OUR CLUB HISTORY
At St Botolf's Parish Rooms, Knottingley
Children's sessions (5 - 14 year olds )
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
In the early 1970s Robert Lownes was the first coach of Knottingley Judo Club, he was approached by the manager of Knottingley sports centre whilst involved in a Judo demonstration being invited to coach at Knottingley sports centre.
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Robert was then accompanied by Steve Crossley, then Ken Cooper came along with his 2 sons in the mid 1970’s and started helping Robert out and ended up coaching the club after Robert had to leave Judo altogether.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
In the early 1970s Robert Lownes was the first coach of Knottingley Judo Club, he was approached by the manager of Knottingley sports centre whilst involved in a Judo demonstration, the manager noticed Roberts talent and invited him to coach at Knottingley sports centre on a regular basis.
Later on Robert was then accompanied by Steve Crossley, then Ken Cooper came along with his 2 sons in the mid 1970’s and started helping Robert out and ended up coaching the club after Robert had to leave Judo altogether.
DURING THE 80s.
Then into 1980’s Pete Simpson came along then started coaching with Ken.
Other coaches came to Knottingley Judo Club to coach and to train as it became one of the best clubs around the Yorkshire and Humberside area Including Richard Hellibrand.
Ken Cooper became the Yorkshire and Humberside coach and players from all around would visit the club for the great reputation the club had.
DURING THE 80s.
Then into 1980’s Pete Simpson came along then started coaching with Ken.
Other coaches came to Knottingley Judo Club to coach and to train as it became one of the best clubs around the Yorkshire and Humberside area Including Richard Hellibrand.
Ken Cooper became the Yorkshire and Humberside coach and players from all around would visit the club for the great reputation the club had.
Children's sessions (5 - 14 year olds )
IN THE 2000s.
In 2009 Ian Sidaway qualified as a coach and started helping Ken and Pete out, at this stage Ken was not there as much due to health issues. Ian had started Judo at 10 years old with Ken Coopers son David in 1977 and was involved with other clubs in the area.
In 2012 Pete died suddenly and it was a big shock to all who knew him.
Ian took over the club In 2012 with the help from Catriona Barber a few years later.
WHERE ARE WE NOW.
Knottingley Judo Club gained an incredible reputation over the years and produced champion Judokas, county champions, even commonwealth participants, and quite a few masters.
Olympic Judokas have visited the club over the years. Both Ken Cooper and Ian Sidaway became referees for the Yorkshire and Humberside area too.
After Knottingley sports centre closed in 2018 the club moved down the road to St Botolphs Parish Room, Chapel Street, Knottingley, WF11 9AN.
