A family of champions, CALIMOUTOU

MEET THE FAMILY

Jean Claude Calimoutou is not only the chief instructor of KAIASSE and a champion martial artist, he is also a loving husband and a dedicated father. His proudest achievement, and a source of joy, has been to combine his pursuits and passions with his family life, for his wife Yasmina and their four children are all accomplished arnisadors in their own right.

Jean Claude and Yasmina’s sons, Emmanuel and Nicholas, 17 and 16 years old respectively, brought pride to their family and to KAIASSE by winning silver medals in the 2012 WEKAF tournament held in Cebu, Philippines. It was a highly competitive event, with elite eskrimadors from all over the globe meeting in the arena to test their mettle, and it was there in the very homeland of arnis that the duo proved themselves and won their first victories.

Their young daughters are also promising martial artists. Julie, currently 11 years old, won the gold medal in the 2011 WEKAF. There is a touching story in her victory, for in the days before the competition, she befriended Churmette Rocamorra of the Cubacub Martial Arts Club (CMACI) in Mandaue, Cebu. In a twist of fate, Churmette was also her final opponent. Julie bested her in the last match, and they remained good friends afterwards. Through this, Julie not only demonstrated her martial arts ability, but also sportsmanship and camaraderie, values KAIASSE strives to cultivate in its members.

Lea, the youngest of the Calimoutous, won in the forms category at the tender age of 5 and is now just 6 years old. With this accomplishment under her belt, the possibilities for her are truly limitless as she grows up and continues training in the art.

All in all, the Calimoutous owe their success to the love they have for each other and the art they practice. They not only have titles and medals, but, most importantly, they have also displayed their inner values as they travel around the world, representing KAIASSE and Reunion, while partaking in exchanges of cultures with all those they meet and befriend.