Pamiers, France – March is shaping up to be a pivotal month for the judokas of Kodokan Pamiers, with athletes preparing for competitions at both the European and World Championship levels. The Ariège-based club has demonstrated significant momentum in recent weeks, highlighted by strong performances in national and regional events.
Kyllian, a standout athlete from Kodokan Pamiers, recently secured a silver medal at the French Championships in Paris in the U18 category. This achievement has automatically qualified him for the European Championships, set to take place in Crete. He also now has his sights set on the World Championships, scheduled for June/July in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The qualification process for the World Championships is ongoing, but Kyllian’s performance in Paris has positioned him as a strong contender.
The success isn’t limited to Kyllian. Earlier in February, the club’s younger athletes competed in the finals of the Occitanie Championship in Toulouse for the minimes (ages 11-13) division. Nolan delivered a particularly impressive performance, earning a bronze medal with five victories achieved by ippon – a full point score, instantly ending the match. A close call in the semi-final prevented a higher finish, but Nolan’s performance still secured his qualification for the French Championships on March 22nd in Paris.
The club’s recent activity extends beyond these major championships. Several promising young judokas – Saada, Charlotte, Lya, Maël, Ezechiel, Jules, Amine, Joseph, and Abdoulaye – participated in both an open tournament and a regional tournament in Foix in late February. These athletes collectively secured seven podium finishes, showcasing the depth of talent within Kodokan Pamiers. The club, founded in 1977, emphasizes a non-restrictive and open approach to teaching Judo, Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian, and self-defense to students of all ages.
Kodokan Pamiers Judo offers a range of training sessions. Mini-poussins (very young children) participate in playful sessions designed to introduce the fundamentals of Judo on Mondays from 5:40 PM to 6:40 PM, led by Patrick. Poussins and Benjamins (younger age groups) train on Mondays from 6:40 PM to 7:40 PM, also with Patrick, focusing on learning, discipline, and respect. Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian training for those 14 and older, as well as adults, is held on Mondays from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM with Patrick. Additional Judo sessions for Poussins, Benjamins, and Minimes are available on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:25 PM with Lisa. Finally, an “Eveil” (awakening) Judo class for 4-5 year olds takes place on Wednesdays from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM with Patrick, concentrating on coordination, balance, and confidence building.
The club’s dedication to martial arts stems from a genuine passion for the discipline. Kodokan Pamiers Judo aims to share the benefits of Judo, self-defense, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, providing a rewarding experience for all participants. The club is located at Gymnase Pierre Bayle, Av. De la Rijole, 09100 Pamiers, and can be reached at +33 6 64 24 39 10. More information about training schedules and the club’s philosophy can be found on their website: https://www.kodokanpamiersjudo.fr/.
With Kyllian’s upcoming participation in the European Championships in Crete, the club and the local community are eagerly anticipating further success on the international stage. The French Championships on March 22nd in Paris will also be a key event to watch, as Nolan aims to build on his recent regional success. Kodokan Pamiers Judo continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing talented athletes and promoting the values of Judo within the Ariège region and beyond.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Kodokan Pamiers is Nolan’s participation in the French Championships in Paris on March 22nd. Follow the club’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kodokanpamiers/ for updates and results.
