The Rising Sun Judo Club, located in Worthing, is a registered member of the British Judo Association (BJA) and operates under BJA rules. As a recognised governing body for judo in the United Kingdom, the BJA is affiliated with various sports organisations including the Sports Council, the British Olympic Association, the European Judo Union, and the International Judo Federation. The club was established in 1990 and has close ties with Worthing Leisure Centre, Sussex County Judo Clubs, and local BJC & AJA clubs.
Rising Sun Judo Club warmly welcomes new players of all ages, with the standard minimum age being 8 years old. However, consideration may be given to players as young as 7 years old. The club prides itself on being inclusive and operates with a member-centric approach. They prioritise benefiting their members and do not seek profit.
Judo, derived from jujitsu, a comprehensive system of armed and unarmed combat developed in Japan over 300 years ago, has its roots in the moves and techniques created by Jigoro Kano in 1882. Kano refined these techniques from jujitsu to create a safer form of combat. Judo incorporates a wide range of throws and physical restraints on the ground. While the term “judo” is often translated as “gentle,” it is more accurately described as requiring suppleness, mobility, and movement, as it is a physically demanding martial art, much like karate or taekwondo.
To accommodate various aspects of judo training, Rising Sun Judo Club offers sessions in different venues on different evenings. Players who participate in multiple sessions each week will progress faster, as is common in any sport. Sunday sessions are held at Worthing Leisure Centre, with a combined class for all players from 16:30 to 17:30. Beginners receive individual attention during this time, allowing them to join in general activities.
The last 30 minutes of this session are exclusively for players with a range of techniques, with a minimum grade requirement of yellow belt.
Tuesday sessions take place at Wick Hall in Littlehampton, starting with a junior session from 18:45 to 19:45, followed by a senior session from 19:45 to 21:15. These sessions cover a range of judo techniques and offer seniors the opportunity to practise kata, a formalised demonstration of techniques that includes formal etiquette. Wick Hall sessions are independently run by Judokan Judo Club under BJC rules, with a training fee of 5 per session.
The club also offers sessions on Wednesdays at the Ashington Community Centre. The all-ages session runs from 19:45 to 20:45, focusing on fitness levels and often including squad training routines. These sessions are not suitable for beginners and have a minimum grade requirement of orange belt. Attending this additional session will increase the monthly standing order from 30 to 50.
However, if an individual is already paying either 45 or 50 for Sunday sessions, the Wednesday session is free.
For Sunday sessions, the first three sessions are complimentary, allowing newcomers to get a feel for the club. Afterward, the sessions are payable by standing order at 25 per month. If there is a second family member joining, the cost is 45 per month. These fees cover the 16:30 to 18:00 time slot on Sundays.
Overall, Rising Sun Judo Club offers a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels who are interested in participating in the challenging martial art of judo. With a focus on member satisfaction and adherence to BJA rules, the club provides opportunities for personal growth, physical fitness, and self-defence training.