Club Coach and Session Profiles

Coach in Charge:

Mike Smith, 1st Dan

Coach Biography:  Mike, like many other coaches, was gradually drawn into judo; first taking his children along to the Primary School's Judo Club ("It improves school discpline and gives the pupils confidence" said the Head Teacher), staying around to help put the mats away, then coming on the mats for 'just half hour' with a few other parents for a bit of keep fit.  Before long a few hold-downs, turnovers and escapes were thrown in, and then - inevitably - the simple throw.

"With a license, Gi and then our first grading under our belts we were hooked" says Mike.  Coming on the mats with the children as 'an extra pair of eyes' was the beginning of the slippery coaching slopE.  With a few courses and competition table officiating he had reached the dizzy height of 1st kyu, gained a coach award, become a table official and had organised three competitions!

In 2002 Mike gained his 1st Dan black belt, and has now been coaching for over 30 years.

Session Details:  "We all have a good time on Fridays and learn Judo in the process.  All of our under 8's belong to the BJA Kano Club and steadily work towards their Kano* Awards.  Our Junior members work through the normal BJA Mon grading scheme.  Clem Raphael (pictured right) is training to be a coach and helps me on the mats (far more than 'an extra pair of eyes!)."

* For more info on the Kano Club, click here

Mat Fees:  Standard - £3 for members, £4 for non-members; beginners may claim a free trial