Happidojo Judo Club

Happidojo was founded eight years ago by International Judo Player Dave Southby, who bought together a team of committed coaches and visited schools across Cambridge to present Judo classes, sports assemblies and personal safety courses.

Since then this Cambridge Club has gone from strength-to-strength as it encourages and educates children as young as five years-old to learn the skill and respect of a sport known as The Gentle Way.

Happidojo is delighted to be moving to its own bespoke Dojo in September where it will be led by former champions and top coaches, ably supported by a dedicated team of trained volunteers. Our community club will meet twice a week and offer classes for the under 8's, juniors, cadets and seniors. Judokas will train in a physical art that combines composure and balance with speed and agility – together with the essential element of Judo games for full-on throwing fun.

Within the first six months of operation, Happidojo achieved a bronze Clubmark award in recognition for its coaching excellence and club management.

• Summer Sports Camp, which successfully encourages children to meet new friends and enjoy fitness by trying associated sports, alongside friendly bouts in Sumo Suits.

• The very first Eastern Region Judo Camp, an inspired idea that sees local Judo Clubs join forces to provide focussed, first-class training - an event that looks set to become a regular fixture for graded players and seasoned young competitors.

Happidojo has also become a Centre of Excellence for the World Class Start Training Programme, the up-and-coming Judo elite of our area and future Olympic talent.