Soignies, Belgium – The Judo Club Ippon Soignies recently hosted a dynamic inter-team tournament, fostering camaraderie and competition amongst judokas from multiple clubs. The event, a staple for the club, highlighted not only athletic skill but also the strong community bonds within the sport.
The tournament’s unique format, as explained by Judo Club Ippon Soignies judoka Maxime Buze, involved creating mixed teams comprised of athletes from various clubs, including a core group from Soignies supplemented by external reinforcements. “We create a team with several clubs. Here, we have a part of Soignies with external reinforcements. Plus, it’s mixed: Notice girls who compete, then boys, within the same team,” Buze said. This mixed-gender approach added an interesting dynamic to the competition, encouraging collaboration and diverse strategies.
Representing the Club and Building Experience
Participation in events like the inter-team tournament is seen as vital for strengthening the Judo Club Ippon Soignies and providing valuable experience for its members. For the athletes, it’s an opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their club with pride. Julien Ponsart, another judoka at the club, emphasized the honor and enjoyment derived from competing. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here, because we can let off steam, fight on the tatami and enjoy it. It’s in competitions like these that we gain experience: we learn to know each other, to understand our judo and to anticipate that of others,” Ponsart explained.
The club, established in 1976, has a long history of promoting judo to all ages, currently training over 150 judokas starting from age four. The city of Soignies has repeatedly recognized the club’s contributions, including awards for sporting merit. This tournament continues that tradition of community engagement and athletic development.
More Than Just Victory: The Importance of Connection
While competition is central to the event, organizers and participants alike stressed that the tournament offers benefits beyond simply winning. The opportunity to meet and train with judokas from different backgrounds is a key takeaway. Buze highlighted the value of expanding one’s network within the sport. “When you do randoris in your club, you always meet the same people. Going outside allows you to make new acquaintances and it remains a particularly good experience. For me, competition, whether individual or team-based, is very essential for developing your judo,” he stated.
A Family Affair: Judo as a Shared Passion
The passion for judo often runs deep within families, and the Ippon Soignies tournament was no exception. Many participants arrive from families with a long-standing tradition in the sport. Serena Leanza shared her family’s story, illustrating how the passion was passed down through generations. “It started on my dad’s side, then it spread through the family: my older sister, me, my younger sister and my little brother,” Leanza recounted.
For others, the introduction to judo came from their parents, who sought to instill discipline, respect, and physical fitness. Julien Ponsart recalled being introduced to the sport at age six, initially for safety reasons. “I was initiated to judo at the age of six by my parents to learn how to fall better without getting hurt, because I was a daredevil at the time. Little by little, I grew up in judo, even if it wasn’t always effortless with university,” Ponsart concluded.
The Judo Club Ippon Soignies offers a range of training schedules throughout the week, including psychomotor skills classes for young children (ages 4-6), judo classes for children (ages 6-12), and advanced competition training for athletes over 12. Classes are structured by age group, providing tailored instruction and a supportive learning environment. A typical weekly schedule includes psychomotricity sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, children’s judo classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and competition training on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The club’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is evident in its diverse programs and its emphasis on the values of conviviality, respect, and tradition. The inter-team tournament serves as a testament to this commitment, bringing together judokas from different backgrounds to share their passion for the sport.
The Judo Club Ippon Soignies continues to be a vital part of the Soignies community, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and skill levels to experience the benefits of judo. The club’s dedication to promoting the sport and fostering a sense of community ensures its continued success for years to come.
Looking ahead, the Judo Club Ippon Soignies is preparing for its annual Grand Prix in 2026, promising another exciting event for judo enthusiasts in the region. Further information about the club, its programs, and upcoming events can be found on their official website: https://www.judoipponsoignies.be/. You can also follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Judoipponsoignies/.
