Related stories

Decision on Amendments to the Law of Judges of the People's Republic of China Implementation Measures of the "Rules of the People's Republic of China on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" Zheng Jian Fa [2004] No. 67 -- Notice of the China Securities Regulatory Commission on Several Issues Concerning Regulation of Overseas Listing of Companies Affiliated to Domestic Listed Companies Order No. 31 of the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) - Provisions of Administration on Sino-Foreign Joint Films Production (the Provisions) Rules for the Implementation of Regulations on the Management of Foreign Invested Financial Institutes for the People's Republic of China (the Rules)

Dedicated to Benefits of Judo

Arnaud Baril, a judoka Second Dan Black Belt, is among Sports Beijing's voluntary coaches. Here he provides an insight to the meaning of judo and how it can benefit those who study this form of martial art.

Q: Why did you volunteer to be an SB coach?
A: Two reasons. First, I practiced judo in France under the teaching of Sensei Jean-Luc Levannier (8eDan). His knowledge was transmitted to me by my Sensei, who had acquired his knowledge from Sensei Minoru Mochizuki, one of the last students of Sensei Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Nobody can properly evaluate this knowledge. Because I had acquired it without too much expense, I felt the need to transmit it to others.

My second reason is related to coaching itself. All the children in China have energy to expend, but they also need to be educated about their daily behavior, be it in the street, in front of a stranger or at an event. They have to learn how to judge and to not react violently to many situations. Reaction and judgement are basic tenets of judo -an ability to calm one's own aggressive intention rather than hitting him and causing the intruder harm. It's about using power intelligently.

Q: How do you conduct a course?
A: Judo is a Japanese sport and I am French. Children have to learn that, for them, judo is a new culture with a great tradition. I teach them how to dress and wear the kimono and belt, which are very important. Also how to sit, salute me as instructor and their opponents, to respect the Sensei (master), other judokas (students) and, most important, the Dojo. My pupils also learn to speak some Japanese.
The 90-minute lessons are in three stages: warm-up exercises, techniques of fighting, and competition. I never shout at them or humiliate them. If a pupil is nervous or over-excited, I ask him to stay close to me for ten minutes while the others practice. He learns that, without calm, there can be no progression.

Q: Do you think Sports Beijing is a necessary and efficient organization?
A: Every organization needs time to improve. SB allows children to practice any sport at very low cost. This is most important. My only disappointment is that not many Chinese youngsters are members of SB, especially in the judo classes. However, I do know that SB works very hard to involve Chinese children.

Q: Do you think your job to be necessary and important?
A: My job is important to the morals of each judoka. They learn about judgment, hard work and respect. If one of my judoka uses his skills aggressively against others, he would no longer be acceptable in my Dojo. This teaching is not only about a martial art; it is much more about the person practicing it, and self-control.

Q: Will you continue to teach judo as long as you stay in China?
A: I hope so. I owe it to Sensei Levannier and Sensei Kano to continue. If you have knowledge, you have a duty to transmit it.