Miramar Judo Club (MJC), affiliated to the British Judo Association, is a not-for-profit, community based, club providing an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities, from the Rotherham and surrounding area, to take part in an Olympic sport. It is the only club in the area qualified to teach judo, is entirely run by volunteers and is based at First Floor, Terrapin Unit, Aldwarke Business Centre, Aldwarke Lane, Rotherham S65 3SR.
Through inclusive sessions, MJC bridges the generational gap and helps the players (Judoka) communicate more freely, gaining mutual respect and understanding of each other. They can improve coordination and confidence, enhance their interpersonal skills, and learn self-control and perseverance.
Amongst the regular club members, there are several Judoka who are designated as Learning Disability (LD), with behavioural, learning and motor difficulties, as well as visual impairments. LD and mainstream players train alongside each other, creating the opportunity for the able-bodied mainstream Judoka to understand the challenges that their LD counterparts face daily, and widening horizons for both.
MJC provides classes for beginners, with new sessions every eight weeks, providing the foundation and basic skills necessary before moving on to the more advanced classes.
These classes cater for both junior and senior players, allowing families to train together. Progression is tracked through a grading system. MJC also has an active competitive group, representing the club locally, nationally, and internationally in both LD and mainstream competitions. They count amongst their achievements an LD World Gold Medallist, an LD 2023 British Schools Gold medallist, several gold medals from the 2017 Sheffield Special Olympics and multiple local open championship gold medallists in the mainstream section.
Anyone who wants to come, and “Have-a-Throw” will be loaned a suit (judogi) for the initial sessions, and training fees are kept as low as possible to make the sport accessible to everyone, whatever their circumstances.
For further information and some great training pictures see www.miramarjudoclub.com.
Alternatively, drop in and meet some of the players one evening!