4th Dan Judo (BBK) 3rd Dan Technical Judo (BJA) / Child Protection Officer
07836 619600 ianllewellin@torajudo.org
I have been practicing the martial art of Judo since 1977 when I was 8 years old, having joined Bushido Bristol Judo club run by Sensei Bob Bridges. Sensei Bridges demanded very high standards and placed huge amounts of responsibility on the shoulders of his students, meaning I began coaching at the age of 12. He was also insistent on students having an understanding of the relationship between Judo and Ju-Jitsu, which resulted in me practicing a large number of applications for techniques.
By age 14 I was awarded my 1st Dan black belt and had the great fortune of being sponsored to train with both the Spanish and Japanese Judo Squad in Spain. I have been hugely privileged over the years to have received coaching and instruction from world champions such as, Sabuyaki Sato, Sumio Endo, as well as many other highly qualified Sensei’s. I have also had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Brian Jacks and Neil Adams, two of Britain’s most successful fighters.
In my opinion, what is learnt in martial arts as a whole helps hugely in other areas of your life and helps to develop confidence and inner strength. I believe that in martial arts, one never stops learning!
Following a car accident in 2005, I was left with various injuries that led to three spinal operations and left me with limited abilities. A huge frustration on the one hand but sheer determination has only served to alter my focus in martial arts and in fact is teaching me lots more!