Instructors

Tony Devine

Coach & Admin

Former GB international, 6th Dan, 40 years in Judo. Ba(hons) Sport & Fitness, DBS, First Aid, Child Protection. Full Time Coaching for over 20 years. British Judo Level 2 Coach

Garath Howell

Coach

44 years in judo, former British Judo Coach, Judo Black Belt, Karate Black Belt, DBS, First Aid, Child Protection.British Judo Level 2 Coach

Sophie Cox

Judo/BJJ instructor

Sophie's competitive career spanned over 15 years, highlighted by her participation in two Olympic Games and her success in international championships: 

* Olympics: Represented Team GB at the Athens 2004(reaching the quarter-finals) and London 2012 Olympic Games.
* European Championships:Won four medals, including silver in 2004 and 2005, and bronze in 2003 and 2011.
* National Titles: A seven-time British Champion.
* Commonwealth Games:Secured a bronze medal at the 2002 Manchester Games.

* Promotion to 6th Dan: In November 2024, she was promoted to 6th Dan, a prestigious rank marked by a red and white "coral" belt.

* BJJ Competition: Since 2014, she has also competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she is a Black Belt and a multiple-time World Masters champion. 

Denis Hopley

Assistant Coach

International Competitor
1st Dan Black Belt
British Judo Level 1 Coach

Emma Byrne

Judo Coach

1st Dan Black Belt
DBS, First Aid, Child Protection.
British Judo Level 2 Coach
Qualified Teacher
Judo Excellence welfare officer