The Minimes Coupe de Teams, one of France’s biggest judo events, took place this weekend in Ceyrat, Puy-de-Dôme, with 86 teams in attendance. The Vienne department’s team participated, aiming to make a mark in the elite competition.

Early Success and Qualification

• The Vienne team started strong with a 7-3 victory against Loire department.
• They followed it up with an impressive 7-3 win against Tarn-et-Garonne, demonstrating their fighting spirit under the guidance of coaches Willy Dubois and Ludovic Douteau.
• These victories qualified them for the 16th final, setting up a derby against Deux-Sèvres.

The Derby Disappointment

The derby ended in a 6-2 victory for Deux-Sèvres, leaving Vienne’s judokas frustrated but not disheartened.

A frustrating day, but very useful, according to Willy Dubois.

Willy Dubois, Coach of Vienne Judo Team

Dubois reflected on the loss, acknowledging the team’s strong performance but stressing the importance of the experience for future growth.

Did you know?

This competition isn’t just about winning; it’s also an opportunity for non-qualified judokas to gain high-level experience and foster a collective dynamic for future years.

Coach’s Pro Tips

• Train against top teams to gauge progress.
• Learn from losses to fuel determination for future competitions.