Use force wisely
Judo means “the gentle way.” It teaches you to adapt and use balance, movement and timing instead of meeting strength with strength.
Blenheim · Marlborough · Since 1980
Stand taller. Move stronger.
Build confidence, discipline and real skill with a welcoming club that trains with purpose.
- Training dayEvery Tuesday
- Juniors · 6–135:30–6:30 pm
- Seniors · 14+6:45–8:00 pm
- Where31 Redwood Street
What is judo?
The gentle way.
Power through control.
Created in Japan by Jigoro Kano in 1882, judo is a martial art, an Olympic sport and a system for physical and personal development.
No striking
There is no punching or kicking. Training centres on controlled throws and groundwork, practised with safety and respect.
The judogi
Judoka wear a strong jacket, trousers and belt called a judogi. Grips help create movement, control and off-balance.
Skills for life
Judo develops fitness and technique alongside courage, courtesy, discipline, self-control and respect—on and off the mat.
Start safely
Learn movement, gripping and breakfalls with clear coaching and steady progression.
Go further
Stay for fitness and community, or test yourself through regional and national competition.
Choose your class
One club.
Two pathways.
Both groups train every Tuesday in the upstairs dojo at Horton Park Pavilion, 31 Redwood Street.
01 · JuniorsAges 6–13
Juniors
A fun-based, positive start built around balance, movement, safe falling, listening and confidence.
02 · SeniorsAges 14+
Seniors
Develop technical skill, practical fitness and composure—whether you are brand new or competition-focused.
A Tuesday at the dojo
✓ Your first class is free
Casual visitors $10 per class
International visitors train free
Blenheim Judo Club
Local roots.
Friendly people.
Blenheim Judo Club is a friendly, volunteer-led incorporated club affiliated with Judo New Zealand and part of the Central Districts area. Our volunteers are dedicated to creating a welcoming place where beginners can learn, build confidence and progress from their first breakfall through to tournament competition.
22Active members
50/50Juniors & seniors
1980Club founded
Judo NZAffiliated club
Our story
Over four decades
on the mat.
From one founder’s passion to a club that welcomes beginners and competitors alike.
- 1882
Judo is born
Jigoro Kano creates judo in Japan.
- 1980
Our club begins
Dave Foley founds Blenheim Judo Club.
- 2006
Judo NZ
Formally registered with Judo New Zealand.
- Today
22 members
Juniors and seniors training every Tuesday.
Dave FoleyFounder & head coach · Level 2 · Third Dan
Our founder
Building better
people through judo.
At 78 years old, Dave Foley remains passionate about the club he founded in 1980. For Dave, judo has never been only about throws, belts or medals—it is about giving people, especially young people, the tools to stand taller in life.
Blenheim Judo Club was formally registered with Judo New Zealand in 2006. As its founder and one of its qualified coaches, Dave has spent decades passing on far more than technique. Session after session, he has helped younger members learn how to listen, stay composed, work through setbacks and treat others with respect.
His commitment is still visible on the mat today. Dave continues to coach, support the club and test himself in competition. That example matters: progress does not have an age limit, and leadership means practising the same values you teach.
The greatest result is not simply winning—it is watching a young person grow in confidence, discipline and character.
The principle behind Dave’s work and the culture he has built at Blenheim Judo Club.
Our coaches
Passing it on.
Every Tuesday.
Volunteer coaches who help every member build their skills and confidence—on the mat and in themselves.
Club coach · Level 2 · Blue belt
Robert StillionHelping young people grow through judo.
“Helping people build their skills, watching them grow and gain confidence in judo and life, is what makes coaching worthwhile.”
About Robert
Robert coaches because he genuinely enjoys helping young judoka build their skills and confidence. He takes pride in supporting younger members as they learn, improve and develop—both on the mat and in themselves.
Assistant club coach · Level 1 · Blue belt
Solomon PanohoPassing on skills. Helping others progress.
“I enjoy helping people who want to progress and passing on whatever knowledge I can.”
About Solomon
Solomon began judo at age 12 alongside his father and brother. While they later stepped away from the sport, he carried on training and has progressed to blue belt. An engineer by trade, Solomon brings a practical, hands-on approach to learning and coaching.
After four to five years in judo, Solomon began helping with coaching. He originally worked mainly with the junior class and now focuses on seniors, while continuing to support junior sessions when needed.
Solomon enjoys the competitive side of judo, building new skills and the way training keeps him fit, active, healthy and flexible. He has competed at events including the South Island Championships, district competitions and the Top of the South Championships.
Your first session
Come upstairs.
Step on the mat.
- Wear comfortable training clothes
- Bring a water bottle
- Arrive a little early
- We’ll show you the rest
Training location
Upstairs dojo, Horton Park Pavilion
31 Redwood Street · Blenheim 7201
How much does it cost?
Your first class is free. A full term is $65 for juniors or seniors. Casual visitors pay $10 per class, and international visitors train free.
What ages can join?
Juniors are ages 6–13 and train 5:30–6:30 pm. Seniors are 14+ and train 6:45–8:00 pm. Both on Tuesdays.
Do I need any experience?
No. Beginners are welcome—whether you are brand new or competition-focused. You’ll learn movement, gripping and safe breakfalls first, with clear coaching and steady progression.
Is judo safe?
There is no punching or kicking. Training centres on controlled throws and groundwork, practised with safety and respect, and supervised by our coaches. Please tell us about any medical conditions or injuries.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable training clothes, bring a water bottle and arrive a little early. We’ll show you the rest.
Where do you train?
In the upstairs dojo at Horton Park Pavilion, 31 Redwood Street, Blenheim 7201.
Your first class is on us
Ready when
you are.
Principal club sponsor
Proudly supporting judo in Marlborough