Grant Photo Opportunity with Butokokan Judo Club

This has enabled them to purchase equipment to help members reach their grades in the future. The equipment is in the form of a wooden bokken (training wood), wooden tanto (training knife) and rubber gun.

Cllr Gwen Woodman, Chair of Newbiggin by the Sea, had the pleasure of presenting the cheque to the club on 3rd March 2026.

Butokokan Judo Club is a family-friendly group who have been teaching Judo in Newbiggin for almost 15 years. The classes are open to children and adults who want to learn new skills in a fun and safe environment.

Coach Anthony Welch, has recently completed all the requirements to be promoted to 2nd Dan, Black Belt.

Coach Andrew Douglass achieved a Level 2 Award in the Katame-No-Kata (groundwork forms) moving onto studying the Kime No-Kata and the Goshin-Jutsu Kata with other coaches using the equipment purchased from the grant.

Four of the younger team have competed in a development competition in Tynemouth in February. All four students won at least one fight in their groups earning a collective, three silver medals and a bronze!