Our History

Premier Judo Club was founded in 1980 by Nigel Olden who is a professional Judo coach. By 1989 Nigel moved on and handed over to a colleague Pete Gittins another Judo coach.

Pete's employment in community education Mount Batten Wyvern community schools meant that Premier was able to expand and premier pupils came to the forefront in contest gradings in county grade related competitions. As Premier developed, by 2002 some gifted competitors had become Hampshire Junior Champions and 2004 Premier had 4 pupils in the Southern area Junior squad plus the odd Southern area medal from the senior section.

By 2007 the development of school clubs saw a serious reduction in new pupils coming into both the community education and the club classes. However, when the BJA sent the legendary Joyce Mally (multiple world masters champion) and along with Pete Gittins did a series of assemblies and displays in Junior schools, it resulted in a full programme of before and after school clubs which have been characterised by excellent retention rates.

This action has resulted in Premier being a thriving and successful organisation where pupils can develop and their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere. Multiple changes to the grading system, contest rules and county Junior championships have meant a reduction in Junior contest opportunities, however, in 2011, two seniors Rik Pike and Rory Hanley won their black belts in open contest and with an exceptionally high number of teenagers on first KYU brown belts more should follow these successes.