Heacham Judo Club History
The club was started in 1984 by Derek Skipper at the small Pine Trees Hall in the village.
We are affiliated to the Amateur Judo Association.
It began with just a few members but gradually grew into the club it is today with members ranging from 5 years old to adults. The players take part in local and countrywide competitions and also compete with a club in Middelharnis, Holland.
In 1985 we had our first National Squad member, qualifying to take part in a competition in Rotterdam.
After meeting with instructors from Middelharnis, we held our first International competition at the old Kit Kat Club in Hunstanton, in a cold October in 1987.
In 1992 as the club grew, we had to move to a new venue at the village Public Hall, this gave us space for more members with enough space for two mats. After continued success with the club, Derek Skipper sadly passed away. The club was then continued by his daughter Shirley, with the help of other instructors.
In 1997 we were joined by another instructor, Jeff Tucker.
In 1998 the members took part in the A.J.A. National Team Competition taking a bronze medal.
The International competition held with Middelharnis, became the Derek Skipper Memorial Competition.
We were the first club to have a players name put onto the Player of the Day trophy.
In March 2002 we had one of our best trips to Holland, coming back with 4 gold's and 5 silver's.
In 2004 we had our first brothers to win gold and silver in the A.J.A. National competition in Birmingham.
We gained three more instructors in 2005, with awards going to, two senior instructors and one junior instructor.
In 2006 the Amateur Judo Association became 50 years old. The club entered into the Area Team Competition and came back with 3 gold's and 2 silver's in the juniors and a silver with the seniors.
2007 brings the club up to date, March was our best result at the Nationals with 3 gold's and 2 silver's.