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

Abdulrabi Alawi Abdulla

Instructor

World Championships Japan
Commonwealth Games Competitor
East African Champion
2nd Dan
First Aid
Safeguarding certificate
Dbs

Emma Byrne

Judo Coach

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