Judo was developed in Japan back in 1882, by Professor Jigoro Kano.  Derived from Jui-jitsu and various other Martial Arts, and quite comparable to Olympic Wrestling with the throws and holds.  Sensei Kano (Sensei is Japanese for Instructor), varied the techniques so that you could subdue your opponent without injuring them.  Of course, in a self defense situation, it wouldn?t take much variation in the techniques to incapacitate your attacker.  Judo is not only a Martial Art however, but an Olympic sport where combat is replaced with competition!  For children learning Judo, things eventually get a little more intense, as once a child reaches ages 13 years - chokes and arm locks are introduced.  Safety in competition is well monitored however, as there is a Referee and 2 Judges per match.

Always practicing from the sporting angle, the Stirling club produced numerous Provincial Champions at the novice level, several medalists at the Black Belt level and has had 4 qualify for the National Championships.  This included a recent 5^thplace finish by Alec Bauer of Belleville at the 2008 Canadian Championships.  The 1999 World Master Athlete Games also saw a Black Belt graduate of the Stirling Dojo (transferred due to employment), Robert Burke, take first place in the plus 100 kilo division!

The Judo Club has successfully passed all sent to Black Belt grading, totaling 6. Over the years, several former National Team members have also been part of our coaching staff.

Annual awards have provided the junior members an opportunity to either attend high calibre Judo camp (run by Olympians), or receive an educational bursary. These awards include: "Judoka of the Year" (in memory of Sensei Jim Driscoll), given to the student who best exemplifies discipline, enthusiasm and persistence (under the age of 16); and "Competitor of the Year", which is strictly based on competition points. It should be noted that awards are sponsored by local service groups, and recently an offer by Jim Driscoll's daughter Roberta was accepted for full sponsorship of the award in his memory! A Judo "Celebrity" (usually a former Olympian or current National Team member) is always invite to presentation, as well as the local media.

Family participation is encouraged at the Judo club, as the age of the membership has ranged from 3 to 72 years (note: under age 6 requires parental participation, with nothing other than a Judo Ontario membership fee charged for the child till of age).The Quinte Judo club doesn't hold separate classes for different age groups, although the classes are sometimes divided within.

Where else can you fight with a family member and both have fun at the same time!  The common expression is that "the family that fights together stays together"!

Class Schedule