History of the Kodokan Judo Association (South Australia)

The Beginning:

In the late 1970’s, a number of local independent clubs joined together to form the South Australian Kodokan Judo Association Incorporated (SAKJAI) under the guidance of Sensei’s Moss HOLLIS and John CARTER. The Association flourished with the promotion of traditional judo teachings and assimilating with the Kodokan Judo Institute of Japan.

In 1980, the SAKJAI amalgamated with the Victorian Amateur Judo Union (VAJU) to form the Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA). A short time after, the Western Australia Kodokan Judo Association and the Queensland Kodokan Judo Association were formed and also joined the AKJA. Since that time, State Kodokan Judo Associations formed an alliance with each other to run under the auspices of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association Incorporated. During the period between 1980 – 1988, the Association successfully hosted a number of National Championship events in South Australia.

In 1988, there was a split in the Association which resulted in the majority of member clubs leaving the SAKJAI to form the current day Association incorporated as the Sakura Kodokan Judo Association Incorporated but trading as the Kodokan Judo Association of South Australia (KJA(SA). Many of the Instructors involved in the re-formation of the Association are no longer involved in the sport however two of the main promoters; David Gordge & Wayne Bartlett are still heavily involved in the administration of the KJA(SA) and the running of Goshin Judo Kan, an inaugural Association member.

The Early Years & the Japanese Influence:

In 1992, members of the Association built a friendship between visiting Japanese Judo teachers; Professor Shigeo Kataoka (7th dan) & Associate Professor Takeshi Ito (6th dan) from Asahikawa, Hokkaido in JAPAN. Professor Kataoka was working at the Hokkaido Univeristy of Education teaching Health Sciences whilst Associate Professor Ito worked at the Asahikawa University teaching Judo & Physical Education to students studying to be teachers. This was the start of a fantastic relationship between the two cultures which led to annual visits by the pair and in fact, Ito Sensei resided in Adelaide for lengthy periods of stay on a number of occasions between 1995 & 2000. During his stay’s, he performed the role of State Coach & dedicated many hours of teaching Kata to the Australian students.

This relationship was seen as an ideal way to promote the two cultures to other judoka within their respective countries. Regularly, Goshin Judo Kan would play host to a number of visiting Japanese judo teachers & students who would stay for prolonged periods at a time whilst learning English and teaching judo to Australian players. In turn, Australian players (David Gordge & Wayne Bartlett being the first) would visit Japan, undertaking judo training & gaining exposure to cultural aspects of the country. As a result, this had a positive impact on Australian Judo and has improved the standard taught within the Association, and more broadly, within the AKJA.

Between 1988 & 1995 the Association had a number of member clubs, position around Adelaide & including Broken Hill. The Association did not have a particular office base as such. In 1995, the premises utilised by Goshin Judo Kan at Clarence Gardens was purchased by a group of Japanese Judo high grades and 3 Australian investors including David Gordge & Wayne Bartlett. This was the first centre in South Australia solely dedicated as a Judo training facility. It was at this time that the Association was able to base itself at the Goshin Judo Centre and utilize the facilities as the KJA(SA) state headquarters.

The Association began to build its reputation as an Association dedicated to the promotion of Japanese judo as intended by the founder, Jigoro Kano and a leader in the teaching of Kata techniques. A number of international ‘sister-association’ affiliations have been established with the KJA(SA) with various clubs & associations from around the world - many originating in Japan.

Modern Times:

In 2002, Ito Sensei was promoted to Professor status within his university but died a short time later due to ‘diabetes’ related illnesses. He is sadly missed.

In 2007, Professor (emeritus) Kataoka retired but has retained his involvement with the Japanese Society of Sport Sciences & Osteopathic Therapy (JSSPOT) as well as Patron of the KJA(SA) & maintains his role as AKJA International Technical Adviser & senior member of the Grading Commission & Technical & Development Board. In 2006, Professor Kataoka was promoted to 8th dan with the AKJA.

In 2005, the Association was selected to host the Judo contest for the Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games which were held in Adelaide. The event was a success & was a good fore-runner to the 2005 AKJA National Championships and the 2005 Australian Masters Games (AMG) also hosted by the Association in Adelaide. The later 2 events were also hailed a success with many positive comments being made by masters aged participants & management of the AMG. Owing to the positive feedback regarding the 2 events, the Association was again selected by the AKJA & the AMG management to host the 2007 National Championships & the 2007 Australasian Masters Games which were a much bigger event. Again, both events were held in unison and conducted professionally resulting in many accolades. The Association is again hosting the judo tournament for the 2011 AMG in Adelaide.

The KJA(SA) as a modern, motivated and progressive organisation has been recognized as a leader within the junior ranks of the sport. The Association has developed & adapted contest rules to establish modified junior competition which is designed to enhance enthusiasm, increase physical activity and encourage the participation of younger players in competition, whilst keeping the activity fun & safe. The new addition to the modified rules for the Sub Yonen (U10yr) groups is designed to remove the pressure from the young to just win, but at the same time reward players for trying better techniques.

Since the inception of the Association, all Committee & Board members have been volunteers with no remuneration paid to any person for their involvement in the Association. The Association is funded solely through membership fees & competition fundraising. The Association receives no other funding from Government apart from occasional minor grant payments for the purchase of equipment. It is anticipated that the club will flourish for many years to come and always welcomes new members to the fold.

Kind regards,

David Gordge
President.