Brugelette Judo Faces Tough D2 Interclub Challenge

The judo interclubs competition begins this Sunday, with regional teams preparing for the first of three scheduled tournament days.

Athletes from the Wapi region, including the Brugelette judo club, will face travel requirements as they head to Visé for the opening round of the Division 2 tournament.

While local clubs have expressed excitement for the season, L’Avenir reported that some participants are disappointed by the distance required for travel. Teams from the Wapi region, such as Judo Top Niveau Tournai, Judo Club Athois, Kanido Herseaux, and RJC Lessinois, will join Brugelette in managing the logistics of a multi-day competition held outside their home territory.

Brugelette faces Division 2 challenges

For the second year, the Brugelette judo club will compete in Division 2. Coach Mario Di Loreto said that the team faces a demanding schedule, citing physical recovery and logistical hurdles as primary concerns for his roster.

“It must be acknowledged that this second participation in D2 promises to be complicated for several reasons,” Di Loreto told L’Avenir. “Some of my judokas are returning from injuries and unfortunately have not been able to chain training sessions or competitions while being at full physical capacity.”

The coach further explained that professional and family commitments will limit the availability of some fighters throughout the three-day event. “Regularity and availability of the fighters are essential elements in a championship like this,” he said.

Brugelette seeks to maintain division standing despite depth issues

Despite a large total headcount, Di Loreto highlighted that the club lacks depth in specific weight categories. This creates a reliance on individual athletes, leaving the team vulnerable if a primary fighter is sidelined by injury or scheduling conflicts.

The immediate objective for the Brugelette team is to maintain their standing in the division. Last year, the club finished eighth overall, finishing only two points behind the third-place team with a record of three wins, five draws, and three losses.

“I prefer not to offer a prognosis given the circumstances. It would be hazardous and unrealistic,” Di Loreto told L’Avenir. “We have done everything to present a competitive team whose mission is to ensure at least our maintenance.”

The team’s performance on the tatamis in Visé this Sunday will serve as the first indicator of their standing for the season. The competition will continue across three distinct days, with the final rankings determined by the cumulative results of the participating clubs.

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