend was packed with action, with the youngest participants, including judo babies, taking to the mats on Saturday, followed by the chicks born in 2017 and 2018 on Sunday.
The Bernis club showcased notable talent, securing a first-place finish surpassing Vauvert and Poulx-Bezouce. Notably, six-year-old Paolo Beaudard achieved a commendable second-place finish, a result that, while impressive, left him with a hint of disappointment, according to his grandmother, Blandine Beudard.
Paolo, a multi-talented athlete who recently won the schools cross country, proudly displayed his medal alongside his white belt adorned with yellow checks. Five-year-old Lya also secured a second-place finish, demonstrating the club’s depth of talent. With over 100 members, the Bernis club continues to nurture young judokas, as evidenced by the strong performance of its athletes.
The event was a resounding success, drawing nearly 500 spectators throughout the weekend. The atmosphere was electric, with all eyes focused on the tatami mats. The club’s dedication to hosting this annual tournament was evident in the meticulous association and the various fundraising initiatives, including a refreshment bar, a popular pancake stand, and a raffle with nearly 300 tickets sold.
Adding to the event’s prestige was the presence of Denis Buchard, a veteran world champion and guide of the Grau-du-Roi and Aigues Mortes club, who generously volunteered his time to referee numerous matches. The president, Jean-Luc Carlier, skillfully presided over the podium ceremonies on both days, ensuring a smooth and celebratory atmosphere.
Young Judoka Futures: An Interview with Denis Buchard
This past weekend saw the Bernis judo club host its annual tournament, attracting over 300 young athletes and nearly 500 spectators. To discuss the importance of these youth competitions and the future of judo in the region, I have the pleasure of speaking with Denis Buchard, a veteran world judo champion and now a guide at the Grau-du-Roi and Aigues Mortes club. Welcome, Denis.
Denis: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to referee at the Bernis tournament, and it’s always inspiring to see the passion and dedication of these young judokas.
Host: Absolutely! The Bernis club showed amazing strength,taking home the top spot against strong competition from Vauvert and Poulx-Bezouce.
What impressed you most about the tournament and the young athletes who participated?
Denis: The level of enthusiasm was palpable. Every young judoka, regardless of their experience or financial resources, stepped onto the mat with determination and a genuine love for the sport.
It’s fantastic to see such commitment at such a young age, and it bodes well for the future of judo.
Host: You mentioned commitment, and that’s something I wanted to touch on. Do you think tournaments like these are crucial for a young judoka’s growth?
Denis: Without a doubt. Competitions provide invaluable experience.
They allow these athletes to test their skills, learn from their mistakes, and develop mental resilience. The pressure of competition teaches them how to perform under stress,a valuable skill both on and off the mat.
Host: There were some particularly notable individual performances. Six-year-old Paolo Beaudard,such as,secured a commendable second-place finish. Even though he was disappointed with the result, his grandmother mentioned he’s also a talented cross-country runner.
Do you think multi-sport participation is beneficial for young athletes?
Denis: Definitely. Specializing too early can lead to burnout and potential injuries. Encouraging young athletes to participate in multiple sports promotes overall physical development, fosters a love for movement, and teaches them valuable transferable skills like discipline and teamwork. It’s about creating well-rounded individuals, not just single-sport specialists.
host: I agree wholeheartedly. The Bernis tournament doesn’t just showcase athleticism; it also highlights the strong sense of community within judo.
The club’s dedication to
hosting this annual event, combined with fundraising initiatives like the popular pancake stand, shows their commitment goes beyond just training.
Denis: Absolutely. Judo is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life.
The values of respect, discipline, and perseverance instilled through judo translate into all aspects of life. Tournaments like this are not just about competition; they are about building friendships, fostering a sense of belonging, and strengthening the community.
Host: That’s a powerful message, Denis.Thank you so much for sharing your insights.
I hope this interview inspires our readers and viewers to support youth judo programs in their local communities.
What are your thoughts on the future of judo?
What steps can we take to ensure the continued growth and popularity of this wonderful sport? Let us know in the comments below.
