Derek Coult – 4th  Dan BJA Level 3 Coach - Chief Instructor

“I started as a Junior in 1964 in Newham, East London becoming National Team Champions in 1967. I founded Melbourn JC in 1980, ran six Summer Schools in Meldreth and four Exchange trips to Holland in the 80’s. In the 90’s we took 3 squads to Japan, training at Sunagawa International JC. I am proud to have been able to bring International players Densign White, Neil Adams and Billie Cusack from GB, and Koga and Nakamura from Japan to the club. Our membership has risen greatly since we moved to the Royston Leisure Centre, providing more challenge and opportunity for all ages and abilities at the Club”.

Lesley Reid – 3rd  Dan BJA Level 3 Coach

I bought myself out of Ballet to take up Judo at the age of 6. I

have had a long association with Melbourn Judo Club, attended

two of the Meldreth Summer Schools in the 1980's. After moving to

Royston, I joined Melbourn JC in 1991. My best achievement in

Judo was a Bronze medal at the British Closed and a place in the

England squad in 1986. I was National Student Champion on two

occasions”. I have recently accepted a new role with the Club

as “Events Coordinator”. My key responsibilities will be to find

appropriate events for our competition players ranging from

“Mini-Mons”, Area, right through to Nationals.

Hamish Cameron – 2nd Dan BJA Level 2 Coach

I started Judo in 1982 in a north Bedfordshire village club, I have competed regionally and have won several medals as a junior and one as a senior. With my work I have lived in many different places in the UK and had great experience of many different Judo clubs. My most memorable experience was getting my 1st Dan, which was not an easy win and very hard work getting points. I joined Melbourn JC in 2000 where I have been an active senior member. Thanks to the encouragement of other members and the club I became a fully qualified club coach about two years ago and have enjoyed giving back to the club by taking senior sessions. I am still an active player and like to participate, I won promotion to my 2nd  Dan in December 2006.

Helen Ashworth - 1st Dan BJA Level 1 Coach

I started Judo in September 1982 at Melbourn Judo Club. At the time, the Club had over 100 members and had 3 Saturday afternoon session with 30 or so in each group. It took me almost 3 years18 months to progress to the top group, where everyone was a competition player. Around this time my Sister Erica joined the Club.We used to go to about 2 events every month, and to most of them in either hired Coaches or the Village College mini-bus. It was a very Happy 9 years. The highlight of my Junior era of the Club were the 3 visits we made to Valkenberg in Holland visiting Hei-Sei-Do Judo Club. Those sessions were tough. My Dad, Dave Guest who was by then on the Committee said the”Bar” activity in the evenings was just as tough. I rejoined the club about 8 years ago, and for the last 5 years I have served on the Committee, mainly as a representative for the Seniors. For the last 3 years I have been Club Secretary. The highlight of my senior career was getting my Black Belt. It made all that effort every week very worthwhile.

Vladimir Vasekin UKCC Level 2 Coach