Athletes from the École du Dragon Vocotruyen Vietnam Thieu Lam, based in Éragny-sur-Oise within the Val-d’Oise, claimed a historic medal haul at the Võ Cổ Truyền World Championships held in Italy from September 29 to October 5, 2026, as reported by actu.fr.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Global Ranking Shifts: The French delegation’s second-place overall finish places immediate pressure on traditional powerhouses like Vietnam, altering the competitive landscape of international martial arts federations.
- Club Valuation & Recruitment: High-performing regional clubs like the École du Dragon have achieved international podium finishes.
French Delegation Secures Second Spot Globally
The French delegation delivered a remarkable performance at the international tournament, securing the second spot globally and putting heavy pressure on Vietnam, the founding and historically dominant nation of the discipline. Operating out of Maurecourt since its establishment in 2009 by Maître Mi, the École du Dragon contributed significantly to this national success.
Among the standout competitors, Romane Cuvillier of the Maurecourt club earned three medals in the 6–10 age bracket: gold in “free bare hands,” silver in “weapons,” and silver in team events. Teammate Ivan Duca added to the tally in the under-15 category by capturing gold in “imposed bare hands” and silver in “simulated team combat.”
| Athlete | Category | Medals Won |
|---|---|---|
| Romain Salomé | Conflans | 2 Gold, 2 Silver |
| Julyann Opiola | Adults | 2 Silver (Free Weapons, Team Combat) |
Maurecourt and Conflans Athletes Win Multiple Medals
Further contributions came from Romane Smaniotto of Maurecourt, who secured a silver medal in the 13–14 age category for team sync quyen. In the adult division, Julyann Opiola claimed two silver medals in free weapons and simulated team combat. Meanwhile, competitors from neighboring Conflans also made their mark, as Romain Salomé secured two gold and two silver medals, and Arnaud Fenerol earned a silver and a bronze.
Beyond traditional Vo Co Truyen competition, the Val-d’Oise school offers Tai Chi, bodyboxing for cardiovascular and strength training, and Qi Gong. The latter practice holds a recognized medical dimension within the structure, as it can be prescribed on medical orders for patients dealing with long-term ailments, chronic illnesses, or loss of autonomy.
