Judo club fights to top

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s sports and active leisure team is throwing congratulations to a Judo club which has gained international acclaim. 

The Council is congratulating the Bath Judo Kwai club, which trains at Bath Sports Centre, on being the first organisation in the South West of England to gain Club Mark Accreditation. 

To gain this prestigious status, the club was assessed on criteria including child protection, coaching and competition, sports equity and ethics and club management. 

Children aged from five-years-old train with the club. It also provides sessions for experienced and adult players, with some members representing the County of Somerset and the UK in national competitions. 

Councillor Nicole O’Flaherty, Executive Member for Tourism, Culture and Leisure, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for a local club. On behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council, I would like to say ‘well done’ to all of the coaches and players who are making a positive difference to sport in our district.” 

Kelera Godwin, 18, a club volunteer who recently won an award at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Young Volunteers In Sports awards ceremony, has represented England in international tournaments and is working towards her coaching qualifications. 

The Council award was presented to Kelera for her help in arranging an exchange visit to Bath’s twin town Alkmaar in Holland. 

Bath Judo Kwai received a small grant from the Charter Trustees of the City of Bath for the trip. It maintains close links with the Alkmaar Twinning Association through visits and international tournaments, organised by the local Judo club. 

The club has been invited to a reception with the Mayor, which will also be attended by members of the Council’s Sport and Active Leisure team.

Harry Godwin, 13, a junior club member, was also recently selected to fight for Great Britain in a European contest to be held in Holland this year.

The Bath club was established in 1994 by Paul Tiley and Neil Beckett, who still coach at the classes. 

Its junior section was launched in 1995 and expanded two years ago to provide extra training sessions to meet demand. 

All seven coaches at the club have achieved British Judo Association Senior Coach award. They also contribute to the Somerset squad sessions on a regular basis. 

Some 12 members of the club have achieved Black Belt status, but coaches also recognise that some players are just training for recreation and fitness.

Mark Ilot, club secretary, said: “The clubs’ aims in the future are to increase the membership base of its youth and senior players. We would love to welcome back any past players, who can get back in to the sport in a gentle way.” 

Training sessions are held in the upper sports hall at Bath Sports Centre on Saturdays from 10am for beginners and young players, and 11am for more experienced players.  

Mixed ability classes are held for juniors from 6.30pm on Wednesdays, senior classes follow at 7.30pm.  

Further information is available at the club’s website, visit www.bathjudokwai.co.uk 

ENDS

Photo opportunity:  

To arrange photographs at the training sessions, please organise with Mr Clare via  the contact details below. 

Please also find attached a photograph of the club.  

Suggested caption: Top class: Members of Bath Judo Kwai Club, including Mark Ilot, secretary, Paul Tiley, president, Peter Clare, chairman,  are pictured at a recent training session. 

Issued by Bath & North East Somerset Council Press Office. Tel 01225 477827 or 477283.