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With nearly 80 members and a dozen high-ranking guests in attendance, the Saint Barth Judo Club’s anniversary celebration was in full swing both on and off the mats, with representatives from the French Federation, the Guadeloupe League, and French Guiana present. The club’s young members had the opportunity to train with regionally and nationally recognized experts and senseis in their disciplines, including judo, jujitsu, ne-waza, self-defense, and sambo. All age groups were represented throughout the week, from 4-year-olds to those over 70. “Add to that several black belt promotions as well as promotion exams for some students already holding that same belt—for which our club must thank the president of the Guadeloupe Judo League, Jimmy Guillou, for allowing us to host such an event as part of our 30th anniversary,” emphasized Patrick Perron D’Arc, the iconic Sensei and president of the Saint Barth Club. The festivities even continued into the office of Territorial Council President Xavier Ledée, who had invited the judokas attending the event to the Collectivité’s headquarters. “President Ledée reiterated his support for the development of the sport on the island; this is truly a good omen for the future of our martial art here,” says Patrick Perron D’Arc. The culmination of this exceptional week was a grand evening attended by all the practitioners, volunteers, guests, and their families to celebrate the spirit of friendship and intergenerational exchange—values that have united and driven Judo in Saint Barth for 30 years.
They said:
Sylvain Zeques, Coach, Guadeloupe Judo League
“Delighted to have participated in the club’s 30th anniversary. We came to represent Guadeloupe and share judo with the fighters and friends of Saint Barth. In the presence of high-ranking officials, we spent a few days centered on the beautiful values of friendship and mutual support.”
René Dévoet, President of the AO Judo Club Guadeloupe
“A wonderful trip, with the children thrilled to have attended the camp and a great grading ceremony at the end. First and second dan black belts were promoted—it was extraordinary! We are very happy to have participated in this event and thank the St. Barth club for inviting us to this wonderful celebration of a judo club that has been around for 30 years.”
Patrick Jaffa, former president of the Guadeloupe Judo League
“This anniversary was an opportunity to meet some wonderful people, punctuated by high-quality presentations from the federation. For the occasion, we laid the groundwork for new inter-club relationships through training camps.”
William Seel, President of Sangoku Club Guadeloupe
“It is an honor to be invited to the club’s 30th anniversary. The Saint Barth Judo Club and Sangoku of Baie Mahault, our club, have been engaging in regular exchanges through delegations and joint training camps for years. We host each other’s students and help one another out. Sensei Patrick Péron D’Arc has been a friend for a very long time, and what he has done for judo in Saint Barth over the past three decades is incredible.”
