French Judo Dominates as ASC Judo Club Wins Three Titles in National Championship
May 15, 2024
ASC Judo Club secured three medals at the French Judo National Championship, including a bronze for Marlone Amacin (195cm, 100kg) in the men’s heavyweight division, as the club solidified its status as a powerhouse in French judo. The victories—two golds and a bronze—came during a three-day competition at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris, where 400 athletes from 60 clubs competed. The club’s success underscores its growing influence in the sport ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Three Medals, One Club: ASC Judo’s Historic Run
The ASC Judo Club’s medal haul included gold medals in the men’s lightweight (-73kg) and women’s middleweight (-70kg) divisions, according to the French Judo Federation’s official results. The bronze for Amacin, who trains under head coach Laurent Pichon, marked his first senior national medal after a standout performance in the Hope Pole program.
Amacin, a 23-year-old from Marseille, advanced to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Thomas Briand (Judo Club de Nice) in a closely contested match. “It was a tough fight, but I learned a lot about my technique against elite competition,” Amacin told reporters after his match. “The bronze is a great start for my senior career.”
ASC Judo’s gold medalists were Lucas Martin (73kg), who defeated Maxime Delcourt (Judo Club de Strasbourg) in the final, and Camille Leblanc (70kg), who outscored Elise Raynaud (Judo Club de Lyon) in extra time. Both athletes are part of France’s Olympic development pipeline.
Why This Matters: ASC Judo’s Olympic Ambitions
ASC Judo’s performance is significant for two key reasons: its alignment with France’s Olympic judo program and its role in developing young talent for the 2024 Games.
According to French Judo Federation records, the club has produced three athletes currently in the national team’s top-10 rankings. The federation’s high-performance director, Jean-Michel Laroche, praised ASC Judo’s “consistent development of athletes from the junior to senior levels.”
For Amacin, the bronze medal positions him as a candidate for the 2025 European Championships and a potential spot on the French Olympic team for Tokyo 2028. His height and reach make him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division, where France has struggled to medal in recent years.
Key Performances: Who Stood Out?
Beyond the medalists, several athletes delivered standout performances that could influence France’s judo future:
- Lucas Martin (73kg): Defeated Delcourt in 3:12 minutes, showcasing his ne-waza (groundwork) dominance. Martin, a 2023 European Junior Champion, is now ranked #6 in France.
- Camille Leblanc (70kg): Her gold medal came after a shido (warning) for Delcourt in the final, highlighting her tactical discipline. Leblanc is now the #3-ranked woman in France.
- Marlone Amacin (100kg): His semifinal loss to Briand was decided by a waza-ari (half-point) in the second minute, a rare defeat for Amacin in national competition.
Coach Laurent Pichon attributed the club’s success to “a focus on fundamental judo techniques rather than flashy throws.” He added, “Our athletes are technically sound, which is what separates them in high-pressure matches.”
What’s Next for ASC Judo and Amacin?
The club’s next major competition is the 2024 European Judo Championships in Yerevan, Armenia (April 24–28, 2025), where Amacin and Martin are expected to compete. For Amacin, the immediate focus is on refining his uchikomi (repetition drills) to improve his success rate against elite heavyweights.
ASC Judo will also host a pre-Olympic training camp in Marseille from June 10–15, 2024, inviting national team members to train alongside their athletes. The camp aims to bridge the gap between club and Olympic-level judo.
Upcoming key dates:
- June 10–15, 2024: ASC Judo Training Camp (Marseille, France)
- September 2024: French Judo National Team Selection Trials
- April 2025: European Judo Championships (Yerevan, Armenia)
How to Follow ASC Judo’s Progress
For updates on ASC Judo’s athletes, including Amacin, Martin, and Leblanc, follow these official channels:
Fans can also watch ASC Judo’s athletes in action during the 2024 French Judo League, which begins on October 5, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASC Judo Club’s training philosophy?
Head coach Laurent Pichon emphasizes technical precision over physical power, focusing on uchikomi drills and ne-waza (groundwork). The club’s training includes 20-hour weekly sessions, with equal emphasis on mental preparation and match analysis.
How does France’s judo program select athletes for the Olympics?
Selection is based on performance at the French National Championships, World Judo Tour rankings, and Olympic qualification criteria. Athletes must maintain a top-10 national ranking for at least six months before Olympic trials. Amacin’s bronze medal strengthens his candidacy for Tokyo 2028.
What are the biggest challenges for French judo ahead of Paris 2024?
Key challenges include:
- Injury recovery: France lost three Olympic medalists to injuries in 2023.
- Youth development: Only 12% of French judoka are under 18, per federation data.
- International competition: Japan and Georgia dominate the 100kg+ divisions where France struggles.
