A huge congratulations to all competitors who took part in the EMA Open Judo Championships in Lincoln. It was a fantastic turnout, with clubs from all over the country coming together to compete and support one another. The day showcased outstanding judo across every category, with determination, sharp technique, and true fighting spirit on display. From first bouts to final throws, athletes demonstrated not only competitive excellence but also exceptional sportsmanship and respect — the hallmarks of our judo community. Well done to everyone who stepped onto the tatami and gave it their all.

Well done to all our judoka on some fantastic judo at the recent mini‑championship held in Digby, Lincolnshire. For many, it was their very first competition, and every single one of them rose to the occasion with great spirit and determination.

We saw excellent judo throughout the day and some exciting glimpses of the next wave of up‑and‑coming talent. Keep it up — well done everyone.

Well done to all those who represented AJA Team GB at the 29th Houvast Tournament in the Netherlands. The event drew judo competitors from across Europe and, as always, the standard was exceptionally high.

Our squad rose to the challenge brilliantly. Every athlete fought with determination, discipline, and true AJA spirit — and their efforts were rewarded with a record‑breaking 14 medals, a remarkable achievement that reflects both talent and teamwork.

A special mention goes to the entire team for the way they supported one another throughout the tournament. Whether competing or cheering from the side, they showed exactly what makes AJA Team GB so strong: unity, respect, and pride in each other’s success.

A fantastic performance from everyone involved.

What an incredible day at the first AJA National Training Session of 2026, hosted by Cedars Judo Club. The mat was packed with junior and senior judoka of all grades, all eager to learn, train, and be inspired.

Our guest coach, Dan Powell — reigning World Champion, European Champion, and Paralympic Silver Medallist — delivered exactly what we hoped for and more. His technical insight, energy, and down‑to‑earth coaching style created a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish. As the event flyer said, it truly was “a rare opportunity to learn from – and train alongside – one of the true greats of our sport.”

Across the four‑hour session, with breaks to catch our breath, everyone worked hard, supported each other, and came away buzzing. The turnout was fantastic, the spirit was positive, and the standard on the mat was something to be proud of.

A huge thank you to Dan for giving his time, to all the judoka who attended, and to everyone who helped make the day run smoothly. This was a brilliant start to the 2026 national training calendar — and a reminder of what makes our AJA community so strong

Congratulations to all who competed in the AJA National Championships, held in Birmingham!
The day was filled with exceptional displays of skill and sportsmanship, as competitors showcased outstanding judo throughout the tournament.
A special acknowledgment goes to the gold medalists, who have earned automatic selection to represent the association on the international stage. They will proudly compete in a major championship in the Netherlands this May.
Thank you to all participants, organizers, and supporters for making this event such a resounding success.

A huge well done to all Juniors and Seniors who took part in the recent Area Grading held at Cedars Judo Club, Earl Shilton.
The standard was fantastic throughout — from the technical syllabus and kata on display to the determined and spirited performances in the line‑ups.
Here are the results:

Fantastic Day at the East Midlands Area Competition Training Session
A superb day of high‑level judo took place at the East Midlands Area Competition Training Session, expertly led by Area Coach Dave Baldwin (4th Dan) and supported by Conner Gossedge (2nd Dan). Hosted by Shudan Judo Club, the session pushed every participant to their limits in the best possible way.
Across four demanding hours, players worked through:

• Competition-focused techniques
• Stamina and conditioning drills
• Intense, high‑quality randori
  It was a tough, uncompromising session designed to build resilience, sharpen competitive edge, and raise standards across the area. Well done to every judoka who dug deep and completed the full four hours—a fantastic display of commitment, spirit, and determination.

🥋 A huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the East Midland Area Closed Championship, proudly hosted by Cedars Judo Club in Earl Shilton, Leicester.
It was brilliant to welcome clubs from across the Area, creating a lively, welcoming environment where competitors and supporters alike could enjoy a full day of judo. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit were clear throughout, making the event a true celebration of what our sport is all about.
📊 Here are the results:

At just 15 years old, Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club’s Matt Pearson has already achieved what many judoka only dream of, earning his 1st dan black belt and then driving a community-backed campaign to fund his journey to the very birthplace of judo, the Kodokan in Tokyo.

After winning gold at the AJA national championships Matt made club history a week after in March 2025 when he earned his 1st dan black belt on the line at a Police Sport UK event, becoming the youngest judoka ever to achieve the milestone at Shudan Judo Club in Wellingborough.

For Matt’s father, Jim, the achievement inspired a bold next step. His vision was to send his son to Japan to train at the Kodokan. With family friend and Shudan coach Andrew stepping in as chaperone, the campaign ‘Get Matt to Japan’ was launched. Complete with an anime-inspired logo and a JustGiving page, the campaign quickly gathered momentum across social media.

Matt played a central role in the fundraising effort. With Andrew’s guidance, he delivered private coaching sessions to fellow judoka, sharing competition techniques in exchange for donations. Soon, neighbouring clubs were offering to host Matt’s masterclasses, further extending the reach of the campaign.

Behind the scenes, Jim helped rally support from across the judo community, including backing from judo icon Neil Adams. Shudan Judo Club also hosted fundraising seminars, featuring grappling coach Thomas Mearns and veteran wrestler Vlad Chamula.

The campaign continued to grow with sponsored challenges, including the Waendel Walk and a climb up Mount Snowdon — completed in judogi — highlighting Matt’s commitment and determination. By the summer, the goal was within reach, with flights booked and accommodation secured just a short walk from the Kodokan.

A final fundraising push saw even more support from across the judo community, including a masterclass hosted at Shudan by VI World Champion Dan Powell.

Matt and Andrew arrived in Tokyo on 3 November and wasted no time getting to work. Their first training session in Chiyoda set the tone, with over 50 dan grades from across the world on the mat. Just a day later, they stepped onto the tatami at the Kodokan itself, taking part in high-level randori against some of Japan’s finest judoka.

The experience extended far beyond the Kodokan. Through connections with YouTuber Julian, known as The Judo Nomad, Matt and Andrew linked up with Tokyo-based French judoka Tanguy (@TanguySensei), who helped build a tailored training itinerary. Alongside regular Kodokan sessions, Matt trained at community clubs, high schools and universities, immersing himself in the breadth of Japan’s judo culture.

Over four weeks, Matt trained five days a week, with each dojo offering new lessons and challenges. Representing his club and country, he shared Shudan patches, Union Jack keyrings and ‘Get Matt to Japan’ stickers, building friendships wherever he trained. Regular social media updates kept supporters back home engaged, with posts reaching more than 120,000 views in just 30 days.

By the final week, Matt’s development was clear. During randori with a sports science graduate specialising in combat sports, his opponent commented on the noticeable improvement since their first session — a clear sign of how much the Japan experience had accelerated his progress.

With the trip complete, Matt’s journey is far from over. The campaign has now evolved into ‘Matt’s Judo Journey’, with ambitions that include future training camps, competitions and international opportunities. Supported by Shudan Judo Club and the wider judo community, this young judoka’s story is only just beginning.

From Wellingborough to Tokyo, Matt Pearson has shown how ambition, dedication and community support can turn a judo dream into a life-shaping experience.

Thank you to everyone at Shudan Wellingborough Judo Club, and across the wider judo community, for their support of Matt throughout this journey — a true display of how incredible the Judo community is.

Well done to all those who competed in the East Midland Area Open Championship, proudly hosted by Cedars Judo Club in Earl Shilton, Leicester!
It was fantastic to see clubs from across all associations taking part, creating a vibrant atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the judo — whether competing on the tatami or cheering from the sidelines. The spirit of camaraderie and competition shone through, making the event a true celebration of our sport.

 Results were as follows:

Cedars Judo Club proudly hosted a masterclass at Heath Lane Academy in Earl Shilton, Leicester, on behalf of the Amateur Judo Association. The event brought together judoka of all ages and grades from AJA clubs across the UK for an unforgettable day of high-level instruction and inspiration.

Leading the session was Neil Adams MBE, 9th Dan, one of the most decorated judoka in British history. A World Champion, double Olympic silver medallist, and five-time European Champion, Neil is also globally recognised as the voice of judo through his role as the IJF’s top commentator and technical analyst. Supporting him was Niki Adams, a 6th Dan judoka and accomplished coach, whose technical insight and warm delivery perfectly complemented Neil’s dynamic teaching style.

The masterclass focused on technical excellence, transitional skills, and competition readiness, with tailored sessions for both junior and senior judoka. Participants explored advanced gripping strategies and balance-breaking techniques, learned to transition smoothly from standing to groundwork, and refined their application of the Gokyo throws through detailed breakdowns. Live demonstrations and interactive drills led by Neil and Niki brought the techniques to life, while a Q&A session offered judoka the chance to engage directly with the instructors and deepen their understanding.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere was electric. Coaches and judoka alike praised the clarity, depth, and motivational impact of the instruction. Many highlighted the rare privilege of training under two world-class instructors and the inclusive, high-energy environment that made the experience so memorable.

Beyond its immediate technical benefits, the masterclass left a lasting impression on participants and coaches alike. It provided a valuable revalidation opportunity for instructors and marked a milestone for younger judoka, many of whom were inspired by the legacy and leadership of Neil and Niki Adams. The event underscored the power of expert-led training to elevate skills, foster community, and ignite passion for the sport.

🥋 The AJA recently hosted an inspiring judo masterclass led by one of Great Britain’s most accomplished athletes—Gemma Howell. The event held in Erdington, Birmingham drew an enthusiastic turnout, offering an incredible opportunity for judoka to train under a world-class talent.

🌟 World-Class Instruction
Gemma Howell’s career is a beacon of resilience and excellence. A two-time Olympian (London 2012 and Tokyo 2020), 2022 European Champion, and Commonwealth silver medallist, Howell is celebrated for her technical skill, determination, and enduring commitment to the sport. Her journey—from standout junior to overcoming serious injuries and competing at the highest level—has made her a respected figure in British judo.

🔍 Skill Development
The session honed in on key areas of newaza (groundwork) and tachiwaza (standing techniques), with Howell delivering detailed breakdowns and hands-on guidance. Attendees embraced the opportunity to sharpen their skills, absorbing valuable tactical insights and practical instruction. The atmosphere in the dojo buzzed with energy and focus throughout.

💬 Inspiring Insights
Beyond technique, Howell’s personable approach and willingness to share career experiences made a deep impression. Her reflections offered motivation and authenticity, elevating the session into something truly memorable.

🚀 Looking Forward
Participants left energised, eager to apply new knowledge and inspired by the world-class instruction received. Events like these continue to strengthen judo across the country, and the national body extends sincere thanks to Gemma Howell for her generosity, passion, and dedication to developing the sport.

Well done to everyone who competed at the recent East Midlands Area Orange and Under Championship, hosted by Cedars Judo Club in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire.

It was a fantastic event, bringing together over 80 judoka who proudly showcased their skill, determination, and fighting spirit. The championship was a true celebration of developing talent, with some brilliant judo on display throughout the day.

The Amateur Judo Association (AJA) took a squad of 41 Judoka to the 28th International Houvast Judotournament held in Mierlo, Netherlands on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025. The team comprising a mix of abilities and experience levels, competed in what is considered one of the toughest judo championships on the European club circuit.

This year’s event welcomed over 1,400 judoka from 12 countries, making for an incredibly competitive and high-calibre tournament. Despite the challenging field, AJA’s judokas rose to the occasion and demonstrated skill, determination, and great sportsmanship throughout the weekend.

We are extremely proud of every player who took part and represented the AJA with distinction. Their hard work and commitment were rewarded with a fantastic 9 medals — a remarkable achievement at such a high-level event.

🥈 Silver Medallists – Daisy Hodgkinson, Eliza Kirk and Alysha Holt

🥉 Bronze Medallists – Camryn Carter, Ezra Skeen, Finley Zeki, Flo Jarvis, Theo Jakins & Jake Bolding

The East Midlands Area recently organised a highly successful Mini Judo Competition, specifically for Yellow Belts and below. The event was hosted by Acorn Judo Club at Digby Linces and attracted a vibrant mix of young judoka from across the region.

Participants ranged from as young as four years old and had little if no previuse cahmpionship experience. All Judoka demonstrating outstanding judo technique, enthusiasm, and a commendable fighting spirit. The competition provided an excellent platform for beginners to gain experience in a friendly and supportive environment.

Throughout the day, players showcased the core values of judo — respect, discipline, and perseverance — with many closely contested bouts and moments of great sportsmanship. The event was not only a celebration of emerging talent but also a testament to the hard work of the coaches, volunteers, and organisers who made it possible.

Special thanks go to Acorn Judo Club for their warm hospitality and to all who supported the smooth running of the competition. Events like this are vital in nurturing the next generation of judo athletes in the East Midlands.

Results:

We kicked off the first of four National Training session planed for 2025 in style with a phenomenal session held at Cedars Judo Club in Earl Shilton — and what a day it was!

We were truly honoured to welcome Lucy Renshall, double Olympian, former World Number 1, and current British Champion, as our lead instructor for the day. Lucy brought a wealth of experience, technical precision, and infectious enthusiasm to the tatami, creating an inspiring and educational environment for all involved.

With over 70 judoka and coaches in attendance from across the country, the session was buzzing with energy and camaraderie. Lucy’s coaching catered brilliantly to the wide range of ages and abilities on the mat, delivering a dynamic mix of technical drills, randori, and tactical insights drawn from her experience at the highest levels of the sport.

Lucy, a long-standing member of the British Judo team, has represented Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and has claimed multiple European medals throughout her career. Her passion for the sport and commitment to developing the next generation of judoka were clear to see and deeply appreciated by everyone in attendance.

A huge thank you to Lucy for leading such a fantastic session, to Cedars Judo Club for hosting us, and to all the players and coaches who made the day such a success.

Congratulations to all who competed in the AJA National Championships, held in Birmingham!
It was truly heartening to see an increase in entries compared to previous years—a testament to the event’s remarkable growth since its resurgence following the challenges of the pandemic. The day was filled with exceptional displays of skill and sportsmanship, as competitors showcased outstanding judo throughout the tournament.
A special acknowledgment goes to the gold medalists, who have earned automatic selection to represent the association on the international stage. They will proudly compete in a major championship in the Netherlands this May.
Thank you to all participants, organizers, and supporters for making this event such a resounding success. Here’s to continued growth and achievements in the years to come!

A fantastic turnout of 160 entries for our Area Closed Event, held in Earl Shilton, Leicester. The day was filled with outstanding judo, showcasing skill and determination from our newest novices to our seasoned dan grades. A huge well done to all competitors for their incredible performances and sportsmanship!

The East Midlands Amateur Judo Association extends its heartfelt gratitude to two long-serving committee members who have decided to retire from their positions this year. Helen Blower, who served as Treasurer, and Dave Norman, the Senior Area Timekeeper and Recorder.

Both dedicated many years to their roles, contributing significantly to the growth and smooth operation of the association. Their commitment and hard work have played a crucial part in shaping the East Midlands judo scene into what it is today.

Although they are stepping down from their official committee positions, the community will still have the pleasure of seeing them at their respective clubs and at various area events in the future. Their continued presence and support will undoubtedly be appreciated by all.

As a token of appreciation for their outstanding service, both Helen and Dave were presented with engraved glass plaques, recognizing their dedication and invaluable contributions.

The East Midlands Amateur Judo Association thanks them for their years of service and wishes them all the best in their well-earned retirement from committee duties.

Event Overview: The East Midlands Area hosted an engaging and educational Judo Coaching Course at Castle Judo Club, Leicester Forest East. The event aimed to provide valuable insights and hands-on experience to new, aspiring, and experienced judo coaches, as well as to Judoka seeking training opportunities.

Participation and Attendance: The event welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including:

• New or Aspiring Coaches: Juniors and seniors eager to take their first steps into coaching.
• Experienced Coaches: Professionals looking to refine their skills, exchange knowledge, and explore pathways to higher coaching awards.
• Judoka Seeking Training: Practitioners who actively participated in training sessions, providing essential practice opportunities for coaches.

Event Highlights:

• Coaching Development: Participants engaged in a structured program covering fundamental coaching techniques, safety protocols, and athlete development strategies.
• Practical Sessions: Hands-on coaching exercises enabled new coaches to gain confidence and refine their approach under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• Interactive Discussions: Coaches shared insights, discussed best practices, and explored pathways for further accreditation.

The Judo Coaching Course successfully fulfilled its objective of fostering coaching development and enhancing training experiences for Judoka. The event provided a solid foundation for new coaches while offering experienced practitioners the opportunity to refine their skills and expand their professional networks.

Future sessions are anticipated to continue this positive momentum, further enriching the judo coaching community.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Area Judo Grading held at Cedars Judo Club, Earl Shilton, Leicester!

Although the junior grading had a smaller turnout than usual, there was still plenty of fantastic judo on display. The participants showcased impressive technical knowledge and engaged in spirited contests. Well done to all the juniors who took part!

The senior grading, on the other hand, saw a strong attendance with a wide range of grades represented. It was a challenging day filled with technical demonstrations of syllabus and kata, followed by numerous hard-fought contests. While the demanding nature of the competition proved to be a bit too much for a few participants this time, the majority succeeded in achieving their desired grades. A huge congratulations to everyone for their dedication and effort on what was undoubtedly a tough but rewarding day.

The results were as follows:

The East Midland Area AJA were proud to host a judo masterclass led by Dan Powell, fresh off his success at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event, held at Shudan Judo in Wellingborough, was a memorable day for all the participants, who had the unique opportunity to learn from a Paralympic silver medalist.

Dan Powell, an accomplished judoka in the -90kg J1 category for visually impaired athletes, recently won silver in Paris, marking his third Paralympic appearance after competing in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020. His journey to the podium in Paris was nothing short of remarkable, overcoming significant personal and physical challenges. Although he fell short in the final match against Brazil’s Arthur Cavalcante da Silva, Powell’s resilience and determination were celebrated by all who witnessed his performance.

Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the mat, Powell is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports. He runs an inclusive gym, GRN8, where he challenges conventional narratives about disability, urging that athletes with disabilities should be seen for their abilities rather than limitations. His dedication to both his sport and to creating opportunities for others made this masterclass an inspiring experience for everyone in attendance.

It was an incredibly successful day at the Area Open Judo Championship, marking a triumphant return to Lincoln after many years. The atmosphere was electric, with an impressive turnout and many new faces joining the competition. The standard of fighting throughout the day was exceptional, with judoka showcasing remarkable skill and determination in every category. What truly stood out, however, was the high level of sportsmanship displayed across the board, making the event not only competitive but also a celebration of the spirit of judo.

The results were as follows:

The East Midlands Area Open saw a massive turnout of clubs from all over the country. It was wonderful to see so many clubs joining us, with both familiar faces and new ones. This led to a fantastic event with some very tough categories, both in terms of numbers and the quality of the competitors.

Thank you to everyone who made the day a great success: players, parents, and of course, all the officials who helped on the day, with all associations working together for refereeing, timekeeping, and recording.

The results are as follows:

Well done to all those competitors who took part in the East Midlands Area Mini Competition hosted at Acorn Judo Club, Digby Lincolnshire. Also, a big well done to all those trainee referees and TKR’s who attended the event.

Well done to all those who represented AJA Team GB at the 27th Houvast Tournament held in the Netherlands. The tournament attracted judo competitors from all over Europe and, as always, the judo was of an exceptional standard. All of the team fought exceptionally well, with us gaining 3 medals and many players reaching the final rounds, narrowly missing out on medal placements. Spencer Findlay started day 1 off by winning a hard-fought silver medal. Day 2 was followed with Daisy Hodgkinson winning the silver in an extremely competitive and tough category. Finally, day 2 was rounded off with a well deserved bronze medal won by Megan Skillen. Congratulations to everyone!

The East Midlands Area was delighted to host a Judo Masterclass featuring Isaac Gagin. Isaac brought an impressive wealth of expertise, boasting a successful track record at both national and international championships.

As a current GB senior squad fighter, he has achieved multiple senior British medals and international accolades. He’s also been crowned English, Scottish, and Welsh open champion, and until recently held the top spot in the UK at the 66kg category.

The session provided an excellent opportunity for participants to either acquire new techniques or refine existing ones, all under Isaac’s expert guidance. The event saw a diverse mix of attendees in terms of age, skill levels, and grades, making it a rich learning environment for all involved.

Additionally, a special thanks to Ady and Mark for their exceptional coaching efforts with the younger players present at the session. Their contributions were greatly appreciated.

A fantastic day of judo took place at the AJA Closed National Judo Championships held in Birmingham. There were impressive displays of judo skills across all age and weight categories. The gold medal winners will now become part of the AJA National Team and are eagerly anticipating representing the Association in Holland later this year. Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances!

Enormous congratulations to Phil Smith for achieving his 7th Dan.

Phil was put forward by John Stubbington, the AJA National timekeeper recorder, and the decision to grant him his 7th Dan was unanimous among all members of the National Executive Committee.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Phil from all members of the AJA for his invaluable contributions to his club, the Midland Area, and the Amateur Judo Association. There is no one more deserving of this honor.

Congratulations to all participants who took part in the Area Closed Event hosted at Earl Shilton.

This event marked the one of the largest closed events we have had in many years, with 170 entries, resulting in a fantastic day of judo.

Every player, from those new to the sport to members of the GBR squad, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, showcasing some impressive judo techniques.

Here are the full results from the event:

Sakura Judo was established by Daran Gagin in April 2015. Daran is black belt and experienced coach. He is supported in coaching by his son – Isaac – European Cup Medalist and gold member winner at a number of major senior internationals.

Sakura are a very friendly club who welcomes people of all abilities, ages and experience. So if you fancy trying judo, getting back into it, or would like a club to build on your experience give them a go.

https://www.facebook.com/SakuraSapcote/?locale=en_GB

Well done to all those that took part in the East Midlands Area Open Championship held in Earl Shilton, Leicester.

Results:

Well done to all those that took part in the recent Area Grading held at Digby, Lincolnshire.

Results:

Well done to all those that took part in the Area Age Competition held at Ruston Judo Club, Liconln Acadamy.

Despite the heat and relatively low umbers we were treated with some entertaining and very competitive contest across all the age groups.

Results Below.

Photos kindly supplied by Vladislav Cristea:

Click on images to enlarge: