Celebrating regional Judo clubs: focus on Central and Western NSW
- jnunan23
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Judo New South Wales is backing Judo in the regions by funding a week-long development tour of clubs in its central and western districts by Judo Australia participation manager, Shane Alvisio.
During July, Shane visited Dubbo, Wellington, Cudal, Bathurst, Cessnock, Maitland and Newcastle, and even dropped in to his home club on the Central Coast as part of Judo Australia’s mission to share and unify best practice in coaching and club management.
First order of business – and the priority for most clubs – was the delivery of practical sessions in the Coach Accreditation Framework, critical to helping established coaches update their skills, and recognising young coaches coming up through the ranks.
“This is the lifeblood of Judo in the regions,” Shane explained. “These coaches are usually working in other jobs and volunteering and keep Judo alive in their spare time. Without them, thousands of kids would never get the chance to try Judo, let alone make it their sport or become future champions.”
“Helping coaches upskill their young people into new coaches, sharing a few tools to make running a Club a little easier, getting on the mat and having wrestle just to share our joy in judo … that’s what we’re investing in.”
The Coach Accreditation Framework 2.0 ensures Judo coaches around Australia can be confident their approach to the curriculum and their knowledge of the required skill sets for each level of student achievement.
“It’s always good to have a visiting coach demonstrating some judo skills to students – it confirms to them that what they’ve already learnt, how they’re being taught, is up there with everyone else,” Shane said.
Shane was also privileged to be able to celebrate the work of lifelong Judo practitioner and Coach Bob Moore, who turns 80 this year and has recently retired from coaching his Kugatsu Bathurst Judo Club.
Judo mats on long-term loan from Judo NSW have reallocated to a brand new club based at Cessnock PCYC (Jinsoku Judo Club). Jinsoku Judo Club will be headed by David Trusler, formerly of Tiger-Do Judo Club in Sydney’s south west.
Ten coaches from across the region undertook CAF certification, with new or reaccredited coaches from Phoenix Judo Club in Dubbo, Wellington PCYC, 28Hundred Judo Club (Cudal, west of Orange), Kugatsu Judo Club Bathurst, Jinsoku Judo Club in Cessnock, Maitland PCYC, Samurai Judo Club in Newcastle, and Kugatsu Judo Club on the Central Coast.
“Everyone was very appreciative that Judo NSW saw the need to send me out and help these coaches get their accreditation at home or close to home, rather than making them come to the big smoke,” Shane said.
“I always enjoy getting on the mat and assisting with demonstrations, but a couple of clubs had very full mats and that was really satisfying.”
Judo NSW is seeking interest from other regional clubs that would like to host CAF courses or simply have Shane visit their dojos to get the full picture of Judo in the regions, and how Judo Australia can help.
Building our sport is a responsibility that lies with all of us, Shane reminds the Judo community. “Our regional friends in Judo are always seeking knowledge and friendly interaction and a few extra bodies on the mat if you happen to be passing through. Reach out, and you will be welcome – you’re not just doing yourself a favour, but you’re making the sport stronger every time you get out there.”
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