Elite Pedigree: Céline Grieco Brings Championship Experience to AGSV Judo

The Association Gymnique et sportive de Veauche (AGSV) has significantly bolstered its martial arts program with the addition of Céline Grieco. A seasoned practitioner and coach with a prestigious competitive record, Grieco joined the organization in September to lead the judo and jujitsu sections, bringing a level of technical expertise and institutional knowledge rarely seen at the local club level.

For the residents of Veauche and the surrounding Saint-Galmier basin, the arrival of a “multi-titled” coach represents a shift in the club’s ambitions. Grieco is not merely a teacher; she is a lifelong student of the sport who began her journey at age seven. That lifelong immersion has evolved into a comprehensive career that spans coaching, officiating, and high-level competition.

A Comprehensive Approach to the Mat

Grieco’s influence extends beyond basic instruction. Her resume includes critical roles within the sport’s governing infrastructure, serving as an inter-league referee for France Judo and a national referee for the Federation. This duality—the ability to both execute a throw and judge it from an official standpoint—provides AGSV students with a nuanced understanding of the rules and tactical requirements of competitive judo.

Currently serving as a professor across three different clubs, Grieco balances her instructional duties with her commitment to the sport’s governing bodies. This breadth of experience ensures that the training at AGSV is aligned with current national standards and competitive trends.

Working alongside Louane Georjon, Grieco is helping to shape a program that caters to a wide demographic, from toddlers discovering the sport to adults refining their technique. For those unfamiliar with the structure of French judo clubs, this often involves a blend of “éveils” (awakening/introductory classes) for the youngest children and rigorous technical sessions for adolescents and adults.

Training Infrastructure and Accessibility

The AGSV judo program operates across two primary venues in Veauche, ensuring accessibility for its members. Training is split between the Dojo Marcel Pagnol on Tuesdays and the Dojo Saint Laurent on Thursdays.

The schedule is meticulously tiered by age and experience:

• Tuesday (Dojo Marcel Pagnol): Sessions run from 17:00 to 21:00, with specific slots for children born between 2020 and 2016, and a final block for teenagers and adults (born 2013 or earlier).
• Thursday (Dojo Saint Laurent): Training mirrors the Tuesday structure, running from 17:00 to 20:15.

To maintain the sport accessible to the community, the club has implemented a tiered pricing structure for the 2025/2026 season. Annual fees range from 160€ for the youngest children (born 2019–2022) to 250€ for those taking two classes per week. These costs are comprehensive, covering the mandatory FFJDA licenses (46€), insurance (2.20€), and association membership fees.

The club likewise supports various financial aid options to lower the barrier to entry. This includes the acceptance of “Pass Sport” and “Up-loisirs” for scholarship holders, as well as a 30€ “Pass Région” for high school students. Local residents of Veauche can also utilize a 15€ “Culture et Sport” coupon provided by the city.

The Path to Mastery

Grieco’s philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the sport’s lineage. Her own development was shaped by mentorship, notably under Patrick Gronencheld, a judo professor at ASPTT Toulon. This tradition of mentorship is a cornerstone of the martial arts, where the relationship between coach and student is paramount to technical progression.

By integrating a coach of Grieco’s caliber, AGSV is providing its athletes with a direct link to the higher echelons of French judo. Whether a student is aiming for a national belt or simply seeking the discipline and physical benefits of the sport, the presence of a national-level referee and multi-titled competitor in the dojo elevates the training environment.

For prospective members, the club offers free trial sessions during the month of September, allowing newcomers to experience Grieco’s coaching style firsthand before committing to the season.

The next confirmed step for the program is the continued rollout of the 2025/2026 training cycle. Interested athletes and parents are encouraged to contact the club secretariat via email to coordinate trial sessions or registration.

Do you have experience training under national-level referees? Share your thoughts on how official officiating experience changes the way judo is taught in the comments below.