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East Ham’s fast-rising
A1 Judo Club has become a leading attraction for children in the
community.
The club, who train at
H athaway Community Centre in Newham, were founded in July 2009
and now have 40 children on the mat every Tuesday and Thursday.
Club founder and head coach
Tahirjan Karimov, 39, has overseen A1’s rise from new outfit to
one of London’s most thriving judo club’s.
Karimov, who moved from
his native Bishek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, to London in
1998.
“I’m very happy with how
we have grown and the children, they’re laughing and smiling every
session,” he said.
“ I’m here for kids, when
they’re on the mat my focus is always entirely on them, I protect
everyone, regardless of size or ability.
“I see the children in
their judo suits and I’m determined to make them happy. When I
see them going home smiling I know my job is done.”
Karimov, who introduced
2 nd Dan judoka Wayne Melville as a coach in October 2009, has
received praise from those within and around the sport.
British Judo’s London Development
Manager, Karen French, cites the judoka’s drive as one of the
main reasons for his success.
“Tahirjan works hard, he
knows what he wants and he’s proactive to achieve it,” she said.
“We helped him along the
way but he’s really took the initiative and made a success of
the club. He really enjoys his coaching and has a natural ability
when it comes to working with and delivering the sport to children.”
The Community Centre Manager,
Lisa Beadle, has been equally impressed by the work of the facilities
most popular occupant.
“Judo has really taken
off here,” she said.
“Everyone has so much faith
in Tahirjan. You can see his passion every time he’s coaching
and he’s worked really hard to get where he’s at now.
“He has got a good connection
with community and schools and the children love taking part in
judo at A1.”
East Ham North councillor,
Sukhdev Singh Marway, said: “This is an example of the great heights
our young people can reach when they try new things.
“I look forward to seeing even more success as the club continues
to grow.”
The club train at Hathaway
Community Centre, Manor Park, E12. Boys and girls train on Tuesday
and Thursday at 18:30 - 20:00.
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