SJA License

The SJA is an independent Judo Association created from Shodan Judo Clubs that has been operating for nearly Two Decades and consists of several schools and evening clubs in the South West.

The Association was formed in September 2011 and continues to grow through new clubs being created and existing clubs seeking to join our modern and forward thinking Association.

Being a regional Association means our events are all locally based. The fee is cheaper then the main two national associations and there is also no separate Club membership fee to pay as we are a club and association all rolled into one.

We welcome Judoka who may have previously trained under different Associations as we view all Judoka to be one big global family.

Membership includes member to member personal accident insurance, access to our Evening clubs and events including gradings and competitions, club badge, record book and membership card. Click on the relevant link below for more information.

Ages 11 Years and Under

Coaches’ commands must be adhered to at all times. No anti-social and unseemly behaviour in the dojo / training hall or areas associated with it. No shoes to be worn on the tatami / mats at any time.
Judoka should not leave the tatami unless they have obtained permission to do so from the coach.
Training is only permitted only under the supervision of a SJA qualified coach.
Strangles and arm-locks are not to be practiced and applied whether in training or randori unless under the supervision of and with the specific permission of your coach.
Failure to comply with any or all of these rules will leave the member in question open to having the license revoked and being expelled from Shodan Judo Association.
SJA coaches reserve the right to refuse training to any person.


The SJA is an independent Judo Association created from Shodan Judo Clubs that has been operating for nearly Two Decades and consists of several schools and evening clubs in the South West. The Association was formed in September 2011 and continues to grow through new clubs being created and existing clubs seeking to join our modern and forward thinking Association. Being a regional Association means our events are all locally based. The fee is cheaper then the main two national associations and there is also no separate Club membership fee to pay as we are a club and association all rolled into one. We welcome Judoka who may have previously trained under different Associations as we view all Judoka to be one big global family. Membership includes member to member personal accident insurance, access to our Evening clubs and events including gradings and competitions, club badge, record book and membership card. Click on the relevant link below for more information.
Click on the relevant Licence for more information and application form:
Ages 11 Years and Under	Click above to be taken to our Secure online payment facility. You can pay for session fees at our Evening clubs as well as events such as Gradings, Camps and Competitions.
Ages 12 to 17 Years	18+ Years

Shodan Judo Clubs and Schools hare there own identity and philosophy towards Judo and coaching. The independence of the SJA brings several benefits of which the greatest is the ability to apply & continue to develop the Shodan method of coaching that has proven to be so effective. Our coaches teach primarily through fun & games whilst maintaining the core principles of traditional Judo. We have high standards in our grading system and always ensure that grades are earned and not given away like at some clubs and associations. Our students learn that they get out of Judo what they put in and to achieve a grade and the highest grades of Judo is an achievement that they should be very proud of. The tags system for junior grades, where there is three tags before the coloured belt means there is a good opportunity for differentiation but also the opportunity for everyone to progress at their own pace and allows for virtually everyone to obtain something from a grading no matter what their ability may be. We strive to make our players the best they can be competitively so they will be able to walk on to any mat at any club in the country and be able to do themselves and our association proud. That is quite a goal to aim for considering we are not a competition orientated association. Instead we believe that our students should be more then competent in all areas of the sport from the technical aspect, to competition, coaching, fitness and fun.

SJA members are expected at all times to demonstrate and encourage good sportsmanship. Members should offer advice, coaching and encouragement wherever possible and win, lose or draw with equal grace and composure. Members should recognise good Judo skill and ability and give due credit where credit is due but should never boast of their own achievements. Members need to respect every person that is associated with the SJA whether that is a coach, fellow judoka, both higher and lower grades, parents, siblings and whoever else they may be and whatever their association with SJA. Members need to display good manners at all times and take action where others are falling short of our standards. Always welcome new Judoka in a warm and friendly manner. Make as many friends at your club as possible but always keep chat and laughter to a reasonable level and remain well disciplined in order to listen to instructions. Coaches’ commands must be adhered to at all times. No anti-social and unseemly behaviour in the dojo / training hall or areas associated with it. No shoes to be worn on the tatami / mats at any time. Judoka should not leave the tatami unless they have obtained permission to do so from the coach. Training is only permitted only under the supervision of a SJA qualified coach. Strangles and arm-locks are not to be practiced and applied whether in training or randori unless under the supervision of and with the specific permission of your coach. Failure to comply with any or all of these rules will leave the member in question open to having the license revoked and being expelled from Shodan Judo Association. SJA coaches reserve the right to refuse training to any person.