About Weston-super-Mare Judo Club
Weston-super-Mare Judo Club is a non-profit, community-run club led by passionate and dedicated volunteers who are fully qualified and experienced in delivering high-quality judo coaching for all ages and abilities. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, supportive environment where members can build confidence, fitness and skill, whether they are new to judo or looking to develop further. Over the years, our coaching and club ethos have supported judoka who have progressed to county, national, international and even Olympic-level competition, while always staying true to our community values.
At Weston-super-Mare Judo Club, we follow the core values of judo: respect, courage, sincerity, honour, self-control, modesty, friendship and politeness. Our philosophy is to use judo as a tool for personal growth — developing confident, disciplined and respectful individuals in a safe, inclusive and supportive community, both on and off the mat.
Philosophy of Weston-super-Mare Judo Club
Meet Our Coaches
All coaches at Weston-super-Mare Judo Club are qualified and registered with the British Judo Association, meeting strict standards to ensure safe, professional coaching. This includes holding a recognised coaching qualification, an up-to-date Enhanced DBS check, current Safeguarding & Protecting Children training, and a valid First Aid certificate. Coaches are fully insured, adhere to the BJA Code of Conduct, and regularly re-qualify through continued professional development to maintain the highest coaching standards.
Stuart began his judo journey in 2003, quickly progressing to 1st Kyu and earning Somerset Closed medals (gold 2003, silver 2004). After a break from judo, he broadened his martial arts experience through ongoing MMA training with Team Savage. Returning to judo in 2021 with a competitive focus, Stuart achieved his black belt in June 2024 and continues to develop across both judo and MMA.
Stuart Atkinson
British Judo Level 2 Coach
With over 30 years in judo, Kevin began as a junior and progressed through the grades in Weston-super-Mare, earning multiple Somerset Closed medals (silver 2002; gold 2003 & 2004). After returning to competition in 2019 with a Western Area Open bronze, he moved into coaching and achieved British Judo Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications. Kevin continues to expand his expertise through kata study, including Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Goshin-Jutsu, to support and develop others in the sport.
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Kevin Taylor
With over 48 years experience in Judo, originally from the NW area, Baz has competed at National and International level.
In 1985 he moved to London to be a full-time Judoka at the Budokwai, where he achieved his black belt. 1986-1989 Baz trained full-time under Tony MacConnell at the Kendal Judo Centre before joining the RAF. During his time in the RAF, Baz achieved his coaching awards, competing for and coaching the Combined Services at the National Teams Championships and Am-Can International Championships USA taking Team Gold and individual Silver and Bronze medals.
Leaving the forces in 1998 he moved to W-s-M and after a break from the sport to raise a family, Baz came back to coaching at Weston and the Somerset Area. Baz continued to compete in the Veterans until lock down, becoming British Champion in 2017 and Commonwealth Silver medalist in 2019
Baz Jones
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Geoff began judo in 1974, training in London under traditional Japanese influences and progressing through both competitive and technical ranks at renowned clubs including the Budokwai. After moving to Weston-super-Mare in 1984, he continued his development as an athlete, Level 2 coach, and qualified area referee. With extensive experience in kata—such as Nage-no-Kata, Katame-no-Kata and Goshin-Jutsu—Geoff is passionate about passing on knowledge to his students. Alongside his judo career, he brings over 30 years of professional safeguarding experience from the police service and now supports clubs as a dedicated safeguarding officer.
Geoff Booker
Safeguarding Officer
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Nigel began judo in 1993 after becoming disillusioned with the gym and was quickly drawn to the constant learning, self-improvement, and structured progression through the belt grades. He enjoyed the strong club environment where members supported one another, which naturally led him into coaching.
Nigel particularly enjoys coaching children, helping them develop their judo skills while building confidence both on and off the mat. Alongside coaching, he joined the Somerset Squad, competing in several team events, and achieved his Dan grade in 1999
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Nigel Hamlin
After my son started training at Cheddar Judo Club, the club started a senior training session in 2001. Despite being in my mid-forties, took this opportunity to see what was involved. The key benefits were improved fitness, learning and developing additional skills and establishing new friendships.
Subsequently to experience different training methods and techniques also started attending Weston Judo Club.
In 2013 gained 1st Kyu, and was also given the chance to attend a training course and complete the first level coaching qualification.
Gained black belt in 2018 and have continued to coach mainly juniors and beginners in particular.
To see players, improve ability and confidence has been very rewarding.
Judo is a sport that I would certainly recommend and encourage as many people as possible to try out.
Alastair Ferguson
British Judo Level 1 Coach
Bio Coming Soon
Matthew Evans
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Bio coming Soon
British Judo Level 1 Coach
Bio coming Soon
British Judo Level 1 Coach
Founding Members
Founding Members section Coming Soon.
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Contact us for more information about our classes, membership, and upcoming events. Call us 07990 842184 or email us at westonjudoclub@gmail.com