Lionel Fusto received the Palmes d’Or during the general assembly of the Hérault Judo committee, rewarding 48 years dedicated to this sport and 30 as a teacher. He holds four study certificates, a Bac +4 in Staps and has participated in several internships at Insep. Lionel teaches around twenty hours per week while being intensely involved in club life during weekends and training courses.
This 52-year-old from Mézois started judo in his local club, obtaining his black belt at the age of 15. He was crowned French champion under 78 kg in 1992 before becoming a national referee and dedicating himself to the training of judokas and future teachers at the departmental and regional level.
An educational role
He has just been elected to the departmental committee and is also the federal club delegate. “I like the students to apply what we teach them. My teaching focuses on technique. A good judoka brings down thanks to the precision of the gestures rather than by force. We are on a slow learning path. When the “We are young, the body evolves and you have to adapt your judo to your body shape. It’s a lot of questioning and work on yourself.” explains Lionel.
It is no coincidence that he was the first young person to work in prison. He carries within him the values of this sport. “We have an educational and social role. Education, respect for the rules and the martial approach are important. I like to work with children and young people so that they become the citizens of tomorrow”, he continues.
When he looks at the Mèze Olympique sign that sits in the dojo, he remembers that he was present at the French team’s training courses in Mèze between 1988 and 1992 when they were preparing for the Barcelona Games. But he concludes: “What is most important to me is having enabled more than 100 young people to obtain the black belt.”
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