Hajime Judo Club

Harrogate, Leeds, Selby, Skipton,  .


The community. The people. The club.

Hajime is the Japanese word meaning ‘beginning’ and just like the name of our club, our members begin a journey towards greater strength, self-empowerment, and a sense of community.

At Hajime Judo Club, we do more than just teach Judo — we help people of all ages grow stronger, more confident, and more resilient, one throw at a time!

Founded on values of respect, discipline, and community, our club is a place where beginners and experienced Judoka alike can thrive. Whether you’re 5 or 55, training for fun or for competition, you’ll find a welcoming environment, expert coaching, and a team that feels more like family.

👊 What We Offer:
✅ Fun, high-energy kids classes
✅ Women’s-only beginner courses
✅ Adult beginner & advanced Judo
✅ Holiday camps, events & more

Led by passionate coaches (including national-level competitors and DBS-checked instructors), we’re committed to helping every student achieve their best — on the mat and beyond.

Come for the Judo. Stay for the journey. 💙

 

 

About Balazs

With over three decades of experience, Sensei Balazs dedicated his life to Judo from the age of five and never gave up. With a palpable passion for martial arts and a unique Hungarian approach to the sport, Balazs launched Hajime Judo Club, determined to make Judo more accessible.

After several serious injuries, he decided to retire from the international Judo competition scene and utilise his dedication to the sport in a different way. Having experienced first-hand the mental and physical benefits of Judo, coaching was the inevitable next step to share his passion.

As a qualified coach with tons of experience working with both children and adults, Balazs operates across all our locations. With a spirited community of loyal members, the success of Balazs’ coaching is driven by his unique style and genuine love for Judo.

About Scott

Scott’s love for Judo started at 7 years old, at Castle Douglas Judo Club, SW Scotland. The club and community was very small and run by local volunteers. Scott trained with friends and his brothers and enjoyed competing as a junior at regional competitions.  

After leaving the sport as a teenager Scott returned after a short 20 year break when his daughter was old enough to start training in Judo. Scott now enjoys training and competing for Hajime Judo Club and has started as a volunteer coach at our club in Belle Isle, Middleton, where his daughter trains.

ABOUT Victoria

Victoria is the Club Welfare Officer for Hajime Judo Club. She has worked in a number of paid and voluntary roles involving child welfare and safeguarding over many years in both education and sports settings. Her children have also attended Hajime Judo Club for over 5 years, and she has enjoyed watching their confidence and skills grow as they train. Victoria strongly believes all children should have access to sport in a safe and nurturing environment like the one fostered at Hajime Judo Club

 

Our Values

The eight values of Judo are integrated into every stage of our training model at every class we host.