"Passionate" about the discipline, the principal of this Antibes college will open a judo section in September

Teddy Riner had better watch out, the Antibes residents will soon be arriving in force on the mats. Roustan Middle School, in partnership with the Judo Club, will open a judo section for students in Years 6, 7, and 8 starting next September. With three hours of judo per week, in addition to PE, led by Christophe Hoche, a teacher at the Antibes Judo Club. This is a first for the city of ramparts, which should be very popular in its first year.

It was the new principal, Sandrine Vernay, who came up with the idea for this project last September at the start of the school year. "When I arrived, I saw that there was a judo club near the school. I had long wanted to create a judo section because I am passionate about this sport. My two children have practiced it, one of them at a high level. The students who practice judo are rigorous, respectful, and have real values." It was with this in mind that the principal, along with Christophe Hoche and Sylvia Michaud, PE teacher and coordinator of the judo section, embarked on the adventure. The project was submitted to the rectorate last November, which gave its approval in February.

Registration on school record

"A sports section is important in a middle school. Students pass on their values ​​to others and often set role models." To inform parents, and especially children, Sandrine Vernay organized several meetings to explain the section's project. "We want students to have fun above all," says the principal. " As for recruitment, it will be based on academic records. Across the three levels, we will only be able to accept a maximum of 24 students." Of course, to be part of this section, students must be enrolled at Roustan Middle School.

On the tatami side, Christophe Hoche is more motivated than ever by this project. "There are a lot of people asking for information, quite a few of my students too. Parents are more cautious because many children aren't at Roustan and it's not easy to change schools... We'll have to convince them even though the children are keen!"

The specifications for this section include rigor and a good attitude, "but also helping children acquire the discipline of judo and education. During the three hours, there will be classical judo, but if the level rises, we will do more specific exercises," the professor explains.