Long Eaton Judo Club

The Long Eaton Judo Club was founded in 1961 and began when a group of local people attended a Judo beginner’s course at Derby Road School in Long Eaton. Initially there were 8, they all seemed to enjoy themselves so one of the group, Stuart Arundel suggested they all put in half a crown a week to purchase a mat area. It cost £40, this an achievement in itself and was kept and used in the Canteen area of Chambers, a local box packaging company in Toton. This small beginning was the start of the Long Eaton Judo Club. They then appointed a Secretary, Stuart who also enrolled himself on a coaching course. A further beginner’s course was set up by the newly created club with the help of local people who were already involved in the sport of Judo. This course attracted a gentleman named Ray Hawkins, Ray as some of you will know became one of the most influential members of our club.