DNA Judo

09/06/2026

👂 We’ve listened to your feedback.

For our next event, we’ve simplified the entry process for the DNA Judo Great North Open.

✅ Just 4 categories to choose from
✅ Simpler entry process
✅ Meaningful Matches maintained

The four categories are:

🥋 Under 12s (Technical Restrictions)
🥋 Under 16s (No Arm Locks & Strangles)
🥋 Seniors (14+)
🥋 Veterans (30+)

Don’t worry; our commitment to Meaningful Matches remains at the heart of everything we do.

On the day, groups will be created using an index based on:

⚖️ Weight
🎂 Age
🥋 Grade
⭐ Experience

This allows us to provide appropriate opposition whilst making the entry process easier and helping the event run more smoothly on the day.

📅 Sunday 28th June 2026
📍 Bishop Barrington Academy, DL14 6LA

🎟️ Enter online today:
https://fienta.com/dna-judo-great-north-open-championships-26

RespectJudo FarBetterToDare

08/06/2026

🌟 DNA JUDO GREAT NORTH OPEN 2026 🌟

Entries are now OPEN for one of the most exciting grassroots judo events in the North of England!

📅 Sunday 28th June 2026
📍 Bishop Barrington Academy, DL14 6LA

Whether you’re stepping onto the competition mat for the very first time or you’re an experienced competitor looking for quality contests, the Great North Open is designed to provide:

🥋 Meaningful matches
🤝 A supportive environment
🏆 High-quality organisation
😊 An enjoyable experience for all

At DNA Judo, we believe competition should challenge athletes, build confidence, and create positive memories that keep people engaged in the sport for years to come.

We look forward to welcoming clubs from across the country for a fantastic day of judo in the North East.

🎟️ Enter online today:
https://fienta.com/dna-judo-great-north-open-championships-26

Tag your training partners and let us know if you’ll be joining us! 👇

JudoFamily GrassrootsJudo NorthEastJudo JudoUK FarBetterToDare 🧬🥋🏆

01/06/2026

🌟 Great performance from our team at the York Dan Grading! 🌟

Daniel Park qualified for his lineup by winning two convincing contests. In the lineup, he won two out of three fights, just falling short of getting his grade on the day but nonetheless earning a fantastic 40 points toward his 1st Dan!

Abdul Ben-Hamida secured another 25 points toward his 3rd Dan in his first ever veterans Dan grading, and our Furness Judo Academy Head Coach Gary Bentley is now just 10 points shy of his 2nd Dan! 🥋💪

Huge thanks to Mickey and the team, and it was great to catch up with Birte whose back over from Germany. Proud day for DNA Judo! 🙌

17/05/2026

Now the dust has settled on what was another hugely successful DNA Judo event, we just wanted to say a massive thank you to everybody who supported the DNA Judo Lake District Open Championships 2026.

The atmosphere throughout the day was absolutely brilliant.

From the players stepping onto the mat, to the coaches in the chair, the officials giving up their time and the spectators creating noise around the venue; it genuinely felt like grassroots judo at its very best.

It was community.It was judo values.It was positive, respectful and supportive.

Most importantly; it was an atmosphere that nurtured and inspired the next generation of judoka ❤️

A huge thank you to everybody who helped make the day such a success; our volunteers, referees, table officials, coaches, spectators and the team at Kendal Judo Club.

Following the success of Kendal, we’re excited to announce that entries are now OPEN for our next event 👇

🔥 DNA Judo Great North Open Championships 2026 🔥
📍 Bishop Barrington Academy, Bishop Auckland
📅 Sunday 28th June 2026

We can’t wait to build on the momentum from the Lake District Open and deliver another fantastic day of grassroots judo.

Find the Event Outlines & Entry Link on our BJA Website Listing: https://www.britishjudo.org.uk/event/l3-dna-judo-great-north-open-championships/

11/05/2026

⚫️ NO. 22 – KITTY BRENNAND – 1ST DAN ⚫️

We are incredibly proud to announce that Kitty Brennand has officially been awarded her 1st Dan black belt, becoming DNA Judo’s 22nd ever black belt. 🥋🔥

Kitty’s achievement is an especially historic moment for DNA Judo, as she becomes the very first fighter to come all the way through our programme from Kano Kidz right through to black belt without ever taking a break from the sport. A truly incredible achievement and a testament to years of commitment, resilience, and hard work.

Throughout her journey, Kitty has represented the club at regional, national and international level competition and proudly earned selection to the England Judo Squad as both a Pre-Cadet and Cadet. As a British Closed and English Closed medallist, there was never much doubt that Kitty had the ability to go on and achieve her black belt; but talent alone is never enough. Her consistency, attitude, and determination over many years are what have truly set her apart.

Away from competition, Kitty has grown into a hugely respected member of our club and community. Supported every step of the way by her loving and dedicated family, she has become a fantastic role model for the younger generation coming through the academy.

Kitty also played a massive part in helping shape the future of DNA Judo beyond the competition mat. From taking on her unforgettable Rubik’s Cube fundraising challenge to help raise money for our Craven Dojo, to always giving back to the club environment around her, she has embodied everything DNA Judo stands for.

We are incredibly grateful for your loyalty, commitment, and contribution to the club over so many years; and we honestly couldn’t be prouder to see you finally achieve your black belt.

A massive congratulations from everybody at DNA Judo, Kitty. Your 1st Dan is thoroughly deserved and we can’t wait to see where your judo journey takes you next. 👏

11/05/2026

⚫️ NO. 21 – SETH WEBSTER – 1ST DAN ⚫️

We are incredibly proud to announce that Seth Webster has officially been awarded his 1st Dan black belt, becoming DNA Judo’s 21st ever black belt. 🥋🔥

Seth first began his judo journey at SKK Judo Club before later joining DNA Judo when his family relocated to Kirkby Lonsdale. Since stepping onto our mats, Seth has developed into a tough, determined competitor who has represented the club across both regional and national level competition.

Known for his grit, physical style of judo, and willingness to test himself against anyone, Seth has earned the respect of both coaches and fellow players alike. Just as importantly, he is well liked by his peers and has become a valued part of the DNA Judo community throughout his journey to black belt.

Achieving a 1st Dan is never easy. It takes years of commitment, resilience through setbacks, and the courage to keep stepping back onto the mat. Seth’s journey is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through consistency, hard work, and perseverance.

A massive congratulations from everybody at DNA Judo, Seth. Your black belt is thoroughly deserved and we’re excited to see what the next chapter of your judo journey holds. 👏

07/05/2026

🕘 WEIGH-IN TIMES CONFIRMED 🥋

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the DNA Judo Lake District Open Championships this Sunday in partnership with Kendal Judo Club 👊

Please make sure fighters arrive in good time for their weigh-in slot.

WEIGH-IN TIMES

9:00am – Event 1U12 Low Grade

11:15am – Events 2 & 3U12 High Grade & U16 Low Grade

12:15pm – Events 4 & 5U16 High Grade & Senior Kyu Grade

1:45pm – Events 6, 7 & 8Senior 1st Kyu & Above & All Masters

⏰ Contests begin at 10:00am

Please ensure all fighters bring a valid licence and arrive ready for weigh-in wearing judogi bottoms and a t-shirt.

Please note; we are still accepting entries, but late entry fees now apply.

Online entry 👇https://bit.ly/4toMd7P

Safe travels everyone; see you on the mat 👊

03/05/2026

⏳ FINAL 48 HOURS – STANDARD ENTRY PRICE

Standard entry for the DNA Judo Lake District Open Championships closes at 23:59 on Tuesday 5th May 2026.

A proper development event; meaningful matches, fair groupings, and the right environment to improve. Delivered in partnership with Kendal Judo Club.

No need to message to check entries in your category; if we can only offer limited competitive opportunities, we’ll call you to discuss options and offer a refund if needed.

Entry analysis takes place Wednesday; weigh-in times and any necessary calls will be made Thursday.

Late entry pricing applies from Wednesday 6th May.

Event Outlines available here:
https://bit.ly/4u1YCyl

Entries are now open 👇
https://bit.ly/4toMd7P

27/04/2026

27/04/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿English Open, Thetford; proper tests, strong performances. 🔥

Saturday saw us take a team to Thetford for the English Open for Minors & Pre-Cadets; a big step up in level and a brilliant test for our young fighters.

These are the kind of events that challenge you, sharpen you, and show where the next level is. Our players rose to it with some fantastic performances across the day.

🥈 Alfie Bernhardt – Minor Boys +73kg
🥉 Noah Harper – Minor Boys -50kg
🥉 Lexie Newton – Pre-Cadet Girls -57kg
5️⃣ Orla Spencer – Pre-Cadet Girls -52kg
7️⃣ Patrick Peak – Pre-Cadet Boys -50kg

A special mention to Patrick, who moved up to a new weight category and was involved in some absolute wars all day; showing huge courage and determination against bigger opposition.

Shout out to Lexie too, who after plenty of near misses throughout the start of the year finally got across the line to bring home her first medal in the -57kg category. A brilliant reward for sticking at it and continuing to improve.

Sometimes a medal; always a lesson.

Proud of every single one of them for stepping up, competing hard, and representing the club the right way. 🔥🥋

FutureChampions SometimesAMedalAlwaysALesson