Their latest run of standout performances started with three of the young students from the Cherng Talay-based mixed martial arts gym competing in the under 12 age group of judo at the illustrious “Ile de la France” Championships in Paris on May 26, having won their respective qualifiers several weeks earlier in the French capital.
Team captain Gabin excelled by winning his five contests in the 38-kilogram weight class to secure gold and title of champion, while teammates Tomo won three of his five contests to finish 5th overall in the 50kg class and Oscar won four of his six bouts to finish 7th in the 34kg class.
Their performances left Dojo lead instructor Alexis Plantard beaming with pride and he was quick to point out how impressive their respective achievements were.
“That tournament is considered the highest level of judo for that age class in the world and the competition is fierce, with over 40 athletes per weight class,” he told The Phuket News.
“Athletes representing some of the most elite clubs were competing, with all clubs in France sending their students under the age of 12 to compete. Clubs that have decades of experience building world champions where the facilities are first class, likewise the coaching staff – infact, all the opposing coaches were medalists and ex-national team athletes.
“Our modest 170 square meter Dojo has just 25 members and has only been running for a few years. To therefore see three of the team perform at that level and put us on the map is incredible. They gave absolutely everything they had to make their dreams come true.”
JAW-DROPPING
The team then certainly clocked up the air miles as the following weekend (June 2-3) they competed at the New Zealand international open in Wellington, once again shining to take home seven gold and two silver medals.
As he often does, coach Alexis led by example in getting the ball rolling on day one of competition, sweeping all in front of him to secure a hugely impressive five gold medals in the 90kg class.
No doubt inspired by their coach’s feat, the team then stepped up to deliver, with Oscar not only winning gold in his division but finishing 5th in the open weight division for 11-14-year-olds.
Oliver won his division to secure gold and also won silver in the open weight class for 8-10-year-olds, while Kiichi won silver in his division and ended a hugely credible 5th in the open weight for 8-10-year-olds.
Following a weekend’s break it was back on the road again as the team travelled the short distance off the island to take part in the Phang Nga Jiu-Jitsu Cup on June 15.
A total 15 athletes were representing the Dojo in the two distinct classes of traditional fighting and Ne Waza and they did so in dominating style, winning a jaw-dropping 27 golds, 8 silver and 2 bronze.
Captain Gabin won 2 gold, as did teammates Oscar, Tomo, Damir, Sota, Meera, Ray, Tatiana, Paul and Rayan.
Kiichi, David, Nathon, Lea, Jonathan and Leo all won 1 gold and 1 silver medal each, Oliver won 1 gold, Alex 2 silver, while Mayel secured 2 bronze. Best fighter of the tournament awards also went to Oscar and Tomo in their respective classes.
LONE WOLF
Alexis also competes in competitions on his own, most recently in Pathum Thani last Friday (June 21) at the Grand Prix Thailand Jiu-Jitsu Open, securing a silver medal in the Ne Waza division and a bronze in the traditional fighting division, where he was defeated by 1 point.
There was no time to celebrate, however, as it was straight from the podium to the airport to catch a flight to Istanbul for the European Championships of Kurash wrestling.
Previously, Alexis took on some of the world’s best at the Georgia Judo Open Championships in Tibilisi on May 11-12. Freely admitting he was out of his comfort zone at what is considered the toughest judo competition in Europe, he excelled to take bronze against renowned Georgian athlete Shengelia Zurab in what he described as “one of the most pleasing and beautiful moments of my career.”
This pursuit of excellence on a personal level sets the standard for Alexis’ students, who continue to develop at an impressive rate. Having dominated in judo and jiu-jitsu competitions in Thailand and South East Asia so extensively, it also explains his desire to have the team increasingly compete at international tournaments where the levels are so much higher.
“I am from France and studied judo techniques in Japan for my degree. I fight often in Japan often where I secured 5th place in the Kodokan International Master Cup in January,” Alexis explained
“Japan, France and Georgia and the traditionally strong countries in judo and jiu-jitsu who continue to lead the way which is why we are keen to compete on such stages, as the recent tournament in Paris illustrated. We have to continue to do this if we wish to develop and consistently be on the podium.”
Being able to call on the expert guidance of 7th degree judo black belt Jean-Pierre Porte also helps with his student’s development.
“Jean-Pierre is part of the French judo federation with over 50 years of experience as a national athlete, technical advisor, instructor of coaches and representative of the sport ministry where he helped to develop the sport,” Alexis explains.
“His wife is Thai and we have partnered with his gym, Chessy Judo Club. He visits our Dojo at Blue Tree often to share his knowledge and pass on tips to the team.
“He also helped me personally in relation to technical aspects for my 3rd, 4th and 5th degree black belts in both judo and jiu-jitsu.”
It is safe to assume we will continue to hear much more from the fantastic Dojo team as they continue developing, individually and collectively.
“There is much more to come and we will continue to improve,” says Alexis. “Everyone is welcome at our Dojo where they can train to be the very best version of themselves, no matter what age they are.”
For now though he can take a moment to reflect on just how far the Dojo has come in a short space of time.
“C’est magnifique,” Alexis replies with a smile.
Everyone is welcome at the Dojo to learn judo, jujitsu, wrestling and self-defence. All levels and all ages. Adult sessions: 10am-11.30am; children’s sessions: 4pm-5pm. For more info visit: dojo@bluetree.fun or the Dojo at Blue Tree Facebook page.