Judo
At the end of January 2026 I made a long journey to referee at the Belgian Open in Visé.
Another international event, always interesting to see how our friends on the continent do things.
- Details
In time he decided to pack in the coaching and I took over....
- Details
Despite what Austin Powers(TM) may say about it, there is no such thing as the famed 'judo-chop!
At least not in competition. Sorry if that disappoints you :)
Judo is a contact sport derived from the Samurai martial art of Ju-Jitsu.
To win a contest, a competitor must throw his opponent to his back, gain submission from arm-lock or strangle, or pin his opponent to the ground for twenty seconds.
Sounds a bit violent? Not dangerously so!
Serious injuries are not common but you can't expect to train without getting a few bruises
I practice in Sheffield, coaching and a bit of randori at the university club.
- Details
The Leeds university Judo club became an official club in spring 2008 after a student, Sarah Shearn was asking around for a coach - I volunteered to take up the position to get the club going.
There used to be a Judo club at the Leeds university, but that had gone defunct some time previously.
- Details
I'm very involved in UK Judo. Arguably too much as I give up far too much volunteering (both time & missing events as a competitor) to fulfil numerous roles which takes time away from my own training.
I really should figure out where to cut back.
An occasional thank you would be nice!
This page is a summary of my activity, I also run a Judo blog for the day-to-day stuff.
- Details