Arrive ready to train
Wear a clean, correctly fitting judogi and the belt you have been awarded. Use the changing facilities and wear footwear to and from the mat.
Our club · Our story
About Bedford Judo Club
From a few straw mats in 1951 to generations of judoka. A club built on a shared love of judo, respect and community.
Established 1951
Small beginnings. A lasting community.
Bedford Judo Club was founded by two brothers from Holland, John and Arthur Zweetsloot. They started in Roise Street with just a few straw mats and a passion for judo.
As membership grew, the club moved between venues across Bedford. Each move was another chapter in a story that has brought people together on the mat for decades.
Over the years, members have supported county and area events as table officials and referees. Club members have achieved national honours, represented the area at the National Team Championships and contributed to judo as area coaches.
The roots of our sport
A little about judo
From Japan to the world
Jigoro Kano developed judo from his study of ju-jitsu, creating an approach that could support education as well as physical training. His school, the Kodokan, began modestly and grew into a major centre for judo in Tokyo.
A British judo tradition
Judo spread to England in the early twentieth century. Gunji Koizumi opened the Budokwai in London in 1918 and became known as the father of British judo. Bedford Judo Club became part of that growing tradition in 1951.
Judo is about more than techniques: respect, self-control and consideration for others are part of every practice.
Life on the mat
Respect is part of the practice
The leaflet sets out a simple spirit for our dojo: look after yourself, respect your training partners and follow the coach’s guidance.
Respect everyone
Show consideration for other judoka, whatever their age or grade. Keep phones switched off during training so everyone can focus on the session.
Follow the coach’s lead
Let the coach know before leaving the mat. Leave technical instruction and corrections to the coach in charge, and follow their guidance throughout practice.
For more club information, visit our Policies and Club Welfare pages.
Start your own chapter
Interested in training at Bedford Judo Club? Explore our sessions or contact us to find out more about joining.