Westerleigh Jodokwai Club

This was a special event for our President Hugh Allen to visit the Westerleigh Judokwai Club at its regular Saturday morning meeting at Pebsham Community Hub.

We were welcomed by Paula Everest and an enthusiastic range of Judo students, coaches, parents, supporters at the Hub. The whole buiding was buzzing with activity, even the kitchen was busy with volunteers preparing drinks and snacks for everyone.

Westerleigh Judokwai club has a 30 year history and is the only totally inclusive Judo club in the UK. It has built up an impressive history of success at all levels of the sport having champions in National, International and World events.

What was immediately apparent was the fact that all ages and all abilities were busily engaged in their sport height ranges from 3ft 6in to 6ft 6in, it was a spectacular activity to witness. 

Paula explained that the club is so much more than a centre for Judo, the inclusive nature means that many of the members have long term social, educational and medical issues which need to be addressed and often involving significant work in advocacy and support to get results.

Hugh Allen spoke of how proud he felt in being able to present a cheque for £1,500 to the Club. The monies being raised from donations from the Bexhill community in response to our Rotary Santa's Sleigh events in December 2024.