Westerleigh Judokwai

Westerleigh Judokwai was founded in 1995 by two brothers, Paul and Chris Everest. They had a handful of students, a small pile of gym mats and a bag full of enthusiasm. Since 1995 the club has grown to the extent of having over a hundred members ranging from 4 years old and over. As a club we participate in international and national competitions each year bringing home a large haul of medals. Are There Any Entry Requirements To Join Westerleigh? We accept anyone from the age of 4 years old and over, including adults. You do not need to have had any previous experience of Judo as full training will be given by our BJA Qualified Coaches. The only requirements we do ask of you is that you respect everyone and give everything a go. To begin with you do not need to bring much. A drink bottle and yourself are really the only things you need. When you start taking judo lessons your first session is free and then after that it is just £5.00. We do offer a pre-paid system which is 10 sessions a month for £50.00 and If you miss a session you do not need to pay. We have a supply of judo suits (called Gi's) that you can rent or you can buy your own through our discounted shop. To hire the Gi it is £10.00 for a month. Do I Need A Licence To Practice Judo? Not right away. When you first start taking lessons, you are considered as being within atrial period. After 4 weeks you will of had enough time to decide whether or not to continue and at that point you will need to complete an online form for your Judo Licence via the British Judo Association website. (The BJA is our governing body)

For 5 to 7 year olds costs £24.00 per year and from 8 to 15 year olds £31.00. There's a renewal charge of £28.00 per year. Senior membership for 16 years and upwards is £42.00 with a renewal charge of £39.00 per year. However, there is a student/military licence for anyone aged 14-17 or if you are in full-time education costing £28.00 for the first year and then £26.00 each year after. What Is So Special About Westerleigh Judokwai? "Why is Westerleigh different because here we are all the same"

Firstly, we are the only club within the Southern Area to be fully inclusive where we have both our mainstream athletes and adaptive athletes training together in a safe and friendly environment. We have also recently developed a Kata team for all of our athletes to join who may be interested in this area of Judo. This team has competed in many national and international competitions spreading awareness for a more inclusive sport. As a club we also run sessions called 'The Gentle Way' which cater for people over the age of 50. The aim of these sessions is to prevent falls within the older generation as well as keeping people fit and healthy. Do I Have To Compete In Competitions? Only if you feel you'd like to, there is absolutely no pressure to do so. Each year the club selects a team of adaptive athletes to Holland to compete in the Pan Disability World and European Judo and Kata championships however there are many competitions within Sussex that our mainstream athletes can attend which we try our best to send a coach to.