Leigh Judo Spring newsletter24

June 14, 2024

Club News, Judo grading, Judo Values, Training

Dear Members and Friends,

As we step into summer, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates, news, and a glimpse of what’s ahead. Last month, we focused on turning and hip throws, and there’s much more in store. Let’s dive in!

Grand Open day

Our grand opening day was a resounding success! After years of hard work and dedication, we finally unveiled our new hub, and it was truly a day to remember. Over 300 people attended, showing their support and enthusiasm for our club’s new chapter. We received fantastic press coverage, highlighting our achievements and the vibrant community spirit that defines our club. The event showcased our new dojo with remarkable martial arts demonstrations, featuring skilled practitioners from various disciplines including Traditional Jujitsu and Karate who captivated the audience with their expertise and passion.

The celebration was further enhanced by delicious food from our new café, which offered a variety of delectable options that delighted everyone’s taste buds. Live music performances added to the festive atmosphere, creating a lively and engaging environment for all attendees.

I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day so special. Your presence and participation meant the world to us. Additionally, a special thank you to our partners in martial arts who supported and contributed to the day. Your collaboration and camaraderie are integral to our success, and we look forward to many more shared accomplishments in the future. This grand opening was not just the beginning of a new facility, but a testament to the strength and unity of our judo community.

1% better every day

As many of you have noticed, we are constantly working to improve our dojo and the center. “Better never stops,” as they say, and we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy. Recently, we’ve added new flags, a notice board, posters, and review cards to create a more vibrant and informative environment.

Welcome packs for new members are almost ready, designed to provide newcomers with all the information and resources they need to start their judo journey with us. Additionally, crash mats are on their way as well as chin up bars and strength training equipment, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of safety during practice.

We are always seeking to enhance our facilities, not just in terms of equipment, but also in fostering a supportive and enriching community atmosphere. If you have any suggestions or ideas for further improvements, please let us know! Your feedback is essential in helping us identify areas where we can grow and evolve.

A BIG thank you to everyone who completed our latest feedback form—your input is invaluable. It is through your constructive comments and insights that we can make meaningful changes. Every small change contributes to our collective journey toward excellence, making our dojo a better place for everyone.

If you’ve not completed the survey and would like to you can find it here: LJC Feedback survey

news & achievements

Club Grading

On the 7th, we held our first club grading in the new dojo. The larger mat area made a significant difference. Congratulations to everyone who passed, particularly those who completed their first grading. Special recognition goes to Marcin for achieving his senior green belt and Jack for advancing from the sho grade system to the new mon grade system.

Mark your calendars—the next grading will be on Sunday, July 14th.

Keep up the hard work and remember, perseverance and practice pave the way to mastery.

Coaching Achievement

John, who has been an incredible help at the club, recently completed his L1 Coaching course with flying colors. Dermot Heslop, British Judo’s North Development Officer, praised John’s performance and quality amongst other things. Dermot’s kind words are a testament to John’s hard work and our club. I want to thank John personally for all that he does for the club. His loyalty and dedication are truly appreciated by everyone. John’s journey reminds us that teaching and learning go hand in hand, and every achievement starts with the decision to try and stick with it.

International experience

Congratulations to Liam, who has been training with the GB Visually Impaired Squad in Japan, the birthplace of judo. We are very proud and, admittedly, incedibly jealous! It’s wonderful to have you back, Liam. Your journey shows that stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to incredible experiences and personal growth.

Kata Course

We recently hosted our very first kata course! For those unfamiliar, kata involves pre-arranged patterns of attack and defence, practiced with a partner to perfect judo techniques. It is a vital aspect of judo, especially for seniors and those working towards Dan grades.

A big thank you to Mike Bygate, who traveled from the south to deliver the course and examine participants. Everyone gained valuable insights and certifications. We plan to hold more kata courses and create specific content to support kata development nationally. Kata teaches us that even in structured routines, there is always room for growth and refinement.

Competition success

Our members have been busy competing in various events, including the Liverpool Open, Craven/DNA Open, SKK, and York Dan grading. Congratulations to Ryan, Ethan, Marcin, Jack, Fandy, Isabella, Joseph, and April for their outstanding performances and Regional Championships. 🏅

Special mention to April for earning 40 points towards her black belt Dan grade and best wishes for her upcoming wedding with Hayden! We hope your day is a special one!

We have more competition events coming up as we start to move into the competition judo. Keep up the great work, and remember that perseverance leads to success.

New developments

We are excited to announce several new developments that will enhance the experience for all our members and their families. First and foremost, we are thrilled to share that construction for our new private gym is set to begin this summer. This gym will be exclusively available for our members and their parents, providing a dedicated space for strength training, cardio workouts, and general fitness. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive facility that supports not only judo training but also overall physical well-being. Stay tuned for updates on the gym’s progress and opening date.

In addition to the gym, we are hopeful in getting our Slice of Hope pizza place that will soon be part of our centre. Slice of Hope aims to provide delicious and healthy pizza options, perfect for a post-training meal or a family outing. This new addition will not only cater to our members’ nutritional needs but also serve as a gathering spot for the community, fostering camaraderie and connection outside of training hours. Along with the cafe, it will serve the local community and be a cornerstone of the community BBQ and other events we will host moving forward.

New Classes!

We are also expanding our class offerings to promote holistic health and wellness. Starting soon, we will have a range of new classes, including circuit training sessions every Monday from 7-8 PM. These classes will focus on high-intensity workouts designed to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Additionally, we are introducing Kinisiflow, a new mobility and mindfulness class held on Wednesdays at 7 PM. Kinisiflow combines elements of movement, flexibility, and meditation to enhance physical and mental well-being. These classes are a reminder that wellness is a holistic journey, encompassing both body and mind.

We believe these new developments will significantly enrich the experience at our club, providing more opportunities for fitness, fun, and community building. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm as we grow and evolve together.

We are always looking to improve and diversify the activities available at our centre. If there are specific classes or facilities you would like to see, please let us know. We are committed to creating a dynamic and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Transition to subscription payments

After thorough consideration, we are excited to announce that we will be moving to a subscription payment plan in the coming months. This transition is designed to streamline our payment process and offer numerous benefits for both our members and the club.

One of the primary advantages of the subscription model is convenience. With a consistent monthly payment, you’ll no longer need to worry about remembering to pay fees or managing irregular costs. For the club, the subscription system provides a stable and predictable revenue stream, which is essential for planning and implementing improvements. This financial stability will enable us to invest in equipment, upgrades, and a wider range of classes and events such as our own competitions.

Our new system will also provide a private platform hosting a library of educational videos of techniques and all aspects of judo as well as information and guides as well as up to date offers on items in the cafe. Our goal is to enhance the overall experience for all members, making our club a place where everyone can thrive and grow. Ensuring judo remains accessible and affordable for everyone is a top priority. We have carefully structured the subscription plans to offer flexibility and value. Early adopters of the subscription model will also benefit from a discount, making it even more attractive to switch over early.

Do you want to lend a hand?

As a voluntary club, we thrive on the dedication and support of our community. We are always on the lookout for volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. If you’re interested in helping out or know someone who might be, please let us know. Together, we create a community where everyone’s efforts, big or small, make a difference!

Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and support. We are proud of our club and community.

See you on the mat!