Seyf Arab: Between the Tatami and the Lecture Hall

At 19, Seyf is a third-year pharmacy student in Montpellier… and a top-level judoka. A member of Judo Olympique de Montpellier, he trains up to five times a week while taking his studies seriously. It’s a demanding balance that he manages with clarity, energy… and a great deal of discipline.

A competitive spirit

It was his father who introduced him to judo, having practiced it himself. “I tried a lot of sports, but from my very first judo practices, I knew this was the one. I was hooked right away.” Since then, his progress has never stopped, despite a break during his PASS year, when he put his training on hold.

His consistency and determination recently earned him a spot in the French Senior Second Division Championships, even though he’s still a junior. “I finished second. Of course, I have a little regret… but I’ll take away this little achievement, which is nice to have at the end of the year.”

Next goal: the French Team Championship, scheduled for June.

Organization and discipline: the key to balance

Juggling a double life as a student and a high-level athlete isn’t easy. But Seyf has managed to adapt. “Honestly, it’s pretty complicated. But the university is understanding, and I’ve learned to stay organized.” Today, his days follow a well-established routine: classes, studying, then training. “I have to leave school around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. to go to practice. I do that five times a week.” Starting this year, his elite athlete contract with the university allows him to adjust certain schedules, particularly for lab sessions.

For him, sports are also a valuable source of mental support. “I need to let off steam. When I’m not training, I don’t feel as good. Judo grounds me; it helps me stay centered.” He admits, however, that he sometimes has to fight the temptation to give his all to sports at the expense of studying.

A Field of Study Chosen with Conviction

Encouraged by his brothers—one of whom is also a pharmacy student in Montpellier—Seyf discovered the field and has truly thrived in it. He is now considering a residency, while keeping an eye on the pharmaceutical industry. “I’m still thinking it over. Maybe in three months, I’ll want to work in a pharmacy! We’ll see.”

In the meantime, he wants to send a clear message to prospective students: “Anything is possible with discipline. Don’t give up sports just because you’re pursuing a demanding course of study. You can succeed at both.”