Seishin Judokwai Judo Club go from Strength to Strength

Seishin Judokwai are a small friendly club based in Oxlcose Community School, Oxclose Village, Washington, Tyne & Wear. The club has been established in the region of 27yrs and is run by head coach, Dave Steadman. 

The club have had another great year in competition with some of it's member's travelling as far afield as Rotterdam to represent their countries in an International team event. 
"Elizabeth Philips and Megan Duffy have now been selected twice to represent their country in as many years and at their young age is a great achievement, this is the pinnacle for most young judoka although many more choose to concentrate on the competition aspect of the sport and achieve a great deal of success and as many again are happy to attend regularly just for the fitness aspect of our sport" say's head coach David Steadman. 
The club have in the last year secured grant funding in from Community Chest in order to purchase more mats which has enabled the club to start an after school club in Oxclose Primary with the intention of introducing the benefits of judo fitness and discipline to more young children, some of whom have now started to attend the regular club nights and are progressing very well. 

In a recent competition, the club entered around twelve young judoka, many of whom it was only their first or second experience at competition. All returned with medals with a number of gold and silver medals included. 
Further competitions are planned for the rest of the year with a number of the club's regular members taking time out over the summer holidays in order to attend judo summer camps which are held at various locations around the country from the Scottish Boarders to St Ives in Cornwall. These provide great opportunities to meet up and train with other enthusiasts from all over the country.

Next year the club plans to host the President's course, which as it suggests is a national course attended and instructed by the President of the British Judo Council as well as a number of other very highly skilled instructors. This course is one of the highlights of the British Judo Council Calendar therefore, registration will be essential for places. Keep an eye on the club website for dates and details of how to register. Also planned is a short 6 week course which will be funded with help from Sportivate in order to encourage 14 - 25 year olds to try a new sport and hopefully continue with the sport after the course. Places for this course will be limited so if you have been having thoughts about trying something different now would be the time. Details should be in the local press shortly or feel free to contact the club directly for more information and to register your interest.
In addition to our after school club, a course is being planned for the 3rd Washington and Fatfield scout group as part of an alternative sports programme which they are undertaking as part of there scouting activities. This should be starting within the next month or so. 

Seishin Judokwai are registered with the Active Sunderland Network and over the last year, have been involved in running taster sessions to prospective members as part of the network of sports clubs and organisations involved. This has again provided people both young and old with the opportunity to try a new sport. The club will again be part of Active Sunderland's plans in the future so keep an eye open in local press for details or just come along anytime. 
You can call into the club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights 7pm - 9pm without appointment if you would like to try it out or even come and watch if you're not sure it's right for you. 
If you would like more information about the club or judo in general you can log on to the club's website: www.seishinjudokwai.webeden.co.uk or 
Email at: seishinjudokwai@sky.com