One of the oldest martial arts clubs in New Zealand, founded in 1955 and based on Hutt Road in Kaiwharawhara, Wellington. It teaches judo, the Japanese martial art built on throws, holds and pins, to both beginners and skilled players. The club describes itself as a family club, with classes for children aged four and up as well as adults.
New students can try the first four sessions free, with no obligation to join. Classes are split into Peewees, Juniors and Seniors, so children train with others of their own age and size. Adults can come along to learn self-defence, to keep fit, or to train seriously for competition. The club's members have taken part in events including the Wellington Open and the Melbourne International Open.
The academy's history goes back to a small group of judo players who met in the basement of the old Wellington YMCA in Willis Street, and it still carries that sense of a club built by its members.
Our pick in Wellington for a family that wants a long-running judo club with a free trial and a clear path from beginner to competitor.