Samurai Judo Club

Samurai Judo Club is a United Kingdom-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number: 1139837) dedicated to the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation, specifically by providing facilities for the sport of judo. The club operates both recreational and competitive sections and welcomes members of all ages and experience levels. It is located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire[1][2][3].

History and Philosophy

Founded in 1979 by Andrew Haffner at the age of 19, Samurai Judo Club was established with a philosophy centered on the pursuit of improvement and excellence in all aspects of judo—not only competitive success but also kata (formal technique demonstrations), refereeing, and general technique. The club emphasizes the holistic development of its members, striving for comprehensive knowledge and skill in judo[1].

Achievements and Recognition

Samurai Judo Club is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished judo clubs in the UK. It has a notable competitive record, having won at least one medal at the British Championships every year for 25 consecutive years, a feat achieved by only one other club in the country. In 2014, the British Judo Association (BJA) ranked Samurai Judo Club second in their Club League Table, reflecting national-level competitive success. Additionally, in the 2012 London Olympics, eight officials associated with the club participated, the highest representation of any judo club or regional entity in Britain, alongside two former club members who competed[1].

In recent competitions, such as the 2019 Commonwealth Tournament, the club won six medals including two gold medals, underscoring its continued excellence in competitive judo[1].

Structure and Membership

The club is a member of the British Judo Association (BJA), the national governing body for judo in Great Britain, holding club number 555. It supports a range of members, from beginners starting at age six to those well into adulthood, offering programs designed for both recreational enjoyment and serious competition[1][2].

Charity Activities and Funding

Registered as a charity, Samurai Judo Club’s primary purpose is to encourage community engagement in healthy recreation through judo. According to the latest available financial data, the club had an income of £55,264 and expenditure of £42,465 for the year ending March 2023. Volunteer support is substantial, with around 30 volunteers contributing to club activities, and the management is overseen by two trustees. No trustees receive remuneration for their roles[3][4].

Summary

Samurai Judo Club stands out as a model judo club within the UK for its balanced emphasis on competitive success, technical excellence, and community participation. It has been recognized by the British Judo Association as an ideal example of a club that meets diverse member needs while maintaining a high standard of achievement in British judo.

This article summarizes the key information about Samurai Judo Club based on publicly available sources and charity records.

[1] https://www.samurai.org.uk/introduction [2] https://www.samurai.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5012321 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5012321/full-print [5] https://www.britishjudo.org.uk/venue/samurai-judo-club/