Louis Barré, a 13-year-old judoka from Les Sables-d’Olonne, has secured selection for an upcoming immersion trip to Japan, Actu reported.
Eighteen young judokas from Vendée will travel to the birthplace of the sport in July 2027.
The selection continues a strong family tradition within the sport. Richard Barré, the father, holds a black belt, while Marie Barré holds a green belt, Actu reported. The oldest brother, Timéo, currently trains at the Nantes regional training center, while Louis trains at the Section sportive excellence in La Roche-sur-Yon. Two younger siblings, Léo and Luna, also practice judo.
“It’s his model,” Marie Barré told Actu regarding Louis following in his older brother’s footsteps.
For Louis, who is dyslexic, dysorthographic, and diagnosed with ADHD, the sport serves as a vital outlet. “Louis is dyslexic, dysorthographic and ADHD. Everything is a little more chaotic, but judo is the only thing that maintains him. He is not put in a box. It’s the only time he blossoms. It’s a real happiness to see him on the mat!” Marie Barré told Actu.
The journey is organized by the Alliance Vendée Japon association. Elika Furukawa, founder of the Alliance France Japon association, maintains direct contacts within Japanese dojos, facilitating access that is typically restricted for outsiders, Actu reported.
“The association organizes exchanges between young Japanese and young Vendée people. Judo is completely different there. It is taught differently. It’s very strict. The respect there… It’s hallucinogenic!” Louis told Actu.
Participating in the trip carries significant costs, prompting the family to launch a Facebook page titled “Deux frères, une passion, le Japon” alongside a Leetchi crowdfunding campaign named “Louis sur les tatamis Japonais” to help cover expenses, Actu reported.
Before the July 2027 departure, Louis is targeting the top podium spot at the individual minimes French Cup scheduled for March, aiming to improve upon his round-of-sixteen exit from the previous year, Actu reported. “He will be vengeful, because last year he had lost in the eighth of final,” Marie Barré told Actu.
