The judo and jujitsu season is underway at the Espaly-Saint-Marcel club in France, with classes operating out of the municipal gymnasium and introductory sessions offered free of charge to prospective members.
Classes at the Espaly Gymnasium
Training sessions take place at the gymnasium located at 1 rue Saint-Marcel, opposite the local professional high school. Judo instruction runs on Wednesdays and Fridays, accommodating children aged five to eight as well as a separate group for participants aged nine through seniors. The club’s jujitsu program serves participants from age 13 up to veterans. Sessions for this group run from 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM local time, focusing on recreational training that incorporates striking techniques, standing and ground combat, joint locks, and strangulation techniques. All club classes are led by Dominique Castanet, who holds coaching credentials in judo, jujitsu, and karate.
Off-Site Training and Departmental Seminars
Beyond weekly gymnasium classes, club members have traveled across the region for specialized instruction and administrative development. Representatives attended the dojo in Andrézieux-Bouthéon to complete training for prospective sports commissioners and referees. Meanwhile, instructor Dominique Castanet directed a departmental seminar at the Yssingeaux dojo aimed at candidates preparing for their first and second-dan black belt examinations. Yssingeaux is also scheduled to host upcoming seminars focused on self-defense and jujitsu training for the club’s newly formed jujitsu contingent.
Opening Competition Results
Club competitors have already marked their first appearances in regional fixtures. Several licensed members traveled to Haut-Lignon for the season’s opening competition, where they secured their first medals of the competitive calendar. Alongside competitive goals, training tracks remain open for members pursuing black belt grading or recreational participation.
Worth a look
