For a long time, he dreamed of this moment. On June 14, 2025, Eliott Sarthou became French champion in black belt. Three fights, three submissions. And a unique trajectory: that of a fighter shaped from day one by his club.
A Step-by-Step Journey
At only 23 years old, Eliott Sarthou is already a well-known face on French podiums. Since his debut nine years ago, he has never changed mats: the BLR Jiu-Jitsu academy, under the guidance of Kenji Sette-Matsushima and Reda Hamzaoui.
A member of the French national team for three seasons and representing GF Team internationally, Eliott embodies loyalty in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“I spent my childhood here. This club gave me a lot. It made me grow. It made me become who I am.”
When it came time to receive the black belt, everything was done in continuity. Kenji Sette-Matsushima says it himself:
“It’s a pleasure to give a 100% homemade belt. That’s my goal: to train people, not to recruit them from elsewhere.”
For Eliott Sarthou, this loyalty is a foundation. In a sport where academy changes are frequent, he embodies the idea that you can build everything over time, surrounded by the same mentors.
Coach’s Confidence, Self-Confidence
Receiving the black belt a few days before the French Championships: a sign of confidence as much as a challenge. Many would have preferred to “play it safe” by finishing the season in brown belt. Not him.
“If we gave it to him, it’s because he’s ready,” says Kenji decisively. “When we give a belt, regardless of the color, it’s because we believe people are ready for the challenge.”
Eliott Sarthou himself never doubted:
“I’ve done many competitions this year, sometimes with frustration. But I know I have the level. I wanted to come and prove it.”
His determination shows in every word. No boasting, but a quiet conviction: this is when it really begins.
Three Fights, Three Submissions
On the mats of the 2025 French Championships, he left no doubt.
- Quarterfinal: guard pass, submission before mid-fight
- Semifinal: back take, submission before mid-fight
- Final: a slightly tougher fight… but still a finish before mid-fight
In a few hours, Eliott Sarthou confirmed that he’s not just “promising.” He’s already formidable.
“It confirms that I’m not just an average guy. Even though I just got my black belt, I submitted everyone. Now I need to show this internationally.”
The Measured Pride of a Demanding Competitor
On the podium, gold medal around his neck, Eliott Sarthou savors the moment. But without euphoria.
“I imagined this moment when I was little. Wearing the gis I saw in photos. Being sponsored. Being on the national team. Now it’s normal. It’s part of the journey.”
His lucidity commands respect:
“Our goal is to win. If we win, congratulations. Then we aim higher. It’s just a step.”
Unabashed World Ambitions
Eliott Sarthou doesn’t hide his ambitions. His goal? Nothing less than becoming “the best French fighter of all time”.
“My goal is to be the best French fighter of all time. For that, you need to win titles in black belt. If I got into this, it’s because I knew I would continue until black belt and that at black belt, that’s when it would explode.”
An ambition that might seem excessive, but which he fully embraces:
“I want to give everything to become world champion in black belt and become the first French fighter to do it.”
What’s Next: Brazil and International Conquest
Barely having won the title, Eliott Sarthou is already projecting ahead. In a few days, he will fly to Brazil. A month of training and competitions, to measure himself against the best and prepare for the next IBJJF events.
“Right now, I want to leave for a month in Brazil, train, compete to come back at my maximum form. I’ll need to do the Opens to qualify for Europeans. I can’t wait to get into the big leagues with the greatest.”
The path is clear: after this French championship title, it’s time to conquer international mats.
A Club’s Pride
This victory by Eliott Sarthou is also a victory for BLR Jiu-Jitsu. With Reda Hamzaoui as French champion in the -100kg division, the club can boast of having trained two adult French champions.
“I think there’s only one club where there have been two adult French champions, and that’s ours. Maybe there are others, but in any case, it’s strong.”
A success that validates the club’s approach: train rather than recruit, grow rather than poach.
💭 Conclusion
On June 14, 2025, Eliott Sarthou became French champion in black belt. An achievement, but above all a springboard. What comes next will be played out in Brazil, then on the world’s biggest stages.
At BJJ-Rules, we’ll follow with attention the rise of this 100% homegrown competitor, who wants more than titles: to leave his mark on the history of French jiu-jitsu.
