ABOUT OUR JUDO CLUB
Established in 1959, the New Westminster Judo Club has been active for over 65 years as part of the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (formerly 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.
ROKUDAN 六段
Radomir Orescanin - 2023
GODAN 五段
Al Hadvick
Michael Deildal - 2024
YONDAN 四段
Riley Maruyama - 2023
Patricia Orescanin - 2018
Bob Suzukovich
SANDAN 三段
Kevin Thornloe - 2010
Les Darts - 2024
Arnold Abramson - 2024
Darren Lee - 2024
NIDAN 二段
Brian Hampson - 2013
John Cruz - 2023
Robert Hupee - 2024
SHODAN 初段
Margot Deildal - 2005
Curtis O'Brien - 2009
Kevin Reimer - 2009
Robert Britton - 2012
Tyler Sluys - 2012
George Spithourakis - 2012
SHODAN 初段
Bill Harris - 1970
Howard Yang - 2018
Warren Chow - 2018
Ian Sorenson - 2019
Tom Sosnowski - 2022
Jeff Hoi - 2023
Mark Virginillo - 2024
John Park - 2024
CLASS SCHEDULE
Judo Child New & Novice (8 - 12 years)
White/White-Yellow belt
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Judo Child/Teen Intermediate (13+ years)
Yellow belt minimum required
Monday & Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Judo Adult Rec + Teen Advanced (16+ years)
Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Fridays Foundational, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Judo Open Mat (13+ years)
Orange belt minimum required
Friday, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
REGISTRATION
April 1st through to June 30th 2025
(please e-mail if inquiring for registration half way through semester)
Link to Online Registration here
Judo Child New & Novice class - $275.00
Judo Teen Intermediate class - $290.00
Judo Adult Recreational/Senior/Advanced class - $365.00
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.