Ryde Judo Club to close after 60 years

Ryde Judo Club, founded in 1958 by former County Press reporter Clive Barton, is to close on Monday, December 17.

Martin Holt, who has run the club for 45 of those years, has seen many a samurai come and go in that time, with some excelling at county and national level, such as Heidi Meckler and Heidi Perkis, among others.

The day Ryde Judo Club rolled out the welcome mat for British judo superstar, Brian Jacks, in 1985.

The 64-year-old former BT engineer, who manages all aspects of the club voluntarily, decided a year ago he would hang up his black belt in the hope younger judo enthusiasts would put themself forward to take over the reins.

Sadly for the club, no one has, which left Martin no choice but to close down the club, based at the Eric Warner Centre (the former St John’s Annexe) on St John’s Hill.

“For the past ten years I’ve endeavoured to find a younger replacement, but unfortunately, this has not proved to be possible,” said Martin, a Medina Sports Personality of the Year winner in 1988.

Martin Holt, who is stepping down from running the club next week, taking one of his final training sessions last week.

“I still wanted to be involved, by doing a little coaching, but not run it anymore.

“I’m absolutely gutted — I don’t want to see it fold — but the decision had to be made.

“I was doing every role imaginable and got very little support. I now find it physically hard to continue.

“I wanted to give it up a year ago, but I bit the bullet.

“I’m afraid there is a general apathy towards doing anything voluntary these days.”

Ryde Judo Club members who took part in its junior championships in 1983, with Martin Holt in front.   

The club still has a sound membership, with Martin hoping they will go on to join another judo group, such as the Island’s only other group, the West Wight Judo Club.

In the club’s early days, Ryde Judo Club began its life in a lean-to garage, using mats of straw and training run in freezing conditions, before they moved to Greenmount School and the annexe, with David Watkin, Bob James and Roger Gamble paramount in running it.

Martin, who joined as a boy in 1965, at the annexe, took over running it when he was aged 19.

Ryde Judo Club's junior members today, with instructor and club manager Martin Holt.

In the 70s and 80s, when the sport was at its peak of popularity, membership was at 60, with a long waiting list to join — as was the case with other former clubs in Cowes, Sandown and Newport.

In 1985, Ryde Club welcomed Brian Jacks, a winner of BBC’s Superstars programme and a national hero in the sport.

However, with more choice in the martial arts, membership and voluntary help began to decline 15 years ago, which led to the closure of other judo clubs.

At Ryde Judo Club’s final session this coming Monday, all past and present members of the club are welcome to reminisce. Starts at 8pm.