In a landmark achievement for Gambian sports, Abdourahman Ceesay has become the first Gambian to graduate from the prestigious Dojo Academy, a judo institute in Paris, France. This marks a significant milestone in his journey as a judo athlete and coach. The certificate, awarded after an intensive training program, underscores Ceesay’s dedication to advancing his skills and elevating the sport of judo in The Gambia and beyond.
“Receiving my certificate from Dojo Academy means a lot to me,” Ceesay said. “It represents not only my progress as a judo instructor but also my continued growth in the sport’s technical and educational aspects. The training has been an incredible experience, helping me improve as a coach and an athlete.”
A blend of competitive success and academic focus has marked Ceesay’s journey to this historic moment. His most recent international competition was the 46th African Senior and Mixed Team Judo Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, held from April 25-27, 2025. Competing in the -100 kg category, Ceesay secured a victory in his opening bout against Côte d’Ivoire’s Monteirou Olatounde Mohamed Moctar but fell in the quarter-finals to Tunisia’s four-time African champion Koussay Ben Ghares. Despite a chance for bronze in the repechage, he was defeated by France-based Guinean Abdoulie Millimono, finishing 7th overall.
Following the African Championship, Ceesay competed in France’s Departmental Championship, where he clinched a commendable second-place finish. Recognizing the need to balance his competitive and academic pursuits, he took a brief hiatus from competition to focus on his studies and complete his course at Dojo Academy. “This certificate marks an important milestone in my journey, combining my international competitive experience with professional coaching qualifications,” Ceesay noted.
The Dojo Academy, renowned for its rigorous training programs, has equipped Ceesay with advanced coaching techniques and a deeper understanding of judo’s technical nuances. His graduation is a personal triumph and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring judokas in The Gambia. “Becoming the first Gambian graduate from Dojo Academy is a great honor and motivation for me to continue inspiring young judokas,” he said. “I want to keep developing judo in The Gambia and beyond.”
Ceesay’s achievement comes at a pivotal time for Gambian judo. Alongside compatriot Faye Njie, he represented The Gambia at the African Senior Championship, where the nation competed against 190 elite judokas from 24 African countries. Njie, competing in the -73 kg category, faced tough opponents in the first round, including Moctar Nourou Sourakatou of Niger and Levon Guylinian of South Africa. Despite their efforts, both athletes exited the tournament early, with The Gambia ranked 21st out of 29 in the all-time medal table, holding one silver and three bronze medals.
Organized by the African Judo Union, the championship highlighted the continent’s growing talent in judo, with Ceesay and Njie serving as flagbearers for The Gambia.
Ceesay’s graduation from Dojo Academy positions him as a trailblazer for Gambian judo. With his newly acquired coaching credentials and competitive experience, he is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of judokas. As The Gambia continues to make strides in international judo, Ceesay’s historic achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for growth and success in the sport, both at home and on the global stage.
