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  • Address: 159 Wicksteed Street, Whanganui
  • Make a call: 0274457882
  • Email Address: wayne@wanganuijudo.nz

About Us

Wanganui Judo Club   →  About Us

About Us

Wanganui Judo Club champions Theresa and Wayne Watson

Why Choose Us?

About Wanganui Judo Club

Welcome to the Wanganui Judo Club, the oldest judo club in Whanganui! We’ve been around since 1954, so we’ve been proudly teaching in the Whanganui community for over 65 years.

Our club offers classes for all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced students. Our instructors are certified by the International Judo Federation and have lots of experience teaching judo. They’re friendly and want everyone to feel welcome and safe while learning.

As Whanganui’s longest running judo club, we have a proud history of excellence in judo. Our members have achieved success at local, national, and international levels. We are proud to have produced some of New Zealand’s top judo athletes.

But at Wanganui Judo Club, we are more than just a judo club. We are a community of like-minded individuals. We share a passion for judo and a commitment to excellence.

Join us today and discover the joy of judo!

Our Mission

Our mission at Wanganui Judo Club is to promote the values of courage, respect, and self-control through the practice of judo. We think that if our members learn these values in class, they can use them in their everyday life and become great examples for others in our community.

  • Courage
  • Respect
  • Modesty
  • Friendship
  • Honour
  • Honesty
  • Self-control
  • Courtesy

Our Club's History

Wanganui Judo Club has a long and proud history that spans over six decades. Our club was established in 1954 and has been operating continuously since then. Judo was the first martial arts style to become established in New Zealand with clubs and trained teachers, with the first club opening in Auckland in 1948. Many of the clubs were started by Dutch and English migrants who had been in the armed forces and stationed in Asia.

Over the years, our club has produced some of New Zealand’s top judo athletes, with many members achieving success at local, national, and international levels. Currently, the club is run by Wayne Watson, a 6th Dan Black belt and Commonwealth Games bronze medalist.

As we approach our 70-year anniversary in 2024, we are proud of the legacy that has been created by our club and its members. We remain committed to teaching the values of respect, self-control, and courage through the teachings of judo. Join us as we celebrate our history and look towards the future of the Wanganui Judo Club.

Judo in New Zealand

  • 1948

    Judo becomes the first martial arts style established in New Zealand

    Judo was the first martial arts style to become established in New Zealand with clubs and trained teachers. The first judo club in New Zealand opened in Auckland in 1948.

  • 1954

    Wanganui Judo Club established

    Wanganui Judo Club was established in 1954 and has been operating continuously ever since.

  • 2024

    Wanganui Judo Club's 70 year anniversary

    2024 will mark the 70 year anniversary of Wanganui Judo Club!
Hamish W.
Student, Senior Judo Classes
I have been doing Judo for approximately 12 months and just recently achieved my yellow belt. Judo has been of massive benefit to my physical and mental health and I would recommend it to anybody. Wanganui Judo Club is a fantastic club with great instructors and classmates. I feel very fortunate to have discovered this sport and such highly skilled Instructors and peers to help progress my learning.
Graeme S
Student, Senior Judo Classes
I have been playing Judo for more than 20 years throughout my life. I have been a member of the Wanganui Judo Club for more than 10 years during my career in the sport. I have trained as a Junior Boy (joining the club at about 7 years old) through intermediate age and more recently as a Senior. The Wanganui Judo Club provides a safe, friendly environment within which to learn the techniques and skills to be successful. The club is extremely lucky to have Wayne Watson as the senior Sensei in the club. All club members are friendly and supportive. I would recommend this club to anybody of any age. Come and give it a go.

Meet the Wanganui Judo Club team

Our Instructors

Meet the Wanganui Judo Club team and our instructors. Wayne Watson is a skilled New Zealand judoka who has competed at international level. Our sensei and senpai provide expert guidance to judoka of all levels, helping members to develop their skills and reach their potential in this exciting martial art.