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Spring 2019Rochdale Judo Club

An interview with Warren Schofield

A member since he was 16 years old, Warren Schofield has served as the chairman of Rochdale Judo Club for over 20 years and is a trustee of the long-running club.

Warren was presented with his 7th Dan red and white belt in 2017.

He said: “The original Rochdale judo club was above a garage on Howard Street and this is where I went to practice. Since then, I have tried to build the Rochdale club to be stronger.”

Since opening in 1950, the club moved from a garage, to a church hall and a room above the old Rochdale market. In the summer of 1977 the club opened its own custom-built premises - the Trafalgar Street Dojo.

Warren has won numerous British titles as well as training with and competing against some of the most accomplished names in British judo. As a well-known and respected figure within the sport, he rose to prominence as a coach
when he trained three-time Paralympics gold medallist Simon Jackson MBE to his first success in Seoul in 1988.

Rochdale Judo Club is regarded as one of the leading clubs in the North West, and Warren’s mission now is to provide a valuable service to judo members, he said: “My love and passion for judo has got me to where I am. As long as I am physically able, I will continue.

“Judo has health benefits, it teaches discipline, respect, honour and how to be humble in both victory and defeat, and I think everyone could do with learning these skills.”

Rochdale Judo Club organises junior, cadet and senior sessions for ages four to 80, with training and instruction provided by experienced and certified British Judo Association registered coaches who send elite players to the Olympics.

Combat and self defence classes are also taught. Karate and jiu jitsu groups also use the facilities.

www.rochdalejudo.co.uk