About New Star Bristol Judo Club

New Star Bristol Judo Club is made up of two separate clubs, New Star Patchway and New Star Seamills. John Bath started New Star Judo Club at Patchway Youth Club in 1979 and the club is run by a "Parents Forum", so that everyone can be involved as much or as little as they wish. The club is also governed by it's own constitution which can be seen here.

John Bath was asked to take over as head coach at New Star Ashton in 2001, the club continued there until May 2009, when after the venue was no longer available the club moved to Seamills. The club has a committee, and again, all parents are encouraged to be involved as much or as little as they wish. The club is also governed by it's own constitution.

Together, the clubs jointly form NEW STAR BRISTOL, and players from both clubs fight as a joint squad at competitions.

Facilities

Jointly the clubs benefit from owning 3 full size mat areas. We have judo jackets for children to borrow when they first come along, after they have been coming for a few weeks they can buy their own from the club. We stock a small range of kits, but can order any kit you may require at very competitive rates. Prices start from about £28 and go up to £38 for Adult sizes. Some second hand suits are available.

At Patchway we have a coffee bar, whilst your children are training why not relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! Sweets & drinks are also on sale & on Saturday’s hot food! Our Kitchen co-ordinator is Sadie, there is a rota for extra willing volunteers! All profits made by the Kitchen go towards subsidising events for the children. All sweets and drinks are competitively priced. Where else can you get a freshly cooked bacon roll for £1.

It is imperative that you sign a permissions form as to whether or not you are happy for the club to use images of your child on this website and will do so inline with the BJA Child Protection Policy which the club has adopted.

How much does it cost?

Judo is a relatively inexpensive sport, at club level. To help parents & carers know what's involved here's a breakdown of what's involved

• Judo Suit from £28 (includes club badge)
• Annual British Judo Association (BJA) licence (prices from 1st April 2008):
• Over 8's (Mon licence) £21 new; £20 to renew.
• Under 8’s (Kano licence) £17
• Annual membership of £15 - Family rates are:
• 2 members of one family £25 per year
• 3 or more family members £30 per year.
• Mat fees
  • non members:£3 at Patchway £3.50 at Seamills
  • members: £2.20 at Patchway £2.50 at Seamills
• There are also gradings (Kano awards for the U8s), competitions and & under 8 training sessions; all of these are optional and the costs are;
• Gradings from £4 Kano & £6 over 8’s (max 3 per year)
• Competitions for over 8s from £9 - £18. Under 8s training sessions (with medals) from £6, approx 5 per year.

You can click here to download a Membership Form.

Who's who

John Bath, 3rd Dan John is our permanent Head Coach and joined Patchway Judo Club in 1981. Having over 30 years of judo experience and being a 3rd Dan black belt, he has excellent coaching skills and a way of bringing the best out of children who want learn quality judo. He has coached over 30 British International judo players and is hoping to re-create this with his latest batch of students. John is also head coach at New Star Seamills and is central to the running of both Dojos. He is also the Western Area boys coach. This is his second area coaching role as he was the Western Area girl's coach for five years. He is one of those people for whom it is heard "Judo's his life" and you can find him coaching in school for children with differing abilities and needs, as well as self defence classes. John is also the Bristol County Chairman.

Luke Tavener, 1st Dan Luke is a black belt 1st Dan Grade and a Club Coach. Whilst fitting his coaching duties in Luke is still competing on the circuit and can be found assisting and instructing at other venues in the city such as New Star Ashton. Luke is the young face of Judo and shows what can be achieved at such a tender age. Luke also goes into schools to create school clublinks and promote judo. He is the club PR officer

Alison Finn, 1st Kyu Alison is a UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate) level 2 coach. Professionally she is Wesport Inclusion Sports Development Officer, she has attended many coaching courses in several sports and is a qualified first aider. She is also a Disability Sport & Equity tutor & has been working with children in one form or another for over 10 years. Alison is a 1st Kyu and a highly competent Minis Coach. As well as coaching she is the Patchway Club Secretary & Bristol County Judo Event coordinator  & Western Area Judo Association Secretary. She has many years experience of coaching children as well as children with Disabilities (learning & physical) in many different sports & activities. Alongside John & Luke, Alison occaisonally goes into schools to help teach Judo and organises our School club links. She is actively involved in Sports Development both professionally and at the club. Alison is a qualified as an BJA Area Referee and Timekeeper & was presented with the 2007/2008 BJA Bronze award for volunteering.

Chris Mockridge After a few years away from the club, Chris is back on the mat and is a BJA Instructor! A welcome addition to the coaching team, with bags of enthusiasm and experience.

Judy Maslen, 1st Dan Judy is a club coach and although she mainly coaches at Tora Kai in Pill, she can also been seen at Patchway, when her shifts allow. Judy was John's first player who became a black belt! Back in the eighties! Judy is also a competition recorder. She is a qualified First Aider and Paramedic. Like Luke, she is still competing!