In Focus: British Judo Club of the Year Nominees
October 26, 2026
Three outstanding judo clubs have been shortlisted for the 2026 British Judo Club of the Year Award, recognising their exceptional commitment to growing participation, developing athletes and creating welcoming communities where everyone can enjoy the sport.
From introducing new audiences to judo and championing inclusivity to developing national champions and supporting their local communities, this year’s finalists demonstrate the incredible impact that judo clubs have both on and off the mat.
Judo Swansea, Keidokwai Judo Club and Stewart Judo Academy have each been recognised for their dedication to providing high-quality coaching, creating opportunities and making a positive difference to the lives of their members.
With the winner decided by a public vote, now is your chance to celebrate their achievements and have your say!
Keidokwai Judo Club
With a history spanning more than eight decades, Blackpool-based Keidokwai Judo Club continues to demonstrate that a proud sporting heritage can go hand in hand with innovation, inclusivity and community engagement.
Approaching its 85th anniversary in 2027, Keidokwai has enjoyed another remarkable year, overcoming significant challenges while continuing to grow its membership and develop opportunities for people to experience judo.
Following the loss of its long-standing venue shortly before Christmas 2024, the club’s coaches, volunteers and members rallied together to secure a new home at Holy Cross Church, demonstrating the resilience and community spirit that defines the club.
One of Keidokwai’s standout achievements in 2026 has been its innovative #FightLikeAGirl initiative, designed to encourage greater female participation and showcase positive role models within judo.
What began as an internal club event developed into a regional celebration of female judo, with the North West #FightLikeAGirl festival in July bringing together dozens of girls and female coaches from across Lancashire, supported by organisations including Active Lancashire.
The club has also introduced Finding Your Feet sessions for older adults, helping participants develop confidence, improve their balance and learn how to fall safely.
Keidokwai’s community outreach extends into local schools, where its coaches regularly introduce young people to judo. This included participation in the Active Blackpool Youth Games, where approximately 100 pupils from nine schools had the opportunity to experience the sport.
Alongside its grassroots work, the club continues to develop competitive judoka, including national medallists and champions, while ensuring that personal development and enjoyment remain just as important as success on the podium.
With a strong emphasis on safeguarding, youth engagement and collaboration with neighbouring clubs, Keidokwai has created a welcoming environment where members, families and volunteers all contribute to its success.
More than 80 years after its formation, Keidokwai remains committed to developing champions, strengthening its community and ensuring judo continues to reach new audiences.
Judo Swansea
Since its establishment in 2021, Judo Swansea has developed into a thriving, inclusive club where recreational participants, adaptive athletes and competitive judoka can train, develop and achieve their ambitions together.
Led by Head Coach Dr Shaun Davies and a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers, the club has placed community engagement and accessibility at the heart of everything it does, working to remove barriers and introduce judo to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Its commitment to widening participation is reflected in initiatives such as Finding Your Feet, collaborations with local authorities to encourage more girls into judo, and engagement with Disability Sport Wales through Para Sport and Insport Wales events.
Alongside its community-focused approach, Judo Swansea has established an impressive competitive record, with athletes representing the club at competitions and training camps across the UK and Europe.
The club’s achievements have also been recognised through local sporting awards, including being named Junior Team of the Year in 2025, while Head Coach Shaun Davies previously received the Performance Coach of the Year award in 2022.
Beyond competition, Judo Swansea is committed to developing the next generation of coaches, referees and volunteers, supporting members to gain qualifications and remain involved in the sport for years to come.
Through its combination of grassroots development, competitive achievement and a strong sense of community, Judo Swansea continues to demonstrate how a club can deliver success at every level while ensuring everyone feels welcome on the mat.
Stewart Judo Academy
Based in Oldbury in the West Midlands, Stewart Judo Academy has established a reputation for combining elite-level coaching with a welcoming, family-focused environment where judoka of all ages and abilities can thrive.
At the heart of the club is an exceptional coaching team, including Commonwealth Games medallists, experienced international competitors and dedicated grassroots coaches who share their knowledge and passion with everyone who steps onto the mat.
Among them is Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown, who combines her competitive experience with an infectious enthusiasm for introducing the youngest members to judo through imaginative and engaging sessions.
Lucy Stewart plays an equally important role, delivering high-quality technical coaching while providing invaluable encouragement and support to the club’s younger members, particularly teenage girls navigating the challenges of growing up.
Alongside Lewis, Max and Dennis Stewart, the club also benefits from the experience of Commonwealth champion Dan Powell, giving members access to an extraordinary depth of coaching expertise.
However, what makes Stewart Judo Academy particularly special is its commitment to ensuring that this expertise benefits everyone, regardless of age, ability or ambition.
From young children taking their first steps in judo to adults returning to the sport after decades away, the club has created an environment where recreational participants train alongside national and international competitors.
Inclusivity is central to its identity, with adaptive and visually impaired judoka welcomed into the club community. The academy also regularly hosts high-level athletes, providing valuable opportunities for members to learn from some of the country’s leading competitors.
Among those connected with the club are international visually impaired judoka, while its regular training sessions and competitive opportunities help athletes of all levels challenge themselves and continue developing.
Perhaps most importantly, Stewart Judo Academy has built a genuine sense of belonging, where coaches are not simply instructors but mentors, supporters and friends.
The club’s philosophy is simple: judo should be for everyone. Whether someone is chasing an international medal, returning to physical activity or simply looking for a supportive community, Stewart Judo Academy ensures there is a place for them on the mat.
Through its exceptional coaching, commitment to inclusivity and strong family values, the academy continues to demonstrate the positive impact that a judo club can have on people’s lives.
But who will be crowned the 2026 British Judo Club of the Year? That’s up to you!
Voting closes on Sunday 15th November 2026, with the winners announced shortly afterwards.
Vote for your favourite today and help us celebrate the clubs who make British Judo great!
Cast your vote today!
2026 Awards Finalist Voting
British Judo Association – 2026 Awards Finalist Voting.
