Julien Deguergue Claims Judo Black Belt at RCD Judo After Two Decades Away From Tatamis

Julien Deguergue secured his judo black belt at age 37, becoming the 125th black belt in the history of RCD Judo, ouest-france.fr reported. The milestone follows a journey that began when he was six years old before a medical interruption forced him to step away at age 13 with a brown belt.

Return to the Tatamis After Two Decades

After living in Tuffalun for roughly a decade, Deguergue stepped back onto the mat three years ago. Having started the sport as a child to follow friends and find a structured athletic outlet, he attended a class at RCD Judo that renewed his interest in joining the club. The decision brought him back to a discipline he had never fully forgotten, driven by the sport’s moral code and values.

“I started judo at 6 years old, because you follow your buddies,” Deguergue told ouest-france.fr. “It’s also a sport that allows you to let off steam, with a strict framework. At 13, after my brown belt, I had to stop for medical reasons.”

The Path From Brown Belt to Black Belt

Carrying the brown belt for over twenty years left an unfinished goal in the back of Deguergue’s mind. Once he resumed training, the aspiration to earn the black belt became concrete. Passing the required technical UV exams demanded months of grueling physical and mental preparation.

“When you start judo at 6 years old, you don’t necessarily think about going all the way,” Deguergue said. “But with age and maturity, this idea was still there, especially since I had stopped at the brown belt. So when I restarted, the goal was there. The moment I got it was a real pride.”

Lessons Learned on the Tatami

Reflecting on the achievement, Deguergue emphasized that individual progression in judo relies heavily on collective support. Passing examinations and executing randori sessions require reliable partners, highlighting the mutual dependency inherent in the martial art.

“It especially taught me that you never progress alone,” Deguergue noted. “To pass the various exams, you need a partner. I need others as much as they need me, whether for randori or technical work.”