PICTURE GALLERY: From the Far East of Japan to Northern Ireland, Causeway Judo goes from strength to strength

WITH its roots deeply ingrained in both the Japanese Samurai fighting style and way of life you probably wouldn't expect to see Judo in a community hall just down the road from a supermarket.

However for the last year and a half the Causeway Judo Club have made the Castle Community Centre in Ballymoney their Dojo and with it they have brought not only success to the area but a lot of happy smiling faces both young and old!

Judo is a martial art and it's also a fantastic form of self defence. It's an Olympic sport too and it gives you a full body workout which is perfect for keeping fit. You'll even learn to fall to minimise impact which some of the members have been grateful of in their every day lives as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Causeway Club is unique in that it offers first class Judo training, but can also tailor the style to suit Wrestling and MMA which is mixed martial arts (also known as Cage Fighting).

The club and its members have access to and participate in all these disciplines and they have had success in all areas. Most notably is the success of the Junior Judo section which has amassed over 20 medals and various competitive titles in both Judo and Wrestling in the last year.

The strength of the junior section has been recognised by the Northern Ireland Judo Federation in that the Causeway Club has the honour of hosting the Northern Ireland Youth Games in December.

The Causeway Club is always open to new members and both Juniors and Seniors are welcome to come along.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Judo is not only about competition, it's also about learning new skills, getting fit, having fun and everyone is welcome to give it a try; all you need is an old tracksuit to get started.

Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday night in the Castle Community Centre, Ballymoney from 7.00pm to 8.00pm and 2 per class for Juniors and 8.00pm to 9.30pm and 3 per class for Seniors.

For more information you can call Alan on 07835 575 328 or search for the club on Facebook.