Namur judoka are preparing a powerful squad for the upcoming national championships in Lommel after dominating regional qualifying events across multiple weight classes. Regional reports highlight an exceptional run by local athletes, anchored by the Gishi Club Jambes and surrounding clubs, setting up a high-stakes showdown against Flanders’ top fighters on the national stage.
Gishi Club Jambes Dominates Francophone Regional Scene
Under the guidance of its technical staff, the Gishi Club Jambes cemented its status as a powerhouse in Francophone judo by capturing nine total medals, including three regional titles. The club is sending a massive delegation to Lommel with ambitions of replicating past domestic successes against fierce opposition from the north. Staff members point out that while the regional qualifiers were a necessary first step, the competition in Lommel will escalate dramatically against the Flemish armada.
“The group has presented itself well at the regional deadline, but that was only a required step,” club staff stated ahead of the tournament. “Next weekend, the level will step up a notch against the Flemish armada. The objective remains clear: bring a maximum of national titles home. The youngsters are hungry for victories.”
All-Jambes Heavyweight Showdown Highlights Regional Density
The absolute symbol of regional hegemony came in the heavyweight division, where an explosive 100% Jamboise final showed the depth of the Mosan training system. Pierre Issa Buyle secured the -100 kg title via ippon, defeating the person who had beaten him at the national level last year. In the women’s division, Leah Rousseau of IGW claimed the -70 kg crown, while the over-78 kg heavyweight class featured another all-Jamboise final as Émilie Ntwa Elonga defeated teammate Nantenin Condé.
Other notable podium finishes across the regional brackets include Darius Germys taking silver in the -60 kg category, while Osman Dzhamaldinov (-73 kg) and Salavat Gabayev (-81 kg) both earned bronze medals. In the women’s -48 kg category, IGW secured a double podium with Célia Van Beneden in second and Léa Brackman in third, alongside third-place finishes for Cléa Latorrata of Gishi in -52 kg and Zoé Depaepe of Sambreville in -63 kg. Meanwhile, Sambreville competitor Gabrielle Bouvier was absent from the competition.
Veteran Milestone Sets Stage for National Showdown
Among the standout stories heading to the northern tatamis is 40-year-old Florentine veteran Arnaud Burton, who claimed an extraordinary silver medal in the -100 kg division—his first of its kind. Burton’s breakthrough proves that patience pays off in competitive judo, adding veteran grit to a youthful regional roster.
The national championship tournament takes place on Saturday in Lommel, where the Namurois will test whether their regional dominance translates into national titles against the country’s top competitors.
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