Blackpool Kaidokan Judo Academy celebrates milestone with community roots as a place ‘where everyone belongs’
"It's the people who have found confidence, the children who have made friendships, the individuals who have overcome personal challenges and the families who have become part of our community.”
Kaidokan Judo Academy Blackpool, based above Revoe Gymnasium, has celebrated its 11th anniversary marking more than a decade of sport, achievement, personal development and community work in Blackpool.
For more than a decade, Kaidokan has grown from humble beginnings into much more than a traditional martial arts club.
It has become a place where people develop confidence, build friendships, overcome challenges and discover what they are capable of.
The past 12 months have been particularly special for the academy, with achievements reaching far beyond competition results.
A spokesperson for Kaidokan Judo Academy said: "Eleven years is a huge milestone, and when we look back at where we started and everything that has happened since, it's quite special.
"We've had international competitors, champions, new black belts and some incredible individual achievements. But the things that make us most proud aren't always the medals or trophies.
"It's the people who have found confidence, the children who have made friendships, the individuals who have overcome personal challenges and the families who have become part of our community.
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"We've always believed that sport should be accessible to everybody. It shouldn't matter where you come from, what your circumstances are or what challenges you face. There should always be somewhere you belong.
Kaidokan has continued to produce talented judoka, including international champions, national medallists and new black belts, while seeing members progress through the grades and achieve things they may never have thought possible.
The academy has also continued to invest in its coaches, develop new talent and create opportunities for people to get involved in sport, regardless of their starting point.
But perhaps some of the most meaningful achievements have happened away from the competition mats.
Through its wider community work at Revoe Gymnasium, the team has helped fully fund community projects which include working alongside local libraries to encourage children to develop a love of reading.
This initiative is particularly close to the heart of the academy's leadership, with the belief that opportunities, education and encouragement should be available to everybody.
Other community projects have included anti-bullying initiatives, mental health support through physical activity, children's programmes, community events and opportunities for young people to develop confidence, resilience and life skills.
The academy continues to work towards creating an environment where people are valued for who they are, not judged by what they can or cannot do.
As Kaidokan enters its twelfth year, its ambitions remain firmly focused on developing people, creating opportunities and making a positive difference to the local community.