2025 Annual Awards

Robert has been the heart and soul of Rydale Judo Club since its founding in 1968, dedicating over 50 years to coaching, mentoring, and leading the club as chair for five decades and now as vice chair. His unwavering commitment has guided thousands of judoka—from complete beginners to national competitors—helping them build confidence, overcome personal challenges, and reach their full potential.

Robert’s leadership kept the club alive during difficult times, including the COVID pandemic, and his influence extends beyond the club, serving as a respected referee, event organiser, and sixth Dan within Yorkshire and Humberside judo. His tireless efforts, compassion, and belief in every member have shaped countless lives and inspired future coaches, making him an outstanding ambassador for the sport.

Amanda has been the heart of Northbrook Kyu Shin Kai for years, serving as Welfare Officer and an ever-present volunteer who goes above and beyond to support every member. She champions inclusion and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone—children, parents, coaches, and volunteers—feels welcome, valued, and supported. Amanda is the first to notice when someone is struggling, offering quiet reassurance and practical help that often goes unseen but is deeply felt.

She is present at every event, grading, and competition, coordinating volunteers, supporting the coaching team, and keeping the club running smoothly behind the scenes. Her dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment have shaped the culture of the club, making it a safe, inclusive, and thriving community.

David is an exceptional volunteer at Nippon Club London, balancing his role as a competitive athlete representing Great Britain with his dedication to mentoring the club’s younger judoka. He regularly gives up his own training time to coach and support junior members, combining technical expertise with encouragement that motivates them to work hard and enjoy the sport.

Beyond the dojo, David serves as an active referee at local and regional competitions, helping events run smoothly and upholding the values of judo. Recently shortlisted for the Merton Civic Pride Volunteer Award, David continues to inspire the next generation of judoka through his commitment, leadership, and example.

Emyr embodies everything the Kano Way Award stands for—sincerity, courage, honour, modesty, and service to others. Since stepping up after the passing of his sensei, Emyr has led Sanshirokwai with humility and dedication, putting aside his own training to coach, mentor, and preserve the club’s legacy. He has kept the dojo alive both on and off the mat—handling coaching, legal, and administrative work entirely voluntarily—ensuring that the club’s traditions dating back to 1958 continue to inspire future generations.

Emyr’s teaching goes far beyond technique, focusing on developing confident, respectful, and resilient individuals. He has expanded the club’s reach through community initiatives such as free lunchtime judo sessions for local students, created a dojo library to share the history and philosophy of judo, and supported countless members personally through life’s challenges. Recognised internationally by the Kodokan for his commitment to judo’s values, Emyr leads by example, living Jigoro Kano’s vision that judo is not just a sport, but a way of life.

Ricky is a driving force for judo both nationally and within London, embodying the Kano values of mutual welfare and benefit in everything he does. Over the past year, he has played a key role in national development initiatives, mentoring coaches and athletes, contributing to governance discussions, and championing inclusion and diversity to make judo accessible to all. His most transformative work has been through the school inclusion program, where he uses judo to teach life skills, boost confidence, and support children with disabilities, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges.

Ricky’s sessions go beyond technique—he creates safe, inspiring environments that help young people develop resilience, focus, and self-belief. He also mentors older students to step into leadership roles, building a pipeline of future coaches and role models. In the wider London community, Ricky is a respected leader, regularly supporting competitions, club visits, and community projects, particularly in disadvantaged areas where his efforts have bridged communities and given young people a sense of belonging. Ricky’s selfless dedication, humble leadership, and lasting impact make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Mark is an exceptional coach, mentor, and role model who has built a thriving judo community in just over a year by founding his own judo school. His passion, generosity, and commitment go far beyond teaching techniques—he invests in every student, creating a safe and welcoming environment where children and adults alike can grow in confidence, resilience, and respect. Mark tailors his approach to each individual, encouraging them to achieve their potential without pressure, and celebrates their progress on and off the mat.

He has supported students through major milestones, from first throws to black belts, and even inspired others to become coaches themselves. His generosity is unmatched—often giving his time, resources, and even financial support to ensure no child misses out. Under Mark’s leadership, the school has quickly become a close-knit community where families feel supported and children thrive. His selfless dedication, passion for inclusion, and ability to inspire future generations make him an outstanding candidate for this award.

Terry has made inclusion the heart of Middlesbrough Judo, using judo as a tool to tackle poverty, inequality, and social exclusion in one of the most deprived areas of England. Working closely with schools in Berwick Hills & Pallister—where 93% of pupils live in the 5% most deprived areas—Terry creates safe, structured sessions that re-engage young people with education, improve behaviour, and boost confidence. His coaching is fully adaptive, meeting the needs of children and adults with autism, visual impairment, and musculoskeletal conditions through sensory-aware methods and one-to-one support.

Terry has also built the dojo into a welcoming hub for immigrant families, using judo to foster belonging, resilience, and mutual respect. Beyond the club, he champions inclusive practice across the region, sharing guidance with other clubs and encouraging them to adopt accessible models. Terry embodies the spirit of the Inclusion Award—ensuring nobody is left behind and proving that judo can transform lives and strengthen communities.

Isabelle is a trailblazer for equality, diversity, and inclusion, using her lived experience as a full-time wheelchair user with cerebral palsy to break down barriers and inspire change. A powerful advocate and writer, her blogs—such as “I’m not just the girl in the wheelchair”—and speeches at British Judo events challenge perceptions and champion representation for disabled women and girls in sport. As an ambassador for Variety, the children’s charity, Isabelle campaigns for equal access to sport for disabled and disadvantaged young people nationwide.

A qualified Level 1 Judo coach, she creates inclusive training environments where every athlete feels seen, using sign language and communication tools to ensure no one is left out. She is also a member of the BJA Young Leaders and Adaptive Groups and made history as part of the first adaptive Kata pair to win a medal for Great Britain, touring the country to inspire others. Isabelle embodies inclusion through action—advocating, coaching, and leading by example—and her work is transforming both the judo community and wider society.

Stephanie Walker is a senior Welsh judoka, coach, and visionary leader who is transforming the landscape for women in judo. After starting the sport at age five and training full-time from 16, she overcame injury setbacks to complete a Sports Coaching and Development degree and is now pursuing a Master’s in Sport Management while working toward Commonwealth Games qualification. In 2024, she founded Girls That Judo—a groundbreaking initiative that has already engaged over 230 girls and women, creating safe, empowering spaces to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Every session is led by women, inspiring the next generation of coaches, referees, and role models while embedding equality and belonging at the heart of the sport. Balancing elite competition, education, and advocacy, Stephanie has turned a classroom project into a nationwide movement, proving that inclusion is about more than participation—it’s about changing culture.

Micklefield Judo Club is more than just a place to train – it is a thriving community built on the true spirit of judo. Entire families train together, from children to parents and grandparents, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired. The club is renowned for its inclusivity, offering patient, personalised coaching for judoka of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds – including those with additional needs – and celebrating every individual’s journey. Despite not having its own dojo, the club continues to produce talented competitors who succeed locally, nationally, and internationally, all while remaining humble role models for younger members.

The volunteer coaches go above and beyond, freely giving their time to nurture technical skills, confidence, and personal growth. The club’s hugely successful Finding Your Feet programme exemplifies its commitment to the wider community, offering older adults opportunities to improve balance, fitness, and social connection. Regular social events, family sessions, and multi-club randori nights strengthen bonds both on and off the tatami, making Micklefield a true hub of friendship, resilience, and belonging.

Micklefield Judo Club perfectly balances competitive success with a compassionate, inclusive ethos. Its dedicated coaches, thriving membership, and outstanding community engagement make it a shining example of what a modern judo club should be.

Higham and Rushden Judo Club has grown into one of the Midlands’ largest and most vibrant clubs in just three years, thanks to its inclusive ethos and passionate volunteer coaches. The club offers something for everyone—adaptive sessions, women’s-only nights, teenage and over-35 classes, and competitive training—ensuring that judoka of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can take part. Their newly built dojo has become a hub of activity, hosting competitions, black belt theory courses, refereeing courses, Kanji awards, and their successful Leadership Academy, which has already produced confident young leaders now helping to coach.

Beyond the tatami, the club has a deep community presence—attending local school fairs, running charity events, and even offering breakfast sessions for older residents. They celebrate every member’s journey with Player of the Session awards and life-skills initiatives that teach the judo moral code in practical, meaningful ways. Social events, overseas competition trips, and family activities foster a sense of belonging and pride that makes the club feel like an extended family.

Higham and Rushden Judo Club doesn’t just teach judo—they change lives, building confidence, improving mental and physical health, and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Hackney Judo Club has become a true community hub, transforming lives through its inclusive approach, exceptional coaching, and commitment to the values of judo. Under the passionate leadership of Sensei’s Calvin Walker-Hall and Beth, the club has grown rapidly, particularly among junior girls, older adults, and adaptive players. Their inclusive ethos ensures every member—whether neurodivergent, visually impaired, a complete beginner, or an elite competitor—feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive.

The club’s impact reaches far beyond the dojo. They partner with local schools, running after-school clubs that improve students’ discipline, focus, and academic performance, helping shape a positive school culture. Their players compete successfully at regional, national, and even international level, including London Youth Games victories and British Schools Championships, while maintaining a family-like atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to develop at their own pace.

Hackney Judo Club regularly organises competitions, training camps, and community events, building confidence for newer judoka and strengthening connections with other clubs. The coaches’ dedication—often supporting members with travel, mentoring, and life skills—creates an environment where confidence, resilience, and respect flourish.

Tim is an outstanding coach whose passion, patience, and dedication have transformed lives both on and off the mat. In just two years, he has built one of the largest judo clubs in Hampshire, creating a welcoming environment where everyone—from toddlers to adults—feels valued, supported, and inspired. Tim has a rare ability to connect with children of all abilities, including those with additional needs, building their confidence and resilience while ensuring they enjoy their judo journey. His sessions strike the perfect balance of technical development, discipline, and fun, motivating every judoka to reach their potential without feeling pressured.

Beyond the dojo, Tim is tireless in his commitment—travelling to competitions across the country to support his players, hosting local events to give beginners a chance to compete, and offering free judo to families who otherwise couldn’t afford it. He has turned his club into a community, mentoring parents, encouraging them to get involved as referees or even step on the mat themselves. His influence goes beyond teaching techniques—he instils respect, perseverance, and self-belief, helping young people build life skills that last far beyond their time in judo.

Tim’s selflessness, leadership, and unwavering support make him not just a brilliant coach but a role model and mentor. He has built a club where every member feels they belong, and his impact on his players’ confidence, mental health, and personal growth makes him a great candidate for the Coach of the Year.

Jason is far more than a coach—he is the heart of Pinewood Judo Club and a mentor whose influence reaches well beyond the tatami. His coaching blends technical excellence with empathy, creating a culture where respect, resilience, and personal growth matter as much as medals. He sees the person behind the judoka, tailoring his approach to every individual, from nervous beginners to competitive athletes, and ensuring everyone feels welcome, valued, and capable of success.

In 2025, Jason’s leadership has been transformative. He introduced mentorship programs pairing senior and junior judoka, expanded youth outreach initiatives, and integrated mental wellbeing into training. Under his guidance, the club achieved outstanding competition results, including regional and national successes, but perhaps more importantly, his athletes gained confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging.

Jason’s influence extends into the wider community—running school and grassroots programmes, championing diversity, and making judo accessible to those who might otherwise be excluded. Parents praise his patience and communication, athletes describe him as life-changing, and fellow coaches admire his integrity and quiet confidence.

Mark Montrose is the driving force behind Manchester Fighting Spirit Judo Club, transforming it from a small group of police officers training together into a thriving, fully affiliated club with over 70 members from all walks of life. A fourth Dan black belt, eight-time Police Sport UK national champion, and British Veterans Open medallist, Mark leads by example—combining technical excellence with humility, integrity, and deep care for his students.

What sets Mark apart is his absolute commitment to accessibility and community. He has never charged mat fees, personally covering costs for gradings, belts, and memberships when needed, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent anyone from training. His sessions cater to everyone—complete beginners, recreational players, competitive judoka, and police officers seeking real-world self-defence skills—and he tailors his coaching to individual goals while nurturing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Beyond the dojo, Mark is a mentor and role model. He quietly supports members through personal challenges, encourages mental health awareness, and helps young judoka grow into leaders, even guiding one member through their first coaching qualification. He has built strong ties with other local clubs, welcomed displaced judoka when another club closed, and organised fundraising events for food banks and suicide prevention charities.

Mark’s influence extends far beyond medals or promotions—he has built a club that is a true second home for its members, a place where confidence, discipline, and resilience are forged. As he transitions from his career as a police officer but continues to dedicate himself to coaching, this recognition would honour not only his extraordinary contributions to judo but also the lasting legacy he is building in Manchester and beyond.