The End Of Our Second Year
Well here we are again...
We are at the end of our 2nd year(although it is only a little over 18 months is actual time since we started operating)
At the end of last year I published my first annual report highlighting our achievements over the previous 7 months - if you would like to re-read it, please click the following link
I remember clearly that one of my concerns were that would we be able to maintain our wonderful momentum, last year we achieved so much in such a short amount of time because Charles and I had been overwhelmed with the amount of offers to assist us with the day to day running, this in turn enabled us to take on much larger projects than we had first envisaged.
I'm happy to say that the momentum did indeed continue throughout 2017, our committee members really started to not only settle into their roles but start to excel in them, also we appointed non executive volunteers who have helped tremendously with all of our events and logistics
We have said previously that we aspire to be the best club, not only in achievements in competition but in all day to day aspects and logistics,
we now have what I believe in my opinion is one of the best Safeguarding and Welfare policies/departments within the BJA, something that Jess and the rest of the club has worked very hard on. Coupled with an appointment of a Equity officer role( a new position for 2017) I'm extremely proud of the effort to realise all of this
Our Development has been very busy this year also, a new location was opened in Ashburton thanks to Mike & Mandy, A new school club with Tavistock College and a Link and new class at Marjon university gave us our two black belt links, Links Jeurgen Klinger with Bath University proved beneficial for our players but more so for our coaches. We achieved our full Club Mark from Sport England within 12 months of starting up.
Coaching has improved too new coaches have joined which means particular sessions now being 'owned' by specific coaches but efforts made by the entire team and Head Coach Mike to ensure that all the coaches have synergy and the sessions compliment each other, Corey-Ann took on a personal mission to improve all of our players core strength and movement(this has proved very successful)
Promotion has been a big part of this year, with features on TV, Radio, Newspaper and Online featuring Drake Judo Club,
I have listed below some of our notable events and achievements
from 2017 that I felt have warranted a mention, it is also worth noting that we have some ambitious plans for 2018 including Steve Gawthorpe hosting monthly sessions for our squad and attending a record amount of competitions across all 3 of our player generations
Lastly I would like to personally thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make DJC a success
Ross
Chairman
Colin Oates Masterclass at Plymouth
Squad class on a Wednesday Launch
New Senior Beginners Class in Plymouth and Lee joins to coach
Appointed a constitutional President – Allan Perry
First trip to the British Schools(Jack & Lottie)
DJC first Annual General meeting
First overnight trip to BJC Nationals and First Medals
Pat Warren our first 6th Dan takes a class at Plymouth
We hold our first ‘outdoors’ judo session in a hot May Saturday
Our first interclub festival with our unique club medals
We hold our very successful ‘’photographed in bizarre location wearing judo suit competition’’
Squad trip to Bath University, to train with Olympians
First demo at Whitchurch Primary and first yellow belt link with a school(we also recruited some players too!)
Joint training day at Kingsley School
Jack became our first player selected for the Western Area squad
Alanna took gold at the Kent International, our first international medal
We were awarded Clubmark
We appointed Junior Captain and Vice-Captain roles
We arranged a black belt link with Tavistock College
We arranged a black belt link with Marjons University
We had our Sushi making social
We won our first competitive trophy as a club in Cornwall
We attended ‘’Dans beach day social’’
Mike Askew Joined the coaching team
Steve Coles joined our coaching team
We launch our advanced senior class on a Tuesday and Gary Gregory joins the coaching team
We launch our Ashburton Class
Brian Jacks does a masterclass at Drake and becomes our Honorary President
We hold over 100 grading's throughout the year
We appoint new Drake Oya volunteers
We appoint an Equity officer, a first for the Western Area
We hold a Drake Ladies Spa day
We attend our first National Championships coming away with 3 bronze medals
Ros becomes our first National Champion taking gold at the British Masters
We appoint a full time Sports Therapist and Rehabilitator through our link with Marjons
Christine Gallie(nee Child) becomes our Honorary Vice president at 7th Dan she is the highest grade in the western area and is a former double European champion
Drake wins Bronze at the BJA annual awards in the best club category
Dan Brown take bronze at the BJA annual awards in the Volunteer of the year category
We currently have 10 Dan grades at the club
Over 100 members