Croydon Judo Club

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Premier Judo Training in Croydon

Established in 1951, Croydon Judo Club stands as one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most respected judo institutions. Our club has cultivated a legacy of excellence through seven decades of dedicated coaching, producing athletes who compete at county, national, and international levels. We maintain full compliance with British Judo Association standards, operating under club number 0116 with a team of fully qualified instructors holding CRB certifications, first-aid training, and safeguarding qualifications. Our coaching philosophy combines technical mastery with character development, delivering structured programs for children aged 5+ and adults of all skill levels.

With a purpose-built 20m x 20m mat area at our Morland Avenue dojo, we provide optimal training conditions for both recreational practitioners and competitive athletes. Our historical significance in UK judo includes hosting the first grading conducted by national coach Gunji Koizumi in 1952, and we continue to uphold the sport's core values of discipline, respect, and mutual welfare. The club actively promotes equity and accessibility, ensuring all participants enjoy a safe, inclusive environment free from intimidation or discrimination.

Services

Children's Judo Classes Adult Judo Training Competition Preparation Grading Examinations Special Needs Judo Programs

Details

Year established: 1951

Highlights and features

We offer 70+ years of continuous judo instruction experience in the UK
Our coaching team holds 1st to 5th Dan qualifications with competitive backgrounds
We maintain international-standard 20m x 20m mat facilities in central Croydon
Our structured grading system develops technical proficiency and character
We provide inclusive training for special needs participants and adult beginners

Associations and certifications

British Judo Association

Website

Update Listing

Services

Children's Judo Classes

Structured judo instruction for children aged 5-15, with separate classes for Infant (5-7 years) and Junior (8-15 years) groups. Our curriculum develops fundamental techniques, ukemi skills, and character values through progressive coloured belt system. Sessions focus on improving flexibility, coordination, and self-discipline while maintaining enjoyable learning environment.

Adult Judo Training

Comprehensive judo programs for adults aged 14+, catering to all experience levels from beginners to competitive athletes. Technical instruction covers tachiwaza (standing techniques), newaza (groundwork), and randori (free practice). Sessions enhance physical fitness, tactical thinking, and technical mastery through repetitive drilling and practical application.

Competition Preparation

Specialised training for competition judoka focusing on tournament strategies, mat etiquette, and scoring systems. Our experienced coaches develop technical precision, mental resilience, and physical conditioning required for competitive success at county, national, and international levels.

Grading Examinations

Official grading assessments following British Judo Association standards, progressing through red, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black belt ranks. Preparation includes technical demonstrations, theoretical knowledge, and practical application of judo principles.

Special Needs Judo Programs

Tailored judo instruction for individuals with special needs and behavioural challenges, focusing on accessibility, confidence building, and physical development. Our qualified instructors adapt techniques to individual requirements while maintaining traditional judo values and safety standards.

People

Danny Harper

Club President

5th Dan judoka with over 50 years coaching experience, including Surrey squad development and special needs instruction. Recipient of Cliff Baker-Brown award for services to judo, holding coaching qualifications since 1972.

Ashley Parrette

Club Director

4th Dan international competitor and coach with expertise in technical development for all age groups. Holds Dan grades through competitive achievement while maintaining focus on individual potential maximisation.

Richard Budd

Club Director

2nd Dan national competitor and dedicated coach with Royal Navy Judo Squad background. Specialises in technical development, fitness training, and competition preparation for judoka of all skill levels.

Julien Carcano

Club Coach

2nd Dan coach with international experience, trained in France, Brazil, and UK. Focuses on technical fundamentals and lifelong judo practice, maintaining active involvement since achieving 1st Dan at 18.

Ed Selous

Club Coach

1st Dan coach specialising in adult instruction, with Kodokan grading experience. Emphasises mutual respect, leadership development, and fundamental technique acquisition for late starters and experienced practitioners.

Questions

What age groups do you accept for judo training?

We offer classes for children aged 5-15 and adults aged 14+. Separate sessions exist for Infant (5-7 years) and Junior (8-15 years) groups.

Do I need prior experience to join?

No prior experience required. Our classes accommodate complete beginners through to experienced judoka with structured progression pathways.

What facilities do you provide?

Our purpose-built dojo features a 20m x 20m international-standard mat area, changing rooms, showers, and on-site gym facilities.

Are your instructors qualified?

All coaches hold British Judo Association qualifications (1st to 5th Dan) with CRB checks, first-aid, and safeguarding certifications.

Can I compete in tournaments?

Yes, we provide competition preparation for county, national, and international events with experienced coaches and regular randori sessions.

How do I register for classes?

Complete our online registration form. Approval typically occurs within 24 hours, with BJA license required for competition classes.

Reviews (3)

Write a Review

Anthony Abrams

Oct 17, 2021 Report

CJC has the best facilities in the borough and in neighbouring areas.. by far. I joined in 2016 and the staff (Rob, Ash, Clem and James) made me feel so comfortable. This is a family of members, supportive and driven in their goal to impart knowledge on others. Great for children's discipline and respect
Cannot recommend Croydon Judo Club enough!

Grant Winters

Dec 25, 2018 Report

A great training atmosphere for all ages to get involved. Very popular with young people with training opportunities 4-5 evenings a week. Seniors and adults tend to train later after the kids have left. All levels of experience are catered for, wether for self defense or to keep fit, or get back in shape. Well worth a visit, had a chat with some of the teachers. I have found them very accommodating.

Bruce Naylor

Aug 08, 2015 Report

Just dropping a note to say hi. I used to be a member back when it was based at the Purley Way Swimming Pool back in the 1980's. Great to see it has grown and now based in a fantastic looking Dojo.
Bruce.