At EABJM rock climbing is organised in a specialised centre where the students can climb on an indoor climbing wall using different blocks and routes and using the appropriate equipment (ropes, harnesses, karabiners, descenders and fixed protection).
The pupils get the opportunity to build upon and reinforce certain motor skills that they have been using since they were babies: holding on, pulling upright, crawling and climbing by reaching for objects.
Students therefore have to use their brain to resolve the problems they are faced with during their time on the wall, using their knowledge, physical strength and mental skills in the uncertain world of climbing vertically. Always go higher, making it more difficult, accepting the emptiness below, or even falling (despite it being without danger because of being attached to a rope) are highly emotional situations; requiring self confidence, concentration, decision-making, autonomous behaviour and a consideration of the responsibility towards not only themselves but also others (when belaying, with the choice of solutions for each route and the uncertainty of each action).
In terms of motor skills, each student has the chance to experiment with their body by using flexibility and the balance between passive strength and the need for movement, for more natural and flowing movement; a confidence in even the smallest of holds, changing body weight in order to maximise balance in unusual positions and an adaptation of gravity when inclined (on overhangs etc).
All of these skills will be useful in everyday life.
The friendly environment of the centre "Antrebloc" welcomes us each year at 5, rue Henri Barbusse à 94800 Villejuif. On the last session the students receive a certificate stating the skills they have acquired during the year : the ability to do a figure of eight knot, belaying, leading, their level when free climbing ("en bloc") and their level on routes ("en voie").
They will have acquired the necessary basic skills to try rock climbing in a natural environment (cliffs and mountains) in their free time, if they so desire.
