Westland Judo Club, Yeovil – Westland Judo Club, Yeovil

Westland Judo Club, Yeovil

Welcome to Westland Judo Club, Yeovil

About our club

Westland Judo Club is a British Judo Association affiliated martial arts club in Yeovil with more than 50 years of history. We welcome children, teenagers and adults of all abilities, whether you’re a beginner in martial arts, returning to judo after a break or looking for a friendly club to develop your confidence, skills and fitness.

Abbey Manor Community Hall

Find us at:
Abbey Manor Community Hall
Yeovil, BA21 3TL
Thursdays: 7pm for juniors (ages 8–13)
8pm for seniors (14+).

Welcome from our Head Coach

Hi, my name is Steve Bowles and I am the Head Coach at Westlands Judo Club. I have enjoyed judo from junior level through to senior and masters. I first joined Westlands Judo Club at the age of 9, and 50 years later, I am still here coaching, training and sharing the mat with judoka of all ages.

At Westlands Judo Club, we welcome everyone. Whether you want to compete at club, national or international level, or simply enjoy an evening of exercise and socialising, we can offer that. Our club promotes strong family values, with parents, sons and daughters often training side by side. The ethos of the club is built on friendship, enjoyment and positive physical activity — all underpinned by a shared love ofjudo.
Steve Bowles (5th Dan)

Join Our WhatsApp Announcments

Join our WhatsApp community and receive updates about club news, training night Info, results etc. Your number is concealed from other members and there is no chat – just updates!

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Try Our Quiz!

Judo Quiz – Test Your Knowledge of Judo Theory & Grading Syllabus. Find it here!

Latest Posts (See News page for more)

Open Mat and Randori Session at Westland

September 12, 2026

We had a fantastic turnout at Westland Judo Club on 12th September for our Open…

Thinking About Martial Arts in Yeovil? Why Judo Is a Great Place to Start

August 24, 2026

If you’re weighing up taking up a martial art, you’re not alone. People come to…

Joe with Steve and Westland Judo Club members

Joe Completes Competitive Route to 1st Dan After a Ten-Year Break

August 16, 2026

A huge congratulations to Joe, who successfully completed the competitive element of his 1st Dan…

Kime-no-Kata course at South Brent Judo Club

Another side of Judo: Kime-no-Kata

July 12, 2026

Three members of Westland Judo Club recently travelled to South Brent Judo Club in Devon…

A group photo of members of the Royal Navy Judo Club with Westland Judo Club

Royal Navy Judo Visit

June 18, 2026

We had superb session on June 18th when members of the Royal Navy Judo Club…

Green Belt Success

April 16, 2026

Congratulations to Megan and Sammy, who have both achieved their 10th Mon (Green Belt) following…

Gain confidence, make friends!

It is part of the Judo ethos to be friendly and supportive! It’s a physical contact sport but everyone looks out for each other and supports each other. It might seem daunting when you’re new… but it won’t be long before you feel part of the team!

Get a little fitter!

Judo sessions typically start with a gentle warm up with stretching and basic exercises. Then they’ll be demonstrations of techniques which you’ll learn and practice with others in the group. The session then finishes with ‘randori’ – free practice, sparring.

Compete in an Olympic Sport!

Judo is a competitive sport with a system of gradings so there is always something to aim for. Yellow belt, then orange belt… all the way to Black. There are competitions and gradings and you’ll have the opportunity to compete if you wish to.

FAQ

What is Judo?

Judo is a modern martial art and Olympic sport that originated in Japan. It focuses on throws, pins, and submission techniques to subdue an opponent. The word “Judo” means “the gentle way,” emphasizing technique and balance over brute force.

Is Judo good for kids?

Yes! Judo is great for kids. It helps develop physical fitness, coordination, discipline, and self-confidence. Kids also learn respect, teamwork, and self-control in a safe and structured environment.

Is Judo like Karate?

While both are martial arts from Japan, Judo and Karate are quite different. Judo focuses on grappling, throws, and ground techniques, while Karate emphasizes striking with punches and kicks. Both have unique benefits depending on your interests.

Why should I do Judo instead of another martial art?

Judo teaches practical self-defense, builds physical strength, and emphasizes control and technique over brute force. It’s a full-body workout that also develops mental toughness and discipline. Judo also offers opportunities to compete at local, national, and even international levels, including the Olympics.

What is a martial art?

A martial art is a system of techniques and practices used for self-defense, combat, and physical and mental development. Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are all examples of martial arts, each with their own techniques and philosoics.

Do I need a Judo suit?

Yes, you will need a Judo uniform, called a judogi. It’s a strong, reinforced jacket and pants designed to withstand the gripping and throwing involved in Judo. We can help you find the right size when you start.

Will I get hurt?

Judo is generally safe, and injury rates are low compared to other contact sports. Safety is a top priority, and classes are designed to teach proper falling techniques (ukemi) and respect for your training partners. Like any physical activity, minor injuries can happen, but risk is minimized through proper instruction and supervision.start.

Do you compete?

Yes, Judo is a competitive sport, and we offer opportunities to compete in tournaments at various levels. However, competition is optional, and many people practice Judo just for fun, fitness, or self-defense without competing.

How long before I get my first belt

In Judo, beginners typically receive a white belt. After consistent training and learning the basic techniques, you can test for your next belt (red) within 3 to 6 months, depending on your progress and dedication. The belts continue from red, to yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. Age and seniority affect the types of grades. There is more information here: https://www.britishjudo.org.uk/get-started/grading/

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Reaching a black belt in Judo usually takes several years of consistent training, typically 5 to 10 years. It depends on factors like frequency of practice, competition participation, and technical proficiency. The journey to black belt is about improvement and mastery, not just rank.

The British Judo Association

The British Judo Association (BJA) is the National Governing Body for the Olympic Sport of Judo in Great Britain.

The Association represents Great Britain internationally and is a member of The International Judo Federation, The European Judo Union, The Judo Confederation of the European Union, The British Olympic Association, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Commonwealth Judo Association, and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

It was established in 1948 and was incorporated as a company, limited by guarantee in 1978. It is recognised by UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Scotland, the British Olympic Association and the Sport and Recreation Alliance.