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The Saint-Barthélemy Judo Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary from June 1 to 6 at the dojo in the Saint-Jean sports complex. The program includes festivities, activities, and special guests. Interview and overview of the event with Patrick Perron D'Arc, founder, president, and sensei of the Saint-Barth Judo Club.
Sensei, do you remember the first judo class held in Saint-Barth?
Patrick Perron D’Arc: Of course , I remember my first judo class here; it was in September 1994 at our first dojo, located at the Sainte-Marie de Colombier school. For four months, the judokas fell onto a concrete slab! These pioneers were Edouard Malespine, Éric Bernard, Antoine Androt, Romney Lucien, and the Laplace brothers, Yvon and Armand. They paved the way for many judokas who came after them.
Is there a particular period at the club that stands out for you?
PPDA: In 1995, two guys showed up at the Dojo with a few bottles of booze in their suitcases… Not knowing the sport, they asked me what I was doing there, rolling around on the floor in “pajamas.” I explained to them, while respecting the moral code of our sport, that I was wearing a judogi to practice judo—not pajamas. They promised to come back and give me a beating… I’m still waiting for them (laughs)! More seriously, the club’s first 10 years left us with unforgettable memories of a generation of kids and teens who were eager to learn and go “into battle.”
What is the secret to the longevity of this club, which has become an institution over time?
PPDA: Above all, we have shown the way of flexibility, mutual support, and mutual prosperity as championed by Jigor? Kan?, the founding father of Judo. We are passionate about our martial art and have promoted its practice in elementary schools and within the school curriculum.
Sports facilities were slow to emerge on the island, and only the municipal swimming pool, inaugurated in August 1990, foreshadowed a future of structural development for sports on the island. Judo thus found an important place to meet an obvious social need. As far as I recall, during the 2001–2002 season, our club had over 150 members, making it the largest judo club in the Guadeloupe League.
Have you invited any notable guests for the anniversary?
PPDA: Indeed, for the occasion, big names in judo, jujitsu, and related disciplines will be there, such as Christian Dyot, Karine Dyot Petit, Bertrand Amoussou Guenou, William Seel, Patrick Jaffard, and many others! They are world, European, and French champions who have also held high-level positions within the federation and have been involved, directly or indirectly, in the life of our club.
How do you view the evolution of your discipline today?
PPDA: The goal remains the transmission of knowledge. The evolution of Judo is global and spans all five continents. Marius Vizer, the president of the International Judo Federation, has been leading the charge for over 15 years to modernize our discipline. The development of Jujitsu, for example, is part of this. The same goes for other related disciplines that are attracting growing interest from all audiences, which fosters the sporting momentum surrounding our martial art.
In summary, it is essential to continue the training of black belt instructors and future judo teachers in order to ensure sustainable development for future generations. This is the path we are following.
History of the Saint Barthélémy Judo Club
The Saint Barth Judo Club was founded in July 1994 by Patrick Perron d’Arc and his wife, with the support of the mayor at the time, Daniel Blanchard, and the blessing of the Guadeloupe Judo League. It was in the cafeteria of the Colombier elementary school that the first tatami mats were laid out on the floor, along with some basic judo equipment. A new sport was thus born on the island, and classes were taught at that time by René Mabit, a 5th-dan master and state-certified instructor.
From its inception, the club’s goal was clear: to promote sports education for the youth and children of Saint Barth. A mission that, 30 years later, remains as relevant as ever under the leadership of Patrick Perron D’Arc, who has since taken up the torch from the sensei.
One man’s passion for sports, and in particular for Judo-Jujitsu, has been the driving force behind the Judo club’s longevity.
To date, no fewer than 35 black belts, including 5 state-certified instructors, have graduated from the Saint Barth Judo School, which has become a benchmark in the Caribbean and the West Indies.
Guests of honor for the club’s 30th anniversary
Christian DYOT
8th Dan · Champion · Instructor
At the European Judo Team Championships, he won gold medals in 1980 and 1982 and a silver medal in 1979. He won a bronze medal at the 1979 Mediterranean Games and competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics. At the national level, he was crowned French champion in 1979 and 1982
Karine DYOT PETIT
Champion · Coach of the French Judo Team
Karine Petit-Dyot is a former French international judoka with a remarkable track record, notably as French champion and a multiple European team medalist. Now a national coach, she shares her expertise and the values of judo at the highest level. A high-ranking black belt, she embodies discipline, commitment, and competitive spirit.
Bertrand AMOUSSOU GUENOU
6th dan · Champion · French MMA Pioneer
Bertrand Amoussou-Guenou is a former French international judoka, European medalist, and French champion who has become a major figure in combat sports. A member of the French national team for nearly ten years, he went on to distinguish himself in jujitsu and MMA, of which he is one of the pioneers in France. A high-ranking black belt in judo, he embodies openness, excellence, and the transmission of martial arts.
Serge ANTOUREL
7th dan · High-Level Instructor
Serge Antourel is a French judoka based in French Guiana, holding the rank of 7th dan, one of the highest levels in the discipline. As a technical advisor, he plays a key role in the development of judo in French Guiana, particularly through the training of young athletes and the supervision of local organizations.
William SEEL
6th dan · Champion · Coach
William Seel is a Guadeloupean judoka holding a 6th dan, recognized for his technical expertise and his commitment to training young people. As an instructor at the Sangoku Club in Baie-Mahault and a jujitsu coach, he actively contributes to the development of martial arts in Guadeloupe.
Sylvain Zèques
5th dan · Champion · Coach
Sylvain Zèques is a Guadeloupean judoka, holding a 5th dan, committed to the development of judo in Guadeloupe. As an instructor and league coach, he actively participates in training judokas and passing on the values of the discipline
René Devoet
3rd dan · Coach ·
René Devoet is a Guadeloupean judoka, holding a 3rd dan, recognized for his commitment to teaching and developing judo in Guadeloupe. As head instructor and head of the veterans’ program, he plays a key role in training and mentoring practitioners, passionately passing on the fundamental values of judo.
Patrick Jaffart
2nd dan · Former President of the Guadeloupe Judo League
Patrick Jaffart is a leading figure in Guadeloupean judo and served as president of the Guadeloupe Judo League from 2016 to 2020. Committed to the development and organization of the sport, he has actively contributed to the growth of judo in the region, both at the organizational and competitive levels.
André Ferreira
3rd dan · Former Champion · Instructor
André Ferreira, a pillar of the Judo Club St. Barth, has been sharing his passion for judo and self-defense for years with energy and high standards. As the club’s technical director, he guides students of all ages in their progress, both on the mat and in spirit.
Program
An exceptional week centered on judo, jujitsu, refereeing, self-defense, and the celebration of the club’s 30th anniversary.
Reserve your spot on the anniversary website. Please note: space is limited.
Monday, June 1: Guests arrive
Tuesday, June 2: Judo & Jujitsu matches
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Judo (ages 4 to 8)
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Judo (ages 9–13)
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM: Standing/ground judo (adults)
Until 9:30 PM: Jujitsu sparring (adults)
Wednesday, June 3: Judo & Kata
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Judo (ages 4–8)
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Judo (ages 9–13)
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Women’s Judo (women only)
8:30 PM to 9:30 PM: Kata — Jujitsu sparring (adults)
Thursday, June 4: Jujitsu & Refereeing
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Jujitsu for children/teens
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Refereeing (ages 9–13)
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM: Jujitsu sparring (adults)
Until 9:30 PM: Refereeing (adults)
Friday, June 5: Activities & Self-Defense
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Activities (ages 9–13)
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Women’s Judo (women only)
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM: Jujitsu Sparring (Adults)
Self-defense (adults)
Technical training and scenario drills (adults)
Saturday, June 6: 30th Anniversary Celebration
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Open House with Judo demonstrations open to all.
Reception
Evening at Le Diamant Restaurant (reservation required, €30)
