Cheddar Judo Club
Our Team
Kevin Taylor
1st Dan
Level 2 Coach
Geoff Booker
2nd Dan
Level 2 Coach & Safeguarding Officer
Stuart Atkinson
1st Dan
Level 2 Coach
At Cheddar Judo Club, all of our coaches are fully committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our members. Each coach holds full British Judo Association membership, ensuring they are recognized and qualified within the sport. Additionally, our coaches have undergone Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, possess Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport certificates, and are trained in first aid. These qualifications reflect our dedication to the highest standards of safety, welfare, and professionalism in judo coaching.
Kevin's Bio:
My Judo journey began over 30 years ago where I started learning the art as a young junior in a number of different clubs before settling in Weston-super-Mare in 2001, this is where I progressed my way up through the belts in both theory and contest. I had also competed in many competitions along the way with some of the highlights being the Somerset closed championships where I was awarded a silver in 2002 before returning to take gold in 2003 and 2004.
For a period of time my own Judo had become sporadic due to external factors, however I continued on with my love for the sport seeing both of my children participate in Judo, from 2006 and then 2015. It was at this point I had made a full return as was unable to sit as a spectator due to a real desire to get back on the mat. A number of years had gone by since my last competitive match but gave it another go in 2019 Western Area open where I won bronze medal.
Due to my passion for developing others I then began coaching at Weston-super-Mare where I completed both Level 1 and Level 2 certificates in coaching Judo. It was here I gained a great deal of experience which in November 2023 saw the take over of Cheddar Judo Club alongside Stuart and Geoff to which we have seen the club grow from strength to strength.
More recently I have been working through expanding my knowledge of Kata with experience gained to date in Nage-no-kata, Katame-no-kata and Goshin-jutsu with many more to go. I am always striving to build on my own knowledge in order to support and develop others in this fantastic sport.
Geoff's Bio :
I began Judo in 1974 in London aged 14 when my PE teacher started a school judo club.
From there I trained under Arthur Coode who was awarded his 1st Dan at the Kodakan and taught traditional Japanese Judo.
This influenced my life and paved the way throughout my training, where I trained and competed at various judo clubs in London and the home counties., including the Budokwai, Renchenden, and Tokai, where I progressed through the ranks in both theory and competition judo.
I moved to WSM in 1984 where I joined WSM Judo Club training under Rich Stevens 4th Dan.
I gained my level 2 coach award and qualified as an area referee.
I have trained with Kevin and Stuart in various kata such as Nage-No-Kate, Katame-No-Kata and Goshin-Jitsu-Kata.
All of which we aim to pass onto our students of whom we are immensely proud.
It has been a pleasure to train alongside both Stuart and Kevin at Cheddar and the past year has been both challenging and rewarding.
I look forward to developing not only my own knowledge but also our students.
I served as a police officer with Avon and Somerset Constabulary for over 30 years in a variety of roles, including various safeguarding/investigation units, and I am a safeguarding trainer for North Somerset Council.
I am now the safeguarding officer for both Cheddar and Weston-Super- Mare Judo Clubs.
If you have any concerns I am happy to speak to you (07990842184)
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Stuart's Bio :
Welcome to my martial arts journey! I embarked on my Judo odyssey back in 2003 at Weston-Super-Mare Judo club. Within a year, I had climbed the ranks, proudly earning my 1st Kyu by 2004. The highlights of my early years include clinching a Gold at the Somerset closed championship in October 2003, followed by a silver in 2004.
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After a brief hiatus from Judo between 2005 and 2018, I redirected my passion toward a new challenge—Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training with Team Savage MMA club. This marked the beginning of an exciting chapter, adding a fresh dimension to my martial arts journey. I continue to train with Team Savage to this day, honing my skills and embracing the dynamic world of MMA.
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In 2021, fueled by renewed enthusiasm, I made a triumphant return to Judo. My focus shifted to the competition route as I passionately pursued my black belt. On the 5th of June 2024, I achieved this significant milestone. Join me on this exciting journey as I strive for excellence in both Judo and MMA, continuously evolving and embracing the martial arts spirit.
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