SAINTES, France – The Santone Judo club is settling into its new home, the Stéphane-Santrisse dojo, and looking to continue its tradition of developing young talent. Located in the Boiffiers district of Saintes, the state-of-the-art facility represents a new chapter for the club, which is aiming to build on the legacy of its late president, Stéphane Santrisse.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the youngest members of the club, the pre-poussins (6-7 year olds), were hard at work during training. Parents watched from the minor wooden bleachers as the children practiced basic movements on the tatami mats. This was the third full-time training session held at the new dojo, which also houses several other martial arts clubs.
A New Home, Honoring the Past
“There was a soul in the old place, but here, we’re going to create a history,” said Martine Charruyer, the club’s president since June 28, 2025. Charruyer took over following the passing of Stéphane Santrisse in March 2025, after he had served as president since 2016 and been involved with the club for over 25 years. She previously served as the club’s secretary from 1993 to 2008 and had a long-standing working relationship with Santrisse during his time as a coach.
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Charruyer admitted she hadn’t initially considered taking on the role after Santrisse’s death, wanting to allow younger, still-competing members of the club to lead. However, after those individuals declined, she felt a responsibility to step up, especially after learning that Santrisse himself had envisioned her as his successor.
“He laid a very solid foundation for the club. We want to continue what he started,” Charruyer said. Santrisse had long advocated for new facilities for martial arts in Saintes, and that vision has now become a reality.
Focus on Youth Development and Competition
The Santone Judo club is committed to being a “nursery” and “launchpad” for young judokas. The club plans to increase opportunities for its athletes to compete, providing them with valuable experience. Recent successes include Cloé Simonnot, who will soon join the Pôle France national training center, and Grâce Tano Aphint, who is also considering similar opportunities. The Bonvalet siblings previously paved the way for these athletes.
Currently boasting 181 members, the club aims to reach 200 by the end of the season, hoping the new facilities will attract more young people from Saintes and the surrounding area. The club is offering introductory sessions at local schools, with the first scheduled for April 20 at the Saint-Georges-des-Coteaux school. Before that, on Saturday, April 18, from 2 PM to 4 PM, the club will host an open house with free introductory sessions, allowing the community to explore the new dojo.
The Santone Judo club’s dedication to youth development, combined with its new, state-of-the-art facilities, positions it for continued success in the years to come. The club is not only honoring the legacy of Stéphane Santrisse but also building a bright future for the next generation of judokas.
