ABOUT OUR JUDO CLUB
Established in 1962, the Westminster Judo Club has been active for over 50 years as part of the Centennial Community Center.
Over these years, we have had the chance and privilege of sharing Judo as both a recreational and competitive sport.
Judo, meaning “The Gentle Way,” is a Japanese martial art and sport. Judo is best known for its impressive throwing techniques but also involves considerable grappling using specialized pins, control holds, arm locks, and choking techniques.
The Westminster Judo Club offers Judo not only as an art or sport, but also as a discipline, a fitness program and a means of self-defense. Judo teaches physical coordination, flexibility and body control in a fun and relaxed environment. Participating in Judo also builds self-confidence, concentration, respect and leadership.
ONLINE NAFUDAKAKE
A nafudakake is a traditional Japanese rank board, where club members have their names displayed on wooden slats in order of seniority and divided by rank. The following is a history of our club, if you have additional information on Judoka that should be included on this list please contact us.
SHODAN 初段
Margot Deildal - 2005
Curtis O'Brien - 2009
Kevin Reimer - 2009
Robert Britton - 2012
George Spithourakis - 2012
Tyler Sluys - 2012
ROKUDAN 六段
Radomir Orescanin - 2023
YONDAN 四段
Michael Deildal - 2008
Riley Maruyama - 2023
Patricia Orescanin - 2018
SANDAN 三段
Kevin Thornloe - 2010
John Zitnik - 2012
Howard Yang - 2018
Warren Chow - 2018
Ian Sorenson - 2019
Tom Sosnowski - 2022
Jeff Hoi - 2023
NIDAN 二段
Les Darts - 2010
Arnold Aberamson - 2011
Brian Hampson - 2013
Darren Lee - 2019
John Cruz - 2023
CLASS SCHEDULE
Judo New & Novice (8 - 12 years)
White/White-Yellow belt
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Judo Intermediate (13+ years)
Yellow belt minimum required
Monday & Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Judo Senior/Advanced (13+ years)
Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Fridays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Judo Open Mat (12+ years)
Orange belt minimum required
Friday, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
REGISTRATION
May 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024
(please e-mail if inquiring for registration half way through semester)
Judo New & Novice class - $165.00
Judo Intermediate class - $175.00
Judo Senior class - $225.00
All students also require registration with Judo BC/Canada in order to actively particpate in classes
For more information please visit Judo BC/Canada Membership, please feel free to visit us and try out a class before registering!
JUDOGI/CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS
A traditional white or blue Judo Gi is required for practice, with a white undershirt for females. Other types of Gis for Karate or BJJ are not suitable for practice due to the gripping and grappling nature of Judo.
For first time classes wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt is recommended, and Judo Gis can be purchased online from Matsuru or in person at Mikado Martial Arts
Please note that Judo Gis shrink when put into a drying machine, please ensure you discuss proper sizing and care with whomever you purchase from.
As we are in a small gymnasium, we will require all Judoka to have proper indoor footwear that is placed on at the entrance of the gym. No outside shoes are allowed on the floor, and must be placed in the cubbies that are located at the entrance. We suggest sandals, or anything that is easy to slip into.
It is also highly recommended to bring a water bottle to class, and all water bottles will be placed ontop of the mat storage container during practice. No water bottles are allowed to be on the floor next to the mats.