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About the Club

 

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Almonte Judo Club

                                                                        est 1968

Building confidence, fitness, fairness, and discipline”

 

Our Club offers;

 

  • Qualified Black Belt instruction, with additional Guest Instructors, and assistants. (male and female) Head Instructor is also a certified coach, a high ranking Judo Referee, and active long serving member of the East Region Judo Executive team.

 

  • Fun, safe, and affordable training in the martial art and Olympic sport of Judo.

 

  • One of the finest modern training facilities, equipped with Olympic calibre mats, change and restrooms, kitchen, air conditioned hall, large seating area.

 

  • Open to all males and females six years and older. Club is comprised of children, teens, and adults. The ‘Junior’ class is comprised of pre-teens, while the ‘Senior’ class is comprised of teens and adults. Seating is provided for parents who wish to stay and observe their children. We are a completely open club.

 

  • Flexibility to progress at your own pace within guidelines prescribed by Judo Canada. Fully sanctioned and insured by the official governing body, Judo Ontario.

 

  • Minimum 14 classes per term, 31 classes per season are offered each year commencing in September. Members are encouraged to join in September, but may join in January (start of 2nd term) if space and conditions allow. Trial classes are offered at no charge for up to three sessions. Sunday AM training for keeners.

 

  • Entitlement to compete in local, regional, or provincial level Judo tournaments. (not funded) Members represent the Almonte Judo Club and gain valuable competitive experience and life-long friendships while doing so.

 

  • Semi-annual/annual celebrations (0 cost), including annual awards night in April.

 

  • Reciprocal training agreements between East Region Judo Clubs (Munster, Beckwith, Ottawa, RA, etc) and ability to train throughout Ontario and beyond.

 

  • Established in 1968, more than one thousand area children and adults have enrolled in the Almonte Judo Club spanning multiple generations.

 

  • A place to meet friends who remain friends for life.

 

  • An environment which promotes ‘Confidence, Fitness, Fairness and Discipline’.

                                                ___________________________________

Submitted to ‘Amateur Sports News, June 2008 by Sensei Gord

 

The Almonte Judo Club was established in 1968, the same year the sport of soccer was introduced to the town. Not surprisingly, both sporting options continue to thrive after 40 years serving Almonte and surrounding communities.

 

The Almonte Judo Club was the third judo club in Ontario to register with the provincial sport body known today as Judo Ontario. Today there are hundred of judo clubs across Ontario, and the sport is practiced by millions world-wide. It is this deep-rooted existence and conscious effort to preserve tradition which continues to attract children, teens and adults to this martial art.

 

The first judo school was introduced in Tokyo, Japan in 1882 by the founder of judo, Dr. Jigaro Kano. Professor Kano had studied jiu-jitsu and other forms of combat and self defence but felt something was lacking. Kano believed he could develop an entirely new discipline by incorporating various strangle and arm lock submissions from jiu jitsu, throwing techniques from the ancient art of sumo, and new techniques built around the concept of ‘putting forth minimum effort while achieving maximum efficiency’. Kano pushed the boundaries of modern sport in the 1930’s, rallying to the International Olympic Committee to have judo introduced as Olympic competition. While Kano did not live to see this happen, judo made it’s debut in the 1964 Olympics and the sport has never looked back.

 

While Almonte has not produced any judo Olympians, we have trained well in excess of one thousand members during the span of forty years. While the vast majority were attracted to the martial art for the recreational benefits of physical fitness, confidence building, and discipline, many have pursued the competitive side of the sport entering local, regional, provincial and national competitions – and with success!

 

The Almonte club is structured around two classes, one for students aged 5-13, and the second for participants aged 14 and older. Males and females participate equally, and current membership is split evenly between genders. The younger class is focused on judo fundamentals and introduces safe falling techniques, throws, hold downs, competition rules, and judo theory. Games, exercises, and drills relevant to developing a strong mind and body are also incorporated in each class. The latter class builds on these fundamentals, and also offers advanced grappling techniques, arm locks and choke submissions. Kata development (pre-determined demonstration of techniques by two partners) is another component of the ‘Senior Class’ whereby students accumulate knowledge and a new found respect for the underlying fundamentals of the sport.

 

The Almonte Judo Club enjoys a large, modern, fully furnished and air conditioned facility equipped with Olympic calibre mats. Parents and friends are encouraged to view each class from a comfortable seating area surrounding the mat surface. Head Instructor (Sensei) Gord MacDonald is ably assisted by several senior students, some who have gained complementary training in other martial arts such as karate and jiu-jitsu. Sensei Gord is also a certified coach, provincial referee, club manager, and long standing member of the East Region Judo Ontario Executive.

The Almonte Judo Club promotes an environment which instils ‘Discipline, Confidence, Fitness and Fairness’. It recognizes students who excel in these areas, as well as attendance, competition, peer recognition and more. At the end of each judo season an annual banquet is held and each and every member is recognized for their accomplishments, whether a striped (partial) belt promotion, a full belt promotion, certificates of special recognition, or a trophy recipient. It is the membership who makes our club successful year after year, and we put forth a special effort to retain and reward each individual who makes a contribution to the club.

 

If you are passing through Almonte, the Almonte Judo Club welcomes you as a visitor and spectator. Anyone new to the community itself is most welcome to view our classes, and participate in any number of free sessions. Judo continues to be the most affordable sport (and Federal Tax Credit eligible), and the benefits remain life-long. Judo is truly a ‘way of life’, and those active in the judo community are proud of their involvement and the contributions of all who surround them.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Submitted to ‘Amateur Sports News’ Mar 2009 edition, by Sensei Gord

 

Judo – The Gentle Way

 

A martial art, an Olympic sport, a means of self defense …. A way of life!

 

Nestled in the heart of the Ottawa Valley is the small community of Almonte, home of the inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. While basketball thrives in the community, it is somewhat ironic that Almonte is better known for producing dominant football teams, prominent track athletes, an Olympic trampolinist, and we are also home to the former North American belly flop champion!

 

The community of Almonte and surrounding towns and villages today form the amalgamated town of ‘Mississippi Mills’, a vibrant arts-based community in the heart of Lanark County. The martial art of judo has a long tradition in the town, dating back to 1968. The Almonte Judo Club does not take success or longevity for granted, and continues to enhance and modernize the facilities, resources and programs offered.

 

The current 08-09 season is well underway, and it has been a busy one. For the past four years the Club has added Sunday morning workouts to the winter, spring and summer curriculum making judo one of the few sports practiced year round.

 

This past summer Sensei Gord MacDonald attended a fundraising BBQ and send-off for Beijing bound judo athlete Nicholas Tritton of Perth, Ontario. While Perth is a community not much larger than Almonte, it was capably represented at the 2008 summer Olympics by no fewer than four athletes competing in equestrian, track, swimming and judo. The 24 year old Tritton developed his early judo skills while training and competing throughout the Ottawa Valley. Nicholas has never forgotten his roots, and for this reason the Almonte Judo Club was more than happy to provide major sponsorship for his journey to Beijing. Unfortunately Nicholas was unable to secure a medal but still made Canada, his hometown, and his sponsors proud. No doubt this same level of support will prevail as he continues his path to the podium in London in the year 2012.

 

After a summer of training, and cheering on Canadian athletes at the Olympics, the Almonte Judo Club resumed full operations in September 2009. Each year the community hosts ‘Mississippi Mills at a Glance’ where each organization has the opportunity to promote itself. Once again the Almonte Judo Club was front and centre, capturing a large and attentive audience throughout a two hour live demonstration.

 

As a gesture of appreciation for our support, Nicholas Tritton paid a visit to our Club in October just weeks after his first Olympic experience. Nicholas and his girlfriend Tomoko Mori became instant celebrities with club members and they were thrilled to participate in games and competitions with a ‘hometown hero’. Nicholas stayed afterward to provide photo opportunities, sign autographs, and simply talk about the sport he loves so dearly. Sometime after 10:00 PM he and Tomoko departed for Montreal where they would take part in critical team training at 8:00 AM the next morning! True dedication.

 

The Fall session continued along with several competitions held throughout the province and locally. Club members attended the annual Shinbukan tournament in Toronto, followed by the ‘Hatashita International’ two day competition held at the Hershey Centre in Toronto (which included several world champions and Olympic athletes), and a novice tournament in the village of Munster, Ontario where five Almonte athletes brought home a total of six medals. All this hard work led into the much anticipated Christmas party where a crowd of 100 or more enjoyed food, drink and good times.

 

After a short Christmas break the Club resumed in early January for training toward winter/spring competitions, and for many, refining judo techniques essential for belt progression. In January and February club members attended tournaments in Guelph, Kingston, and Gatineau, Quebec. Experience at such tournaments develops skill that often cannot be taught in class. To compete in a judo tournament is truly a test of self development as combatants go one on one.

 

An annual tradition during the March Break is to ‘Bring a Friend’ to the judo class held during that week. This year we entertained several friends of club members, and they entertained us as well! Students were challenged to teach their friend a judo technique in a rather short time period, then have the friend demonstrate in front of the entire class. Based on the calibre of demonstrations there is no doubt future judokas out there, not to mention future instructors from within.

 

With all that fun aside, club members are now focused on preparations for their grading, a rite of spring. The annual banquet held in late April will reveal who has met the tough challenges of judo and will therefore advance in belt level. The same banquet allows members a chance to show parents and friends how far they have come in the sport through live demonstrations.

 

As far as club structure, the Almonte Judo Club is built around two classes, one for students aged 5-13, and the second for participants aged 14 and older. Males and females participate equally, and current membership is split evenly between genders. The younger class is focused on judo fundamentals and introduces safe falling techniques, throws, hold downs, competition rules, and judo theory. Games, exercises, and drills relevant to developing a strong mind and body are also incorporated in each class. The latter class builds on these fundamentals, and also offers advanced grappling techniques, arm locks and choke submissions. Kata development (pre-determined demonstration of techniques by two partners) is another component of the ‘Senior Class’ whereby students accumulate knowledge and a new found respect for the underlying fundamentals of the sport.

 

The Almonte Judo Club enjoys a large, modern, fully furnished and air conditioned facility equipped with Olympic calibre mats. Parents and friends are encouraged to view each class from a comfortable seating area surrounding the mat surface. Head Instructor (Sensei) Gord MacDonald is ably assisted by several senior students, some who have gained complementary training in other martial arts such as karate and jiu-jitsu. Sensei Gord is also a certified coach, provincial referee, club manager, and long standing member of the East Region Judo Ontario Executive.

 

The Almonte Judo Club promotes an environment which instils ‘Discipline, Confidence, Fitness and Fairness’. The Club applauds students who excel in these areas, as well as attendance, competition, peer recognition and more. At the end of each judo season an annual banquet is held and each and every member is recognized for their accomplishments, whether a striped (partial) belt promotion, a full belt promotion, certificates of special recognition, or a trophy recipient. It is the membership who makes our club successful year after year, and we put forth a special effort to retain and reward each individual who makes a contribution to the club.

 

If you are passing touring through the Ottawa Valley, the Almonte Judo Club welcomes you as a visitor. Anyone new to the community itself is most welcome to view our classes, and participate in any number of free sessions. Judo continues to be the most affordable sport (and Federal Tax Credit eligible), and the benefits remain life-long. Judo is truly a ‘way of life’, and those active in the judo community are proud of their involvement and the contributions of all who surround them.

 

Submitted to ‘Amateur Sports News’ Mar 2009 edition, by Sensei Gord

 

Judo – The Gentle Way

 

A martial art, an Olympic sport, a means of self defense …. A way of life!

 

Nestled in the heart of the Ottawa Valley is the small community of Almonte, home of the inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. While basketball thrives in the community, it is somewhat ironic that Almonte is better known for producing dominant football teams, prominent track athletes, an Olympic trampolinist, and we are also home to the former North American belly flop champion!

 

The community of Almonte and surrounding towns and villages today form the amalgamated town of ‘Mississippi Mills’, a vibrant arts-based community in the heart of Lanark County. The martial art of judo has a long tradition in the town, dating back to 1968. The Almonte Judo Club does not take success or longevity for granted, and continues to enhance and modernize the facilities, resources and programs offered.

 

The current 08-09 season is well underway, and it has been a busy one. For the past four years the Club has added Sunday morning workouts to the winter, spring and summer curriculum making judo one of the few sports practiced year round.

 

This past summer Sensei Gord MacDonald attended a fundraising BBQ and send-off for Beijing bound judo athlete Nicholas Tritton of Perth, Ontario. While Perth is a community not much larger than Almonte, it was capably represented at the 2008 summer Olympics by no fewer than four athletes competing in equestrian, track, swimming and judo. The 24 year old Tritton developed his early judo skills while training and competing throughout the Ottawa Valley. Nicholas has never forgotten his roots, and for this reason the Almonte Judo Club was more than happy to provide major sponsorship for his journey to Beijing. Unfortunately Nicholas was unable to secure a medal but still made Canada, his hometown, and his sponsors proud. No doubt this same level of support will prevail as he continues his path to the podium in London in the year 2012.

 

After a summer of training, and cheering on Canadian athletes at the Olympics, the Almonte Judo Club resumed full operations in September 2009. Each year the community hosts ‘Mississippi Mills at a Glance’ where each organization has the opportunity to promote itself. Once again the Almonte Judo Club was front and centre, capturing a large and attentive audience throughout a two hour live demonstration.

 

As a gesture of appreciation for our support, Nicholas Tritton paid a visit to our Club in October just weeks after his first Olympic experience. Nicholas and his girlfriend Tomoko Mori became instant celebrities with club members and they were thrilled to participate in games and competitions with a ‘hometown hero’. Nicholas stayed afterward to provide photo opportunities, sign autographs, and simply talk about the sport he loves so dearly. Sometime after 10:00 PM he and Tomoko departed for Montreal where they would take part in critical team training at 8:00 AM the next morning! True dedication.

 

The Fall session continued along with several competitions held throughout the province and locally. Club members attended the annual Shinbukan tournament in Toronto, followed by the ‘Hatashita International’ two day competition held at the Hershey Centre in Toronto (which included several world champions and Olympic athletes), and a novice tournament in the village of Munster, Ontario where five Almonte athletes brought home a total of six medals. All this hard work led into the much anticipated Christmas party where a crowd of 100 or more enjoyed food, drink and good times.

 

After a short Christmas break the Club resumed in early January for training toward winter/spring competitions, and for many, refining judo techniques essential for belt progression. In January and February club members attended tournaments in Guelph, Kingston, and Gatineau, Quebec. Experience at such tournaments develops skill that often cannot be taught in class. To compete in a judo tournament is truly a test of self development as combatants go one on one.

 

An annual tradition during the March Break is to ‘Bring a Friend’ to the judo class held during that week. This year we entertained several friends of club members, and they entertained us as well! Students were challenged to teach their friend a judo technique in a rather short time period, then have the friend demonstrate in front of the entire class. Based on the calibre of demonstrations there is no doubt future judokas out there, not to mention future instructors from within.

 

With all that fun aside, club members are now focused on preparations for their grading, a rite of spring. The annual banquet held in late April will reveal who has met the tough challenges of judo and will therefore advance in belt level. The same banquet allows members a chance to show parents and friends how far they have come in the sport through live demonstrations.

 

As far as club structure, the Almonte Judo Club is built around two classes, one for students aged 5-13, and the second for participants aged 14 and older. Males and females participate equally, and current membership is split evenly between genders. The younger class is focused on judo fundamentals and introduces safe falling techniques, throws, hold downs, competition rules, and judo theory. Games, exercises, and drills relevant to developing a strong mind and body are also incorporated in each class. The latter class builds on these fundamentals, and also offers advanced grappling techniques, arm locks and choke submissions. Kata development (pre-determined demonstration of techniques by two partners) is another component of the ‘Senior Class’ whereby students accumulate knowledge and a new found respect for the underlying fundamentals of the sport.

 

The Almonte Judo Club enjoys a large, modern, fully furnished and air conditioned facility equipped with Olympic calibre mats. Parents and friends are encouraged to view each class from a comfortable seating area surrounding the mat surface. Head Instructor (Sensei) Gord MacDonald is ably assisted by several senior students, some who have gained complementary training in other martial arts such as karate and jiu-jitsu. Sensei Gord is also a certified coach, provincial referee, club manager, and long standing member of the East Region Judo Ontario Executive.

 

The Almonte Judo Club promotes an environment which instils ‘Discipline, Confidence, Fitness and Fairness’. The Club applauds students who excel in these areas, as well as attendance, competition, peer recognition and more. At the end of each judo season an annual banquet is held and each and every member is recognized for their accomplishments, whether a striped (partial) belt promotion, a full belt promotion, certificates of special recognition, or a trophy recipient. It is the membership who makes our club successful year after year, and we put forth a special effort to retain and reward each individual who makes a contribution to the club.

 

If you are passing touring through the Ottawa Valley, the Almonte Judo Club welcomes you as a visitor. Anyone new to the community itself is most welcome to view our classes, and participate in any number of free sessions. Judo continues to be the most affordable sport (and Federal Tax Credit eligible), and the benefits remain life-long. Judo is truly a ‘way of life’, and those active in the judo community are proud of their involvement and the contributions of all who surround them.

 

Submitted to ‘Amateur Sports News’ Mar 2009 edition, by Sensei Gord

 

Judo – The Gentle Way

 

A martial art, an Olympic sport, a means of self defense …. A way of life!

 

Nestled in the heart of the Ottawa Valley is the small community of Almonte, home of the inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith. While basketball thrives in the community, it is somewhat ironic that Almonte is better known for producing dominant football teams, prominent track athletes, an Olympic trampolinist, and we are also home to the former North American belly flop champion!

 

The community of Almonte and surrounding towns and villages today form the amalgamated town of ‘Mississippi Mills’, a vibrant arts-based community in the heart of Lanark County. The martial art of judo has a long tradition in the town, dating back to 1968. The Almonte Judo Club does not take success or longevity for granted, and continues to enhance and modernize the facilities, resources and programs offered.

 

The current 08-09 season is well underway, and it has been a busy one. For the past four years the Club has added Sunday morning workouts to the winter, spring and summer curriculum making judo one of the few sports practiced year round.

 

This past summer Sensei Gord MacDonald attended a fundraising BBQ and send-off for Beijing bound judo athlete Nicholas Tritton of Perth, Ontario. While Perth is a community not much larger than Almonte, it was capably represented at the 2008 summer Olympics by no fewer than four athletes competing in equestrian, track, swimming and judo. The 24 year old Tritton developed his early judo skills while training and competing throughout the Ottawa Valley. Nicholas has never forgotten his roots, and for this reason the Almonte Judo Club was more than happy to provide major sponsorship for his journey to Beijing. Unfortunately Nicholas was unable to secure a medal but still made Canada, his hometown, and his sponsors proud. No doubt this same level of support will prevail as he continues his path to the podium in London in the year 2012.

 

After a summer of training, and cheering on Canadian athletes at the Olympics, the Almonte Judo Club resumed full operations in September 2009. Each year the community hosts ‘Mississippi Mills at a Glance’ where each organization has the opportunity to promote itself. Once again the Almonte Judo Club was front and centre, capturing a large and attentive audience throughout a two hour live demonstration.

 

As a gesture of appreciation for our support, Nicholas Tritton paid a visit to our Club in October just weeks after his first Olympic experience. Nicholas and his girlfriend Tomoko Mori became instant celebrities with club members and they were thrilled to participate in games and competitions with a ‘hometown hero’. Nicholas stayed afterward to provide photo opportunities, sign autographs, and simply talk about the sport he loves so dearly. Sometime after 10:00 PM he and Tomoko departed for Montreal where they would take part in critical team training at 8:00 AM the next morning! True dedication.

 

The Fall session continued along with several competitions held throughout the province and locally. Club members attended the annual Shinbukan tournament in Toronto, followed by the ‘Hatashita International’ two day competition held at the Hershey Centre in Toronto (which included several world champions and Olympic athletes), and a novice tournament in the village of Munster, Ontario where five Almonte athletes brought home a total of six medals. All this hard work led into the much anticipated Christmas party where a crowd of 100 or more enjoyed food, drink and good times.

 

After a short Christmas break the Club resumed in early January for training toward winter/spring competitions, and for many, refining judo techniques essential for belt progression. In January and February club members attended tournaments in Guelph, Kingston, and Gatineau, Quebec. Experience at such tournaments develops skill that often cannot be taught in class. To compete in a judo tournament is truly a test of self development as combatants go one on one.

 

An annual tradition during the March Break is to ‘Bring a Friend’ to the judo class held during that week. This year we entertained several friends of club members, and they entertained us as well! Students were challenged to teach their friend a judo technique in a rather short time period, then have the friend demonstrate in front of the entire class. Based on the calibre of demonstrations there is no doubt future judokas out there, not to mention future instructors from within.

 

With all that fun aside, club members are now focused on preparations for their grading, a rite of spring. The annual banquet held in late April will reveal who has met the tough challenges of judo and will therefore advance in belt level. The same banquet allows members a chance to show parents and friends how far they have come in the sport through live demonstrations.

 

As far as club structure, the Almonte Judo Club is built around two classes, one for students aged 5-13, and the second for participants aged 14 and older. Males and females participate equally, and current membership is split evenly between genders. The younger class is focused on judo fundamentals and introduces safe falling techniques, throws, hold downs, competition rules, and judo theory. Games, exercises, and drills relevant to developing a strong mind and body are also incorporated in each class. The latter class builds on these fundamentals, and also offers advanced grappling techniques, arm locks and choke submissions. Kata development (pre-determined demonstration of techniques by two partners) is another component of the ‘Senior Class’ whereby students accumulate knowledge and a new found respect for the underlying fundamentals of the sport.

 

The Almonte Judo Club enjoys a large, modern, fully furnished and air conditioned facility equipped with Olympic calibre mats. Parents and friends are encouraged to view each class from a comfortable seating area surrounding the mat surface. Head Instructor (Sensei) Gord MacDonald is ably assisted by several senior students, some who have gained complementary training in other martial arts such as karate and jiu-jitsu. Sensei Gord is also a certified coach, provincial referee, club manager, and long standing member of the East Region Judo Ontario Executive.

 

The Almonte Judo Club promotes an environment which instils ‘Discipline, Confidence, Fitness and Fairness’. The Club applauds students who excel in these areas, as well as attendance, competition, peer recognition and more. At the end of each judo season an annual banquet is held and each and every member is recognized for their accomplishments, whether a striped (partial) belt promotion, a full belt promotion, certificates of special recognition, or a trophy recipient. It is the membership who makes our club successful year after year, and we put forth a special effort to retain and reward each individual who makes a contribution to the club.

 

If you are passing touring through the Ottawa Valley, the Almonte Judo Club welcomes you as a visitor. Anyone new to the community itself is most welcome to view our classes, and participate in any number of free sessions. Judo continues to be the most affordable sport (and Federal Tax Credit eligible), and the benefits remain life-long. Judo is truly a ‘way of life’, and those active in the judo community are proud of their involvement and the contributions of all who surround them.