Dowty Judo Club has recently been awarded a £7,063 grant from Sport England primarily for a new mat to be added to the club’s proposed new dojo.

However, following problems with the Club’s Landlord, it has not yet been possible to complete the new Dojo project, and so meet Sport England’s criteria, and so the grant was originally withdrawn for this reason. The Club then embarked in further discussion with Sport England, and with the support of area Development Officer Steve Hammond, reasoned that whilst being unable to complete the original new dojo project through no fault of their own, other criteria identified in the original grant application would still be delivered by the club continuing to operate from their existing dojo, and this approach eventually resulted in the grant being re-instated.

Dowty Judo Club was formed 50 years ago, and in 1981 built its own dojo from which it has operated ever since.

During this period the club has built an excellent reputation and has produced champions at both Area and National level from junior through to masters categories. Within the grading structure of the British Judo Association, the club has produced in excess of 70 Dan Grades at various levels, and has gained the Sport England Club Mark Bronze level award. Much of the club’s success can be attributed to owning its own dojo along with the permanent mat area from which it will continue to operate

The club has three senior club coaches, three club coaches, one level 1 UKCC Coach, two newly-qualified instructors, and caters for junior and senior players for both the competitively minded and recreational player. They currently boast 15 junior judoka, and regularly attract a senior session of 20 judoka.

For more information on Dowty Judo Club visit http://www.dowtyjudoclub.co.uk/