The cadets, Tomorrow’s Champions
“It’s always interesting to watch the cadets. They are the future of judo,” Julien says with a smile, his eyes following the next generation on the tatami. He cites an eye-catching statistic: juniors who already fight in grand slams have a far greater chance of breaking into the world’s elite. “And before the juniors come the cadets,” he insists. Coaching them is what excites him most. “Seniors already know what they want. Cadets are still dreaming. You can offer them new things. They are open, curious, full of ambition.”
Four years, Fifty Countries
On 2nd August, Julien quietly celebrated a milestone: four years since he set off on his journey as the Judo Nomad. Mongolia, where he was just before Sofia, marked the fiftieth country on his list. “Four years is a long time,” he admits. “I feel like I need a short break from faraway destinations, to enjoy some time with my family and to finish exploring Europe, where judo is already so strong.” About fifteen European countries remain on his agenda. He plans to approach them in stages, returning to France in between to rest and regroup.
A Universal Family
If one lesson has stood out, it is this: judo truly knows no borders. “The idea I had, that judo is one big family, has proved to be absolutely true,” he says. “Everywhere I go, the doors are wide open; I t’s exceptional. Judo is more universal than any other martial art.”
From Asia to the Pacific Islands, from Europe to little-known corners of the globe, Julien has met passionate judoka everywhere. “I thought in some places, Bangladesh for example, there was no judo, but I was wrong. There are enthusiasts in every corner of the world.”
Unforgettable Moments
Looking back, the list of highlights seems endless:
- The Paris Olympic Games, which he calls the “pinnacle” of his project, gave him the chance to coach on sport’s grandest stage.
- The Mini-Games in Palau, in the Pacific, where despite modest resources, the sense of camaraderie and solidarity between teams was unforgettable.
- His time at the Kodokan in Japan, enriched by a meeting with the legendary Uemura sensei, “It was an honour to share moments with such an exceptional man.”
- His travels in China where he was astonished by the sheer scale and energy of the sport, “Judo there is very developed. I was welcomed like royalty in the academies.”
What Lies Ahead
Julien’s nomadic path is far from over. In the coming months he will connect with the European Judo Union and will launch new seminars designed to bring clubs and federations together. Looking further ahead, he is set to join Vanuatu at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“At the beginning, I thought I was travelling for myself,” he reflects. “Now I can see it goes far beyond that. This project really helps the federations I visit and that’s what makes me proudest of all.”