"It's a source of great pride. This certification recognises a commitment we made when we moved into the new dojo ten years ago. At the time, we made strong choices: LED lighting, which was very expensive at the time, wooden construction, recycling, energy-saving showers, sustainable gifts like water bottles, and a location right in the city centre to promote sustainable mobility. This recognition reinforces our approach.
Judo, beyond being a sport, is a school of life. Respect is part of our moral code and that includes respect for our planet. It seemed logical to us to make the Kano Tournai Dojo a place consistent with these values. Our ecological choices are therefore natural, sustainable and educational.
We believe this helps change attitudes in the sporting world. Promoting this certification shows that each club can take action on its own scale. It inspires other organisations and together we can create a positive dynamic within the world of judo.
I would tell those who want to join the trend but don't know how to proceed, that they shouldn't be afraid to start small. Many actions are simple, inexpensive and very effective. The impact is real, not only for the environment, but also for the club's cohesion and image. It's a wonderful adventure.
The message we convey to our students is that the moral code of judo doesn't stop at the tatami. Respect, sincerity, self-control and modesty must also be expressed in their daily behaviour. Being a good judoka also means being a responsible citizen. Our students understand this very well. When I announced that we had received the Green Dojo Kiai certificate, they were truly proud. It creates a strong sense of belonging. They understand that their dojo is a committed place and that motivates them.
For the moment, this certification is still in its infancy and we haven't yet received direct feedback from our partners but we hope it will help us forge new partnerships, particularly with environmentally conscious stakeholders. One of our projects is to facilitate public transportation by using an electric minibus for instance. We are actively seeking support for this.
To be concrete and to inspire others, we have installed LED lighting, energy-saving showers and we use recyclable glass bottles in the cafeteria. These are just a few examples. We prioritise local products and provide reusable water bottles to judoka. We also encourage travel on foot, by bike or by carpooling."
The Kano Tournai Dojo's approach is exemplary in more than one way. Like other clubs already recognised as 'Green Dojo,' the judoka of Tournai have fully understood that judo is more than a sport and is not limited to practice on the tatami. The useful actions implemented are examples that can contribute to improving our present and creating the conditions for a more environmentally friendly future. The challenge is significant. It is necessary, even mandatory!