Kookateki Judo Club recently held a Try Judo Day at their new dojo based in the Grove Wellbeing Centre, Belfast. 

The aim of the day was to provide awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic sport of udo and to encourage local children and young people to become involved in fitness and exercise through the club.

British Judo Association Technical Officer and 6th Dan Dermot Heslop came to Belfast to coach at the open day with senior club coach Jonathan Cooke. This enabled the club to bring the BJA’s expert knowledge to the North Belfast area, adding additional substance, knowledge and skills.  This should also heighten the children and young people’s interest in beginning judo.

The club not only aims to increase participation in judo but also to provide the children with a fun, sporting activity that will give them another positive focus in their life outside of school and reduce their risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.  The day increased awareness of the work of the club do throughout the community and encouraged more children, young people and parents to become involved.

60 children aged 5-13 years turned out for the event from across the North Belfast area.  The club had targeted local primary schools from both sides of the community.  This event was followed up two days later by the club taking part in Belfast City Council’s sporting Try-It Day where an additional 140 children had the chance to experience judo.

For more information on Kookateki Judo Club visit www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk