THE COACHES
Robin Gell has been doing judo for the past 60 years and is a British Judo Association 6th Dan and Level 3 coach. In previous years Robin competed in County Championships and was also a County and Area Coach along with being an Area Referee and a senior examiner for many years. Robin now teaches the juniors and seniors at Bedford Judo club and runs groundwork seminars on an array of Newaza techniques frequently sharing his impressive knowledge of Ne Waza.
George Woods is a British Judo Association 6th Dan and has been doing judo for 48 years. He is a Level 2 Coach and has been involved in teaching at various judo clubs for over 30 years.
George has successfully competed and medalled in many Judo World Masters events, held in such places as America and Europe, providing him with knowledge in which he shares with the senior members of our club where he coaches regularly.
Dick Copperwaite has also been doing judo for 60 years and is a British Judo Association 4th Dan and a Level 3 coach. In the past he has been very active at all levels of judo, including club, National, county and area teams. Dick is a former BJA Referee and senior examiner. He also taught judo at the local schools for three years, giving him vast experience in coaching. Dick now teaches the juniors at Bedford Judo club.
Andy Maddox is a British Judo Association 1st Dan and has been doing judo for 60 years. He is a level 3 coach and has a wide experience in coaching, having coached many judokas in other clubs. Andy also has experience in competitions, once winning a silver medal in the National Veterans 35+ category. Andy now coaches the juniors at Bedford Judo club
Julia Halstead started Judo aged 8 and is now a British judo association 2nd Dan and Level 2 coach. Julia won a silver medal in the 2019 commonwealth masters
Julia is also the Club Welfare Officer for Bedford Judo Club.
Laura Allen is our youngest coach, starting Judo at the age of 8 , competing at various national championships gaining her 1st Dan at the age of 15 and her 2nd Dan at 17 years old.