Hajime Judo Club

Harrogate, Leeds, Selby, Skipton,  .


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Tel: 07485434960

About Us

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.

With a dynamic approach to Judo, our coaching improves strength and cardiovascular fitness at each of our five locations. We opened our very first Dojo five years ago at our Skipton base, and since then our community has grown to Leeds Middleton, Leeds Horsforth, Harrogate and Selby – with expert coaches available at every site.

Although Judo is a combat sport, the activity does not require force or aggression; instead, we work to achieve balance, resilience and focus to win over an opponent. Whether you’re an adult looking to build strength or a parent enquiring for your child, we tailor every class to each member’s needs – ensuring an enjoyable coaching session at every visit.

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 the 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.