You are Here: News

News

More funding

Congratulations to all our member clubs who secured National Lottery Funding this week. Our member clubs from Galway, Cork, Clare, Tipperary and Roscommon were all successful. Those clubs who were unsuccessful this year can apply later this year but will need the assistance of Judo Ireland in completing the application form. A special word of thanks to Government Minister Martin Cullen T.D. at the Sports Dept. and also to Frank Fahy T.D. for all of their help.

Since 2004 Judo Ireland clubs have secured Grant Aid of almost 100000 euro for the development of grass roots Judo.


Judo Ireland Summer Camp 2008

We have just completed a week of learning more about Judo. It was possibly the best of all the summer camps we have organized so far. What made the event better than the past ones was the manner in which we concentrated on just two objectives; finding the right coach and concentrating on the activity of judo only. At previous camps there were attempts to make the whole week a very sociable experience - a big mistake.

As well as demonstrating some very good techniques Mr Mikio Hazawa 6th Dan also returned to the theme of the SPIRIT of Judo. This to a lot of young players is an alien concept and seems to have been lost to the sport over the past number of years. Mikio preached at length about respect for:

• your fellow judoka
• your coaches
• your parents who pay for everything
• your dojo

Judo is more than fighting. It is also about showing respect for all those involved with you in the sport. There are many times when both players and officials lose sight of the etiquette and respect they ought to show. In Ireland we might call it good manners.

Mikio also observed that the 1st Dan in Ireland was of a higher standard than that in Japan. Only at the higher grades do the differences become more pronounced. Also the problems we all find when the player has 2 stiff arms and a very rigid posture is a universal problem. It is also found in Japan.

Overall the difference between the Irish or European player and the Japanese player is minimal. It is when you compare their best with our best that you see the disparity. This difference comes about largely through

• more time spent training by the Japanese
• a better attitude and confidence
• more good coaches
• more respect shown by all those involved.

Judo Ireland is very grateful to Mikio for his first visit to Ireland. He has left a lasting impression on all our players and coaches. But it is in the years ahead that all of our young players will benefit. We must not expect that one visit from a top Japanese coach will change the face of Judo in Ireland. We must build on this past week. What players with ambition need to do is to train at not just their own club but to travel to neighboring clubs and be open to new experiences. As one Judo camp finished another Aikido camp started at the same venue. It seems that Galway is the preferred location. Again sincere thanks to Mikio to all the players and coaches and to Judo Ireland who sponsored the entire week.

John Creaven, camp organiser


Judo Ireland developments

Judo Ireland held a very successful high performance class recently. Alonso first took the juniors for 2 hours followed by the seniors for another 2 hours. His philosophy is that the traditional approach of just doing randori endlessly will not produce the kind of player that makes judo a very attractive sport. He therefore covered some general grips associated with attacking judo as well as entries into attacks. While both classes were very theoretical there is no doubt that it is in these foundations that good technical judo is built. The players came from the various clubs in the West and all were taken aback by his alternative approach to teaching.

To further develop the technical side of judo we are expecting a good turnout at our summer camp starting on the 5th of July in Galway.

We are also hoping to start a judo club in Athlone in September. There have been a lot of enquiries from the midlands area and Judo Ireland is finalising the arrangements in getting the club started at the moment. Tipperary is going from strength to strength and now has 3 clubs thanks largely to the efforts of Jim Mulroy. If someone in your area wishes to start a judo club please contact Fionnula as she might be able to assist you further. We have judo mats to get you started.

News of the Irish sports council grants will be out within the next 2 weeks so hopefully our clubs around the country will have been successful.


Top Japanse coach to visit Ireland

Judo Ireland is pleased to confirm the final details in relation to the visit of Mr. Mikio Hazawa 6th Dan from Japan. The camp will start on Sat. 5th of July to Fri. 11th of July. It will be held at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club and commencing at 10 am. There will be 4 hours of Judo on the Sat and Sun. The weekday classes will all start at 9:30 a.m. and finish at 1.15 p.m.

The camp is aimed toward at the development of good Judo skills for our young players and also to develop good teaching methods for our coaches. Judo Ireland therefore expects all those who are interested in coaching or who have qualified as coaches to attend. The cost is 50 euro for juniors and 70 euro for seniors.

A daily mat fee of 20 euro applies if you can’t stay for the week. Attendance is on a first come first served basis. Booking with full fee should be sent to John Creaven 33 Grattan Park Salthill Galway before the closing date, 27th June. All cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Judo Ireland.


Dublin School’s Team Judo Championships 2008

After missing out on reaching the final of the Junior Championships for the past 2 years, Blackrock College finally came of age winning 5 gruelling matches to take the Dublin School’s Team Judo Championships for the very first time. Not since they won the senior title in 2002, have Blackrock been in a Judo team Championship final.

Read article


11th Dublin Primary School’s Judo Championships 20

30 Contestants from Dublin, Meath & Cavan took part in this year’s competition. For most players, this was their first taste of competition & they all rose to the occasion, with some hotly contested categories in all age & weight groups.

Read article


East of Ireland Championships 2008

Ashbourne Judo Club once again hosted the East of Ireland championships on the 27th April. There were 13 clubs represented on the day including one from the U.K. Westcroft Judo Club. There were many familiar faces from last year and plenty of new clubs to Ashbourne showing a healthy increase in entries from last year

Read article


Top Japanse coach to visit Ireland

Judo Ireland is pleased to advise all our players, coaches and clubs that we are bringing a top Japanese Coach to Ireland. Mr Mikio Hazawa, 6th Dan is a coach of the highest repute. He has coached in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe as well as Japan. He also has his own Dojo where he coaches every week.

This is a unique opportunity for both coaches and players to learn more about Judo and subsequently benefit all our players in the long term. This event is part of Judo Irelands commitment to bringing top class coaching to as many players as possible. The course is for experienced players and will not be suitable for beginners.

The Galway Judo Club is the host club for this event and all enquiries in the first instance should be made to John Creaven 2nd Dan, Director of Coach Education with Judo Ireland. Further information on cost, dates, times and venue will be made available soon, so keep an eye out on this website.


The Galway Open 2008

The Galway Open Judo Championships 2008 went very well this year. Entries were up on previous years and the new clubs started up by Judo Ireland over the past 3 years were well in attendance.

Read article


Judo Ireland Developments

At a recent meeting of the Judo Ireland committee, on the 8th of March details were presented about our ongoing developments. We now have Judo clubs in 11 counties in Southern Ireland and 31 clubs in overall. Arrangements are well advanced in starting 3 more clubs in Counties Westmeath, Kildare and Mayo.

The very recently published Starter Pack for new clubs was given to all those present. It is a great source of information and has been well received everywhere. If your club has not got one you should contact Mary at the office. It is free to all member clubs.

All clubs that applied for grants should maintain regular contact with your local T.D. to check on the progress of your application. Some clubs may be disappointed but if your application was late there is nothing we can do about it. You will have to apply again next year.

The appointment of a part time administrator is imminent. The outcome will be that we can get Judo Ireland to be more efficient and responsive to our membership

Finally it was decided that Judo Ireland are organising an Easter Camp on the 30th March. The camp is for Junior players and is being held at Creaven House. It will start at 11 am. This year the coach is Sarah Mcgillicuddy from the Kyoto Judo Club, Cork.


Dublin School’s Spring Judo Championships 2008

Over 100 competitors, teachers, parents & coaches, travelled from 18 schools throughout Ireland to celebrate this years School’s Spring Judo Championships.

Read article


All Ireland Judo Championships 2008

Over 150 contestants from all over Ireland turned up in Ashbourne Community Centre for this year’s All Ireland Judo Championships. Despite the fact the due to weather & safety reasons this year’s championships had to be deferred for 3 weeks, all provinces & all Judo Associations were represented at this the largest All Irelands in more than 20 years.

Read article


Renmore Mini Mons report

On Sunday Jan 27th we held our 3rd annual Mini Mons Competition. Again this year the competition attracted a huge number of competitors with over 120 children taking part. People travelled from far afield to attend with entries from Cork, Roscommon, Tipperary, Clare, Cavan and local Galway Clubs. A total of 9 clubs took part.

This competition is aimed primarily at beginners and those who have little competitive experience. We aim to give the children competition experience while at the same time making sure they have fun at the sport.

While there are always winners and losers in competition all the children went home on the day with a medal as well as a goody bag and hopefully happy memories.

We are very grateful for our sponsors: Coca Cola, Bewleys and Perri Crisps. Their generous contributions are much appreciated.

Sylvia O’Flynn
Secretary
Renmore Children’s Judo Club


Judo Ireland Developments

Judo Ireland has just received the delivery of 1000 new mats. These mats are stored in Galway and as new clubs require them they will be made available. At the moment requests are coming in from Tipperary, Monaghan and Limerick. There is also a strong possibility that requests may come in from both Longford and another town in Galway, increasing density of judo clubs in Galway to one of the highest in Ireland.

Each club should have received its application form in how to secure Irish Sports Council funding by now. All sports clubs are entitled to apply. If you haven’t received the form you can either apply to Sylvia at Judo Ireland or get onto the ISC website. As well as filling out the form you will also need to expedite the following:

1. Obtain a tax clearance certificate from your nearest revenue office, which is not as daunting as it sounds.
2. Obtain an approval letter from Judo Ireland. This could be difficult if you haven't either affiliated or paid your Public Liability Insurance. For information on these you should contact Mary at the office.
3. You will need to cooperate very closely with your local politician, preferably a Minister or a T.D. If you are stuck you may have to talk to a County Councillor.

After all of the above make sure you have all of the documentation submitted no later than the 28th of February. Approval usually takes about 3 to 4 months and during that time you should maintain a weekly vigil with your politician. He/She may require you to do some canvassing, but it is a small price to pay. Once you have secured the funding do not forget to pay for the equipment secured for your club by Judo Ireland.


Judo Ireland Senior & Youth Squad Report

The Judo Ireland Senior Squad training took place at the DSJ on Sunday, 20th January. Despite the inclement weather, quite a number of players made it to training. We were delighted to have former Irish international competitor, James Mulroy, as coach, as Michael Crotty, who was to take this session, was ill & couldn’t attend.

Alan Martin, Squad Manager took the emphasis this month was on Ushiro Kesa Getame & Kami Shiho Getame.

James took the afternoon session with the emphasis was on tachiwaza, James helped the players develop their favourite techniques & encouraged them to work hard on their secondary throws.

All players were encouraged to enter the upcoming All-Irelands to be held in NUI Maynooth on 02nd February next as well as the Galway & Cavan Opens in March & the East of Ireland Championships in April.

Apologies were received from some other judo players who couldn’t make today’s session, but will join the squad at our next training session on Sunday, 24th February @ 11 am.

Alan Martin
Judo Ireland – Senior Squad Manager


Insurance premiums 2008

We would like to remind our members that the Insurance premiums for 2008 are due by mid January. For more information or to pay them please contact Sylvia O'Flynn on 086 0827249.


Dublin School’s Annual Judo Championships 2007

At one of the most exciting & competitive School’s judo championships for many years, one very special player stood out head & shoulders above the crowd, Rуisнn McQuinn from Presentation, Kilkenny. With 7 straight wins, Rуisнn took the Junior Girls +57kg & Open titles as well as the Senior Girls Open title. She was also crowned ‘Junior Female Player of the Day’.

Read article


Judo Ireland Developments

Judo Ireland held a High Performance training session in Creaven House on Sunday the 2nd December. It didn’t have the nationwide spread of last July nevertheless all of the West of Ireland clubs took part. Again Alonso Henderson took the three and a half hour class. This had followed on from a very successful Connacht Championships and a number of those medalists turned up to the High Performance class. Club coaching allied to High Performance training coupled with local and National competitions will surely raise the standards of judo further. All in all there was 8 hours of both junior and senior judo last Sunday. Brian Walsh from Cork was also present to support the Coaching Model put in place by Judo Ireland.

In the New Year Renmore judo club are hosting their 3rd Annual Mini Mon event. This is followed by the Irish Championships to be in Maynooth in early February.

Judo Ireland is also looking forward to opening another new club in Limerick and further expansion in Tipperary. This will bring the total number of Counties affiliated to Judo Ireland to 11.

We are expecting the arrival of 1000 new mats soon. Any club or area wishing to start up a club should contact Judo Ireland. Judo Ireland would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of its member clubs a Happy Christmas.


Chairmans Letter

The new Chairman of Judo Ireland elected at the last AGM has written an open letter to the members of Judo Ireland.

Download Letter (Pdf 30.41 Kb)


Connacht Senior and Junior Championships 2007

The 2007 Connacht Senior and Junior Championships were held this year on Sunday November 25th. They were hosted by Castlegar Judo Club.

A large number of clubs participated this year with over 90 participants taking part. Players came from Galway Judo Club, Galway City Judo Club, Renmore, Annaghdown, Tuam, Castlegar, Glenamaddy, Athenry, Roscommon, NUIG, Ennis and Oranmore.

The standard was also very high with many exciting competitions and the policy of High Performance training of young people, adopted by Judo Ireland is beginning to show.

Download Results (Pdf 30.71 Kb)


Judo Ireland Senior & Youth Squad Report

The now monthly Judo Ireland Senior Squad training took place at the Dublin School of Judo Dojo on Sunday 18th November. It was encouraging to see players now travelling from all corners of Ireland to train together & learn new ideas to help improve their skills.

14 Judo Ireland members from NUIM, Cavan, St. Josephs, Rosmini, Mount Temple, Gormanstown, Kyouto & DSJ took part in the 4-hour training session, taken this time by National Squad manager Alan Martin, assisted by Albert Kyle, Donegal.

The morning session consisted of some roadwork, followed by newaza. The emphasis this month was on juji getame armlocks from a defensive position.

After lunch, the emphasis was on tachiwaza, with the participants encouraged to move continuously around the mat creating openings for attacking opportunities.

Apologies were received from some other judo players who couldn’t make today’s session, but will join the squad at our next training session on Sunday, 16th December @ 11 am.

Alan Martin
JudoIreland – Senior Squad Manager


Renmore Judo Club Diary

Similar to other clubs the Renmore Judo is constantly looking for funds to cover everyday running costs such as hall rental etc. With this problem in mind the parents of the club took the initiative to come up with ideas to raise money. On Sat Oct 13th the club held a very successful bag packing fundraiser in Dunnes Stores at Briarhill.

Read article


Upcoming Events

Don’t forget the senior grading on the 11 the of November also in Maynooth. The Castlegar club are hosting this years Connachts on the 25 of November. The High Performance training for the 11 to 15 year olds that we had last July is taking place again on the 2nd of December at 9.30am at Creaven House.

The School’s Annual Championships takes place on 5th December in Dublin.

We hope to organise a mini mons on the 9th of December in Maynooth.


Judo Ireland Developments

Judo Ireland has a new club starting this Friday the 2nd of November in Lettermullen in Connemara. The club will be training Fridays at 7.30.pm. Judo Ireland have sent the new club 100 mats of our recently ordered 1000 new mats. Any Club who would like more mats should apply to the Head Office.

Plans are also well advanced for new clubs in Longford, Mayo, Limerick and Westmeath. The club in Tipperary is going very well and plans are in place to start another club in Toomevara and Ardcroney.

All clubs should note that Insurance is due on January 1st 2008.


Judo Ireland Senior & Youth Squad

The first Senior & Youth Squad session for Teenagers, adult men & women was held in the newly built Dublin School of Judo in Garristown, Co. Dublin.

14 Judo Ireland members from NUIM, Cavan, St. Josephs, Rosmini & DSJ took part in the 4-hour training session, taken this time by National Squad manager Alan Martin, assisted by Adrian Boyle, Cavan Judo Club.

The morning session consisted of some roadwork, followed by newaza.

After lunch, the emphasis was on tachiwaza, with the participants encouraged to move continuously around the mat while looking for attacking opportunities.

Apologies were received from some other judo players who couldn’t make today’s session, but will join the squad at our next training session on Sunday, 25th November @ 11 am.

Alan Martin
JudoIreland – Senior Squad Manager


Judo Ireland Developments

Judo Ireland and the IBBA (Irish Black Black Association) is pleased to announce that it has purchased 1000 new mats for Judo Ireland member clubs. These will be available shortly. Half of these will be used for the 5 new clubs coming on line in the next month or two. The balance will be available to member clubs under the existing distribution process.

Note from Secretary: Will all member clubs please note that those who have not yet paid their club affiliation fee, their subscription is now overdue.


Judo Ireland AGM 2007

The Judo Ireland 2007 AGM was held in Athlone, Saturday, 29th September. It was a very constructive meeting. The minutes of the 2006 AGM, the Treasurers’ report and the technical director’s report were presented and accepted. The financial position of Judo Ireland is in a very healthy state, thanks in no small amount to the voluntary work of many during the year. The technical director’s report highlighted that a course in Go-no-sen was run during the year. 11 new coaches have been certified and high performance training program has commenced. The Irish black belt Association (IBBA) invested in 400 new mats for Judo Ireland Clubs.

With regard to the election to offices, Eamonn Ward, Alonzo Henderson and Mary Mc Donald have been returned as Treasurer, Technical Director and Secretary respectively, and John Griffin has been elected as the new Chairperson.

It was agreed that JI with the assistance of the IBBA would purchase 1000 new mats for new judo clubs in the pipeline. Sylvia O’Flynn of Renmore JC has kindly agreed to take over the issuing of grading books in the future. To obtain grading books please contact Sylvia on 086 082 7249. Many thanks to Eamonn Ward for his hard work in the area up to now. All clubs were reminded that the insurance renewal is coming up in January.


The Great Northern Open Report

For the 5th running of this superb judo competition hosted by the Newcastle area of the British Judo Council. Teams came from all over England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Switzerland, Holland & Ireland.
With a huge entry of over 350 competitors, 70 more had to be turned away due to time constraints, according to tournament organisers John Chrisp & John Pickering.

Read article


Judo Ireland Developments

Judo Ireland now has a club in Nenagh, and plans are in place to start new clubs both in Moycullen Co. Galway and in Lousiberg Co. Mayo. This progress has come about due to the provision of both mats and coaches. A lot of the funding for the equipment has come from both our own resources and from the Irish Black Belt Association. Both organisations have similar core objectives which makes progress is easier.
The Irish Black Belt Association have provided substantial funding which enabled Judo Ireland to identify areas of growth for Judo and to put mats in straight away. We are then often able to help the club to secure grant aid which is used to pay off the mats. In the 3 years since Judo Ireland commenced over 1000 mats have been bought. The Irish Black Belt Association which has been going for over 6 years has contributed generously to a number of successful Martial Arts projects. Its membership comprises people from different martial arts groups and like Judo Ireland they have plans to build a National Dojo


Letter from the Judo Ireland Technical Director

Alonzo Henderson, Technical Director of Judo Ireland wishes to congratulate all the coaches who received their primary coaching certificates at the coaching course held in Galway last weekend.
He further wishes to advice that all coaches that wish to proceed to intermediate coaching level are invited to declare their interest in doing so by contacting the Technical Director by email at maryal197@eircom.net or by contacting Judo Ireland.

Download Full Letter (Pdf 58.77Kb)


Judo Ireland Coaching Course

Judo Ireland hosted a very successful Coaching weekend on the 8th-9th September at Creaven House. Twelve coaches from all over Ireland attended. Topics covered included Diet for sportspeople; Rules of Judo as well as practical help and advice.

Read article


Judo Ireland News

Judo Ireland will be hosting a Coaching Course on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of September 2007 at Creaven House Galway. The course will involve some work on the mat so coaches should bring their judo suits as well as writing materials. There will be presentations made from Blarney Street Judo Club as well as Galway Judo Club as case studies. The fee for the weekend course will be 50 Euro for Judo Ireland members and 80 Euro for non members. Lunch will be provided on both days as well as suitable Bed and Breakfast on the 8th. Only those who register before the 1st of September will be eligible for this special package. For more information on this special Coaching Weekend or to book a place you should contact J. Creaven or Judo Ireland.

By now all Judo Ireland clubs should have got their Judo Ireland Posters. If you haven’t send us an email at info@judoireland.com and we will post them to you.
Finally we are looking forward to starting new clubs both in Limerick and Longford in the very near future. This will bring the total number of Counties with Judo Ireland clubs to 11.


Renmore Judo Club Report

Following a very successful year, Renmore Judo Club recently closed its doors for the summer.
Last September, at the beginning of our 2nd full year, we had a huge number of new children members and all through the year we have had new children each week. We offered the 1st class free of charge and this enticed quite a few to try out the sport.

Read article


The Galway County Community Games

The Galway County Community Games Judo Finals were held at Creaven House last Saturday the 9th of June. The event was organised again this year by Brendan Conway who has proven to be a great stalwart for both Judo in Galway and the community games in general.

Oranmore Judo Club had a strong team and Shane Bane won the gold convincingly in beating Rory Cusack from the Annaghdown Judo Club. Aaron Creaven completed a lovely Harai Goshi in winning the gold in the lighter weight. Of the ladies who took part both Chloe Gormally of Oran and Edel Canavan of Annaghdown played well and will take part in the Connachts to be held on the 21st of July and again at Creaven House. As expected Hubert Creaven of Annaghdown Judo Club and Oisin Mcloughlin of Oranmore will also be at the finals. All the local players are now looking forward to meeting Jane Bridge 7th Dan at the Annaghdown summer camp to be held from the 3rd to the 6th of July at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club, a must for all those wanting to be better players.


Maynooth St Patricks Day Parade

Maynooth, Celbridge and Leixlip judo clubs Participated in the Maynooth St. Patrick's Day Parade. The rain stayed away and a great morning was had by all. Our banner was sponsered by Judo Ireland. Thanks to the parents of the club members who helped coordinate the day and a special thanks to the O'Flaherty's for providing promotional pens for Maynooth's spectators. The party for the children in the club hall after the long march was a great success and the tea and biscuits for the weary parents went down a treat. We look forward to next years parade.


Dublin School’s Spring Judo Championships 2007

The Dublin School’s Spring Judo Championships 2007 took place in Colбiste Eoin, Mt. Merrion, Co. Dublin on 14 March 2007.

Read article

Download Results (Pdf 20.26 Kb)


Judo Ireland Developments

Last weekend Judo Ireland held a council meeting, where they approved the distribution of mats for Ennis, Cork, Moycullen and local schools and also to keep some in stock for more clubs which we intend to announce in the future.

Judo Ireland also announced the holding of 2 extra events on their calendar. Namely the East of Ireland Championships to be held in Ashbourne in April and the Maynooth Mini Mons to be held in May. Also announced the hosting of 2 training camps. One in Dublin at Easter and one in Galway in July. The July Camp will be preceded by a 2 day High Performance camp to be held at Creaven House, where a small elite group will be selected based on their competition results.

The new insurance arrangements were announced with substantial savings for all affiliated clubs. The Website is also to undergo a major review and overseen by an expert committee.


Go.No.Sen Kata Course

In conjunction with this year’s Galway Open, a course was given by Michael Leigh, 8th Dan on the Go.No.Sen Kata. It took place on Sunday the 4th March. There was a great turnout with coaches from Donegal to Cork attending.

Michael, who is a world-renowned expert on Kata training was back in Galway after a 5-year absence. He is the leading Kata Examiner in Europe as well as being former Chairman of the B.J.A.

At the end of the day long course he did a Q &A session on several other Katas. All of this came about for the benefit of the coaches and Grading Officers and organised by Judo Ireland in order to raise the Technical standard of Judo in Ireland.


Galway Open 2007

The 37th Galway Open was held last weekend with almost 100 players coming from all over Ireland. With the development of the new clubs, the medals are went all over the Ireland and the traditional strongholds of Judo were faced with a new and tougher challenge then before.

Read article

Download Results (Pdf 18.12 Kb)