Judo - Naddy Jeanne, Paddy King receive IJF certification |22 June 2018

Seychellois Naddy Jeanne and Paddy King are the first male and female judo officials in Seychelles to receive the International Judo Federation (IJF) certification.

The two local judo officials have successfully passed their international practical courses for their respective levels of the IJK academy coaching and instructor courses held recently at the International Olympic Training Centre, Lusaka, Zambia from June 5-13.

A former level 1 instructor, Jeanne is now a level 2 certified IJF academy instructor coach and is now able to coach anywhere in the world.

As for King, she is the first Seychellois female to reach IJF academy instructor coach level 1. They will receive their certificates at a later date.

IJF established an academy to provide professional education in all sectors of judo and both courses were run by the University of Physical Education of Budapest, Hungary, in collaboration with IJF.

Jeanne and King did a three-month theoretical training online and after being successful, they were invited to do their practical tests along with other coaches from other African countries. Instructors with a level 1 certificate teach basic judo to athletes, while level 2 coaches train and coach athletes for and in high level competitions. Their e-learning subjects included general social science and natural science of judo.

Ms King said the practical part was difficult, physically demanding and although they both sustained injuries, they persevered with the help of others to finish their respective levels.  

“It’s an honour for me and for judo in general to become the first Seychellois woman to reach that level and as secretary for the Seychelles Judo Federation, I will make it my duty to encourage others to make the level 1 and why not go further for level 2,” King told Sports NATION.

She noted that the achievement is a big boost to the Seychelles Judo Federation who is experiencing a few issues of late.

As for coach Jeanne, he said the course has improved his coaching level immensely, prompting countries like Mauritius and others in the southern Africa region to call on him to help their team upon learning of the good news.

“Even though you don’t hear much about judo in Seychelles nowadays, acquiring a coach of that level is a great achievement for Seychelles’ judo,” said Jeanne.

He added that he had to persevere to counter the techniques of the course instructors whose aims were to “make you give up” and noted that the instructors were very happy they didn’t give up as compared to other athletes of much higher level who failed.

Francis Labrosse and Calix Cesar are the only two other level 1 judo instructors and according to Ms King, both are preparing to take the online level 2 theory course before going on to do their practical.

P. J.

Caption:

The students and instructors in a souvenir photo