I opened Wirral Judo Club in 2000 with just 14 beginners, one night a week on a small, temporary mat area. The club soon became popular and with the help of parents, volunteers and bags of enthusiasm from the kids it has grown to over 150 members. Now we have a 10 x 16 metre mat.

We have members ranging from 5 year olds to parents trying a different way to keep fit. There are 11 classes that cover all abilities from total beginners to experienced competitors, we currently have 3 members who are part of the England development squad.

We organise many events throughout the year both Judo and non Judo so everyone can join in. We regularly travel to competitions and training events throughout the country and for the more advanced we travel abroad to countries like France, Belgium, Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands.

I am proud of the success of our club but even more proud of the friendly and welcoming environment all visitors and members, regardless of age or ability, enjoy at any of our sessions or events.

I am looking forward to helping the club and its members continue to grow and develop.

Yours in Judo,

Chris Soakell, Head Coach

Chris Soakell, 2nd Dan, Head Coach

Chris has been coaching Judo for more than 20 years. He is qualified as a level 3 coach (Senior Club Coach) and also teaches Judo in local schools.

Chris was also voted Merseyside Coach of the Year, 2006.

Anne Loughnane, 1st Dan

Anne has been practicing Judo for more than 17 years. She also teaches Judo in local schools.

Her favourite throw is Harai-Goshi

Senior Captain

Boys Captain

Girls Captain

2009

Jade Atkinson

Peter Oldrid

Sarah Glover

2008

Matt Fazakerley

Anthony Daly

Charlotte Wright

2007

Matt Fazakerley

Jamie Ollerhead

Vikki McKay

2006

Matt Fazakerley

Phillip Taylor

Isobel Routledge

Boys Captain

Boys Vice Captain

Girls Captain

2005

Richard Jarvis

Ben Cantlay

Hannah Davies

2004

Matt Fazakerley

Richard Jarvis

Eve McQuade

2003

Steven Donnelly

Heather Taylor

Girls Vice Captain

Jade Atkinson

Hannah Davies

2009

2008

2008

2007

Year

Vikki McKay, 1st Dan, 10/02/08

Charlotte Wright, 1st Dan, 16/09/08

Eve McQuade, 1st Dan, 16/09/08

Garry Dixon, 1st Dan, 12/02/08

Callum Davies, 1st Dan, 12/08/07

2006

Sam Campbell, 1st Dan, 18/12/06

Callum Davies, 2nd Dan, 03/04/09

2010

Bruce Routledge

James Quirk

Emily Fitzsimmons

2010

Fiona Wright, 1st Dan, 27/03/10

Sarah Glover, 1st Dan, 27/03/10

Dave Maher, 1st Dan, 27/03/10

The British Judo Association & Wirral Judo Club are committed to Equality, you can read our policy here.

You can also read our Child Protection policy here.

2011

Bruce Routledge

Cormac Hayes

Lara Hayes

2011

Matt Dawson, 1st Dan, 23/11/11

2012

Bruce Routledge

Andrew Morris

Lisa Gatti

2012

Emily Fitzsimmons, 1st Dan, 13/03/12

James Quirk, 1st Dan, 27/04/12

2013

James Quirk

James Whorton

Eve Soakell

2014

Andrew Morris

Alfie Jude

Jocasta Kelly

2014

Cormac Hayes, 1st Dan, 17/03/14

2015

Andrew Morris

Harry Quinn

Charlotte Dawson