Coventry · Ryton-on-Dunsmore · Since 1957

Throw.
Fall.
Rise again.

Judo is more than a sport, it’s a path to building character, resilience, confidence, and lifelong friendships. From your first steps on the mat to competing at an elite level, everyone here grows together.

Come for a free taster Class times Kids 5+ · Adults · All levels
Coventry Judo Club badge
Mon · Tue · ThuClub nights
一九五七

About the club

Coventry’s dojo since 1957

Coventry Judo Club has been running since 1957 within the Coventry area. Our dedicated coaches have an abundance of experience and are proud to be able to cater for all levels and offer lessons for children from 5+ ages. Training can be tailored to all individual’s abilities.

1957Founded
5+Junior start age
BJAMember club

From the archive

Seven decades on the mat

1970sClub squad with the season’s silverware
Late 1970sBruce with the midland area squad
1980sBruce Newcombe and Adrian Holt with the senior team
稽古

Training schedule

Club nights

Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning after a break, we would love to have you join us. Pop down on any club night to have a look around.

Day
Juniors · Under 8s
Juniors · Over 8s & Seniors
Advanced Juniors & Seniors 14+
Mon
6:308:00pm · Technical & conditioning
Tue
6:007:00pm
7:008:30pm
Thu
6:007:00pm
7:008:30pm

Times may occasionally change for gradings or events — check announcements or contact us if unsure.

Sports Connexion, Leamington Road
Ryton On Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3FL
Open in Google Maps →
礼 · 力 · 心

Why judo

Built for kids.
Built for adults.

01

Confidence for kids

Children not only gain the physical benefits from judo, they also build their self-confidence, discipline, coordination and personality.

02

Fitness for adults

For adults, judo is an ideal sport to improve fitness and flexibility whilst helping to improve their overall well-being. It pairs well with sports such as rugby.

03

The gentle way

Judo, meaning “the gentle way”, is a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport. It emphasises technique, balance, leverage, and respect.

先生

Our team

Coaches in your corner

Our coaches are all experienced, insured, trained in safeguarding and follow BJA’s Child Protection & Vulnerable Adults Policies and Procedures.

Neil Adams MBEClub Patron

World Champion, twice Olympic silver medallist and five-time European Senior Champion, with a 15-year run of international podium finishes. Neil continues to develop the sport and train young judoka at an elite level. neiladamsjudo.info →

Bruce NewcombePresident & Senior Coach

Joined the club in 1964 aged 11. British Judo Squad 1974–80 and Olympic reservist for Moscow 1980. British Open silver (1978), ten-time Midlands Area Champion and holder of British, All England and All Scotland titles. Coached the Midlands Junior Squad for 19 years, producing four British team titles and national champions including Simon Moss and Paralympic medallist Sam Ingram.

Josh GilesHead Coach

Coventry born and bred, on the mat here since age 5. British Senior Champion 2018 (-60kg) and a European Open silver (Cluj-Napoca 2022) and bronze (Sofia 2023) medallist for Great Britain, plus European Cup bronze in Sarajevo and a Junior European Cup medal. British U15, Cadet and U21 champion along the way, and English Open champion four times. Josh leads junior and senior sessions.

Zviad TsiklauriCoach · World & European Champion

Georgian heavyweight (+100kg) and Veterans World Champion 2017. A British Open bronze medallist (2004, 2009), English Senior Open champion 2013 and 2014, London Senior Open champion 2013 and still winning: gold at the Kent International 2022 and a London Open medal in 2024. Brings Georgian-style gripping and power judo to the club.

Sara HayesClub Secretary & Coach

Practising judo since 1972, the last 25 years in Coventry. Competed at junior and university level and enjoys the technical side of the sport: a first dan, qualified Club Coach and National C Referee. Served on the BJA Complaints & Conduct Commission and on the BJA Board as an independent non-executive member from 2013 to 2016.

Chloe CherryChairman & Club Welfare Officer

Judo runs in the family. Chloe started at five in Ireland and trained for over ten years, finishing her competitive career representing Ireland on the national team. As Chairman and Welfare Officer she keeps the club safe, welcoming and friendly for every member.

Lee TibbattsCoach & Technical Specialist

An experienced judoka with decades on the mat, deeply rooted in the Midlands judo community. Known for exceptional technical precision, he is highly regarded across the region as an outstanding uke for high-level practice and official dan gradings. Trained under world-class mentorship, Lee brings an analytical approach to the club, helping players sharpen their throwing accuracy, standardise their form and prepare confidently for competition and grading milestones.

Adrian DrugulescuCoach & Groundwork Specialist

Brings a highly strategic and tactical approach to the coaching team, with a strong emphasis on newaza (groundwork) transitions and submission mechanics. Specialising in linking explosive standing techniques seamlessly into dominant ground control, his training blocks focus heavily on grip fighting (kumi-kata) and breaking opponent tempos. He works closely with the senior squad to cultivate aggressive match-play pacing and resilience on the mat.

Henry SoCoach & Youth Academy Lead

Focuses on long-term athlete development, managing the vital transition phase where intermediate and junior squads advance into technical syllabus concepts. His coaching philosophy champions agility, exceptional breakfalls (ukemi), and opportunistic footwork over raw physical strength. Known for his patient and encouraging mentoring style, he excels at building confidence in younger judoka while instilling clean, injury-free foundational habits.

試合

Competition

From first steps to international competitors — all on one mat.
  • 01Our members include children, adults, hobbyists, and international competitors.
  • 02Serious competition training alongside recreational judo for family fitness and fun.
  • 03The opportunity to participate in BJA events and gradings through the belt ranks.
入門

Membership

Your first session is free

Just come along to a session that suits your age and experience. All you need is comfortable clothing, enthusiasm, and an interest in learning a great martial art. Train occasionally? Pay as you go — no subscription required.

Juniors / Students

Single session per week£20/mo
Unlimited sessions£35/mo

Family (Juniors)

Single session per week£35/mo
Unlimited sessions£60/mo

Seniors

Single weekly session£30/mo
Unlimited sessions£55/mo

Coventry Judo Club are members of the British Judo Association. To continue your judo journey you are required to gain your licence from the BJA — it includes insurance, gradings, BJA competitions and retailer discounts.

Step on
the mat.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Sports Connexion, Ryton. Turn up, watch, or try a free session — our coaches will help you pick the right class.

Become a member