Friday 28th September saw Drake Judo Club (DJC) launch its latest satellite club within a local school.

This was their first School2Dojo Black Belt link in a Primary School, although they have several other yellow belt links in other Primary schools around the area.

Sparkwell Primary School joins their strong list of current black belt links at Tavistock College, Ashburton Community College, Plymstock School and Sir John Hunt School.

As with their other links, DJC provides the school with a UKCC Level 2 coach free of charge, that way the children are not charged to train and makes the sessions accessible to all.

Sparkwell School were especially proactive, offering the club as an official after school club and circulated the class across the entire school resulting in 21 students signing up for the session.

The first session was held in the main room of the old Sparkwell School. The students began the session discussing the concept of Judo, what it was used for, a brief history and watched a demonstration with a more experienced pupil.

DJC coach Ross, then took the whole class through breakfalls and the importance of good ukemi and how this made it possible to train in Judo over and over again.

The students, who ranged from ages 5 to 10, then practised a throw and basic ground hold to finish the session.

DJC are excited to be inspiring a new generation of Judoka and introducing them to our wonderful sport.