Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo

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Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo

Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club Is now the Hombu Dojo for The Zen Judo Family (after the closure of Petersfield Zen Judo Club in Love Lane, in 2015).

ay', should be about technique rather than strength, yielding to use the strength used against you, and that is what we try to learn. The Zen Judo syllabus is based upon traditional martial arts training where the focus is on mastering technique rather than focusing upon competition. Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club is a member of The Zen Judo Family (ZJF) and affiliated to The British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA) and Kenshindoryu Nippon Budo Kyokai. The Chief Instructor of the Club is John Robertson 6th Dan (ZJF) and 6th Dan (BZJFA). John was talked into starting Judo by his daughter and son at the age of 36 and has now been a judoka (member) of the Zen Judo Family for over 30 years, 20+ of those as an assistant instructor in a number of Zen Judo clubs in West Sussex and Hampshire. The Bognor Club was started by John on the 1st March 2004 with only 4 students and rapidly expanded to 20 regular members. The Club meets at South Bersted Church Hall in Bognor Regis. All ages and abilities are catered for and beginners are always made welcome. Please take a look at the rest of the site for more information about the club and Zen Judo in general. Time: Sessions are held weekly on Monday Evenings,
All grades (Mixed 7+ to Adult) 7:00 to 9:00pm (19:00 - 21:00hrs). Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo
South Bersted Church Hall
Bersted Street
Bognor Regis
West Sussex. P022 9QE

Directions:
At the A29/A259 (Bognor Hospital) round about take the A259 Chichester (Portsmouth) exit past the Ambulance
Station. At the next set of traffic lights turn right into Bersted Street. Follow the road round to the right, after the Church turn right just before The Art of Dance Studio. We are in the Church Hall behind The Art of Dance. Contacts:
- - Chief Instructor and Club Administration email:- [email protected]

- - or call 07506689314 or 07904081211 for more information.

-- Assistant Instructors:
Martin Robertson 5th Dan (ZJF) and 5th Dan(BZJFA). David Bennington 4th Dan (ZJF) and 1st Dan (BZJFA). Yvonne Robertson 5th Dan (ZJF) and 3rd Dan (BZJFA). Sharna Robertson 3rd Dan (ZJF) and 3rd Dan (BZJFA). Jon Taylor 2nd Dan (ZJF).

-- Or visit the club website: www.brzjc.co.uk

- - Or visit the main Zen Judo website: www.zenjudo.co.uk

Affiliation: The Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club is at present the Hombu Dojo for The Zen Judo Family and is affiliated to both The Zen Judo Family (ZJF) ( A founding member of the International Gentle Arts Society) and The British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA) based in Nottingham. Both organisations have international links. Visit http://www.zenjudo.co.uk for more information and for links to other Judo clubs around the world. Kano Jigoro: (1860-1938), Japanese founder of judo. Due to a weak constitution, Kano began practicing the Japanese martial art jujitsu at the age of 20. He soon incorporated his philosophy of mental and physical training with aspects of jujitsu and other martial arts to develop what he called judo (Japanese for "gentle way"). In 1882 in Sh*taya, Tokyo, he founded Kodokan, his first dojo with only nine pupils. In 1885 Kano went to Great Britain to popularise judo in the West. By the time of his death in 1938, judo had over 100,000 black belt practitioners. Our Origins: the time line for the evolution of Judo and Zen Judo is ...

•Dr Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) founded Kodokan Judo in Tokyo in 1882.
•Kenshiro Abe (7th Dan) & Bill Woods (2nd Dan) founded the British Zen Judo Council in 1958.
•Kenshiro Abe (7th Dan) founded Kyu Shin Do
•Dominick McCarthy (8th Dan Zen) founded The Zen Judo Family in 1974 (Petersfield Zen Judo Club)
•Roger Lewis (4th Dan Zen) founded Chichester Zen Judo Club
•John Wingham (2nd Dan Zen) & Jo Winslow (4th Dan Zen) founded Felpham Zen Judo Club
•John Robertson (5th Dan Zen) founded Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club on 1st March 2004

Copyright © by The Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club Website
All rights reserved.

02/07/2025

July Training Sessions / Fees:

If you normally pay by bank transfer, there will be four training sessions this month (July). If you pay by bank transfer, the total due will be £28 (please let me know when you have paid).

If you are unable to attend regularly during the month (and pay up front), please try to pay by cash (£7) for each session when you are able to attend. It makes it easier for us to keep track of session payments.

We have room to take on new and returning students, if you know anyone who might be interested in giving Judo a go please let them know.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

27/06/2025

As the weather looks like it could be very hot Monday evening (30th June), can all judoka please remember to bring a t-shirt with them, so we can practice some no gi judo.

Sensei John Robertson
(Chief Instructor)

12/06/2025

(Approx 2 minute 50 second read)

I was asked recently if I could help a new mother learn some self-defense.
She has a six-month-old child and she has no prior martial arts experience. On top of that, she’s working as well - so her days are full, her sleep is broken, and time for anything extra is in very short supply. From a reality-based perspective - how could I help her?
The answer has little to do with punching or kicking.
When someone has zero experience, the worst thing you can do is throw them into complicated movements or drills that don’t reflect the reality of their life.
The best place to begin is with mindset, awareness, and the sort of practical habits that don’t require years of training.
For a new mother, it’s not about learning how to fight. It’s about avoiding the need to fight in the first place. The most effective self-defense is to not be there when trouble happens. It’s a cliché, I know - but it’s the truth.
That begins with understanding how violence unfolds and how to reduce the chances of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both the ‘wrong place’ and the ‘wrong time’ are hugely important. Do you really need to be in the mall car park at 2 a.m.? That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead.
It also means staying off the phone when walking, looking up, noticing people and exits, and not ignoring that gut feeling when something feels off. If a situation doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. ‘What if?’ is a question I often ask my students. It’s a useful way to stay switched on without becoming paranoid.
Even simple things make a big difference: parking in well-lit areas, having keys ready before reaching the car, checking the area before placing your child inside, walking with purpose, and avoiding isolated spaces.
Keeping a child close when in public. Being wary of anyone who tries to get too close. Confidence and awareness can do far more to deter an attacker than any technique learned in a rush.
At home, it means making sure doors and windows are secure, the outside is well lit, and that the home itself doesn’t offer an easy target.
These are things that don’t take years to learn, but they make all the difference.
There’s also the matter of how predators operate. Many ‘interview’ their targets first. They test boundaries, look for hesitation, or signs that someone is distracted or unsure. Someone who is alert, who notices them, who doesn’t seem easy - that alone can interrupt the process. This isn’t about being aggressive or confrontational. It’s about not looking like the easy option.
Verbal skills matter too. A clear, firm voice saying “No”, “Back off”, or “Get away from me” can stop someone in their tracks. It sends a message - not just to the aggressor, but to anyone else who might hear it.
Standing tall, using direct eye contact - not as a challenge, but with confidence - can shift the balance of a situation before it ever turns physical. And if needed, shouting something like “Get away from my baby!” can snap people to attention much faster than a general cry for help.
That’s where I’d start. No stances. No drills. No kata. Not yet. First, understand the problem. Then build the habits that help avoid it altogether. If she’s open to it, physical training can come later - but it should only build on a solid foundation of awareness and understanding.
For those who teach fighting techniques as the starting point for self-defense - how exactly does that help this young woman? She has no experience, barely any time, and a child depending on her.
What she needs isn’t impractical drills, or tradition, or a false sense of power from a few moves repeated up and down the dojo. She needs habits she can apply immediately, in real life, under real pressure.
Real self-defense isn’t about fighting first. It’s about context, planning, and keeping yourself - and your child - safe.
Written by Adam Carter

25/02/2025

A variation on a theme.

25/02/2025

A bit of fun at the end of Monday nights session.

25/02/2025

Congratulations to Laurence on achieving his Black belt at the grading Saturday. Well deserved and shows what can be achieved with perseverance and effort 🙂

24/02/2025

В Джудо научаваш как да се изправиш, без значение колко тежко си паднал!

22/02/2025

Congratulations to the following on successfully grading today, well deserved:

Laurence (Black belt);
Chris and Martin (Brown belt);
George and Csaba (Green belt).

Thanks to the Black belts, Jon, Yvonne, Dave and Martin for helping arrange and carrying out the gradings. A special thanks to Dave for being Chris' Uki for the grading, hope you recover soon (enjoy the new Orange belt 😄 ).

Shihan John Robertson 6thDan.
(On behalf of the ZJF)

11/01/2025

An interesting article for those about to take a grading:

(Published on the Blitz website)

How to Prepare for a Martial Arts Grading and Combat Nerves

By

Blitz

1 May 2024

Martial Arts grading isn’t just a test of your physical prowess; it’s also a profound journey into the depths of your mind and spirit. Whether you’re a white belt stepping onto the mat for the first time or a seasoned black belt, the anticipation of grading can send a rush of adrenaline through your veins. Fear not, brave Martial Artist! Let’s embark on a quest to prepare and conquer those pre-grading jitters with a blend of wisdom and whimsy.

1. Master the Basics, Again and Again

The foundation of any Martial Arts discipline is rooted in the mastery of basic techniques. Begin your preparation by revisiting these core elements. Whether it’s your stances, kicks, punches or kata/forms, practice them until they feel like second nature. This repetition is not just about physical memory but also about building confidence. Remember, confidence comes not from doing something unique every day but, from doing the same thing in an exceptional way, every day.

2. Visualise Your Victory

Visualisation is a powerful tool used by athletes all around the world, and it works wonders in Martial Arts too. Spend a few minutes each day visualising your grading session. See yourself executing each move perfectly, handling corrections with grace, and even imagine bowing to receive your new belt. This mental rehearsal can make the actual experience feel more familiar, significantly reducing anxiety.

3. Simulate the Experience

If the grading room is your arena, why not train in it? Arrange to have a few practice sessions in the actual grading environment or simulate it as closely as possible. Wear your full uniform, have your instructor or a senior belt watch you, and run through your routines under their gaze. This ‘dress rehearsal’ helps acclimate your nerves to the real thing.

4. Stay Connected

Build a support network within your dojo or training hall. Connect with others who are also preparing for grading. Share tips, train together and maybe even have mock grading days. The camaraderie can turn the nerve-wracking preparation into a fun and collaborative effort.

5. Mind Over Matter

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your training sessions. Practices like deep breathing, meditation or even yoga can help soothe your mind and keep stress at bay. Not only do these techniques enhance mental clarity but, they also improve your physical flexibility and stamina – key components in Martial Arts.

6. Healthy Body, Focused Mind

What you put into your body affects how you perform, both mentally and physically. In the weeks leading up to your grading, be mindful of your diet. Opt for foods that fuel your body without weighing it down – think lean proteins, complex carbs and plenty of hydrating fluids. A well-nourished body supports a sharp mind.

7. Rest and Recuperate

Remember, while practice is crucial, so is rest. Ensure you get adequate sleep in the days leading up to your grading. A tired body and mind can amplify anxiety. Rest is your secret weapon; it allows your body to repair and your mind to assimilate all the hard work you’ve put in.

8. The Day Before D-Day

The day before your grading, try to keep things light. You might want to run through your routines slowly, focusing more on form and breathing rather than intensity. This is not the time for last-minute cramming. It’s the time to trust in the training you’ve done and allow your body to store up energy for the big day.

9. Embrace the Experience

Finally, on grading day, embrace the experience. Accept that nerves are a natural part of the process; they mean you care and you want to do well. Channel that energy positively, focusing on your determination and the joy of performing what you’ve practiced so hard to learn.

Remember, each grading is not just about the belt, it’s a celebration of your journey, growth and the warrior spirit within you. So, tie your belt a little tighter, take a deep breath and step forward with courage. You’ve got this!

04/01/2025

Managed to make the trip upto Northampton for the Kenshindoryu New Year course. Nice to catch up with Sensei Jim Dart and the guys, lots of new faces and martial arts friends. Thanks to all the instructors for an enjoyable day. Now where did I put the arnica cream 🥴

Sensei John Robertson

16/12/2024

Our last session of the year tonight, which has become the traditional 'games night', this usually involves a lot of rule bending (usually by the senior black belts) 🤔

Various certificates for the highest attendance and demonstrating judo values were awarded.

To those members that couldn't make it for various reasons, you missed a great night.

Its been an interesting year for the club, with the Zen Judo Familys 50th anniversary and 20 year since the Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club was formed. We have been lucky to have attracted back a number of old and new students to the club which has helped to grow the club again.

With a grading day planned for February next year we have much to look forward to.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year. See you back on the 6th January 2025.

Sensei John Robertson

30/11/2024

If you normally pay by bank transfer, there will be three training sessions this month (December). The total due will be £21 (please let me know when you have paid). If anyone is having issues with paying for sessions please talk to Sensei Yvonne.

Our last session for the year will be 16th December and numbers allowing will be the traditional games night.

Our first training session in the New Year will be Monday 6th January. We will be concentrating on preparation for those hoping to grade on 22nd February, if you have misplaced your grading syllabus sheets please let me know.

We have room to take on new and returning students, if you know anyone who might be interested in giving Judo a go please let them know.

I would like to wish all our instructors and students a happy Christmas and New Year.

Sensei John Robertson 6th Dan
(Chief Instructor)

Address

South Bersted Church Hall, Bersted Street
Bognor Regis
PO229QE

Opening Hours

Monday

7pm - 9pm

Website

http://www.brzjc.co.uk/

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Our Story

We practice Judo in a nurturing non-competitive environment. There is a syllabus of throws to learn, designed to ensure no-one gets hurt or is pushed to do anything they don't feel comfortable with and we like to have a fun family atmosphere. We aim to build ability and confidence, each individual progressing at their own speed, with an emphasis on relaxed co-operation. Judo, which means 'Gentle Way', should be about technique rather than strength, yielding to use the strength used against you, and that is what we try to learn. The Zen Judo syllabus is based upon traditional martial arts training where the focus is on mastering technique rather than focusing upon competition. Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club is a member of The Zen Judo Family (ZJF) and affiliated to The British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA) and Kenshindoryu Nippon Budo Kyokai. The Chief Instructor of the Club is John Robertson 5th Dan (ZJF) and 2nd Dan (BZJFA). John was talked into starting Judo by his daughter and son at the age of 36 and has now been a judoka (member) of the Zen Judo Family for over 25 years, 15+ of those as an assistant instructor in a number of Zen Judo clubs in West Sussex and Hampshire. The Bognor Club was started by John on the 1st March 2004 with only 4 students and has rapidly expanded to 20 regular members. The Club meets at South Bersted Church Hall in Bognor Regis. All ages and abilities are catered for and beginners are always made welcome. Please take a look at the rest of the site for more information about the club and Zen Judo in general. Time: Sessions are held weekly on Monday Evenings, All grades (Mixed 7+ to Adult) 7:00 to 9:00pm (19:00 - 21:00hrs). Bognor Regis Zen Judo Dojo South Bersted Church Hall Bersted Street Bognor Regis West Sussex. P022 9QE Directions: At the A29/A259 (Bognor Hospital) round about take the A259 Chichester (Portsmouth) exit past the Ambulance Station. At the next set of traffic lights (by the White Horse Public House) turn right into Bersted Street. Follow the road round to the right, after the Church turn right just before The Art of Dance Studio. We are in the Church Hall behind The Art of Dance. Contacts: - - Chief Instructor and Club Administration email:- [email protected] - - or call 07506689314 or 07904081211 for more information. -- Assistant Instructors: Martin Robertson 5th Dan (ZJF) and 2nd Dan(BZJFA). David Bennington 4th Dan (ZJF) and 1st Dan (BZJFA) (Sensei Havant Zen Judo Club). Yvonne Robertson 4th Dan (ZJF) and 1st Dan (BZJFA). Sharna Robertson 3rd Dan (ZJF) and 1st Dan (BZJFA). Alex Barnes 2nd Dan (ZJF). Jon Taylor 1st Dan (ZJF). -- Or visit the club wedsite: www.brzjc.co.uk - - Or visit the main Zen Judo website: www.zenjudo.co.uk Affiliation: The Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club is at present the Hombu Dojo for The Zen Judo Family and is affiliated to both The Zen Judo Family (ZJF) ( A founding member of the International Gental Arts Society) and The British Zen Judo Family Association (BZJFA) based in Nottingham. Both organisations have international links. Visit http://www.zenjudo.co.uk for more information and for links to other Judo clubs around the world. Kano Jigoro: (1860-1938), Japanese founder of judo. Due to a weak constitution, Kano began practicing the Japanese martial art jujitsu at the age of 20. He soon incorporated his philosophy of mental and physical training with aspects of jujitsu and other martial arts to develop what he called judo (Japanese for "gentle way"). In 1882 in Sh*taya, Tokyo, he founded Kodokan, his first dojo with only nine pupils. In 1885 Kano went to Great Britain to popularise judo in the West. By the time of his death in 1938, judo had over 100,000 black belt practitioners. Our Origins: the time line for the evolution of Judo and Zen Judo is ... •Dr Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) founded Kodokan Judo in Tokyo in 1882. •Kenshiro Abe (7th Dan) & Bill Woods (2nd Dan) founded the British Zen Judo Council in 1958. •Kenshiro Abe (7th Dan) founded Kyu Shin Do •Dominick McCarthy (8th Dan Zen) founded The Zen Judo Family in 1974 (Petersfield Zen Judo Club) •Roger Lewis (4th Dan Zen) founded Chichester Zen Judo Club •John Wingham (2nd Dan Zen) & Jo Winslow (4th Dan Zen) founded Felpham Zen Judo Club •John Robertson (4th Dan Zen) founded Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club on 1st March 2004 Copyright © by The Bognor Regis Zen Judo Club Website All rights reserved.