News / Judo eenoo
MORE than 30 people have expressed an interest in joining Shetland’s new judo club that has just been formed in Shetland.
However first the new club must raise £5,000 to buy 50 square metres of special matting on which the members can throw each other.
Club treasurer David Gray and chairwoman Karen McKelvie, who both hold 1st Kyu belts with JudoScotland, are also looking to undertake coaching qualifications.
“I’ve been keen to get a club started up here in Shetland ever since I first moved here four years ago. It is great that now we have a core of keen and enthusiastic people together we are nearing that goal,” Gray said.
“It’s going to be a challenge that’s for sure. It’s a typical chicken and egg scenario – you can’t practice judo in a club without a coach, but you can’t become a coach without a club! But JudoScotland are being very supportive in what we are trying to achieve here.”
The plan is initially to run the club from Quarff hall, and then to offer sessions in other halls where there is interest.
But first they have to purchase the mats. “Getting the right mats is crucial for the safety of the Judoka and because they are special they are also expensive,” Gray said.
“I’m getting emails and phone calls every day from people wanting to know when we will be up and running. The Olympics have certainly raised the profile of this wonderful sport and we are now looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.”
Anyone interested in joining the club can make contact through its Facebook page or by phoning 01950 477888.
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