Address: 47-69 Sheppards Street, GordonvaleTelephone:0405239655Email: southside_judo_club@hotmail.comFacebook:www.facebook.com/CairnsJudoSouthside/Website:www.judocairns.com

News & Announcements

Judo Classes at Cairns Southside Judo club are based on Queensland School Terms. Please see the photo below for school term dates.
Cairns Southside Judo Club is registered with the Queensland Governments Department of Sport and Recreation to redeem "FairPlay" vouchers, formerly known as "Get Started" vouchers. Clicking on the Activate! Queensland photo below for more details via the Queensland Governments website on eligibility and application.

Upcoming Events

21 March 2020 Grassroots Judo Challenge at our Cairns Southside Judo Club dojo!

Our News!

.... a timeline of our major news and activities dating back to our 2013 beginning.
January 2020 Welcome to 2020 training at our Cairns Southside Judo Club!
1 January 2020: Happy New Year!!! ......
We had a mighty busy 2019 Judo year...
31 Dec 2019 WIN News! Some fantastic reporting from WIN News on our attendance at the US Judo Winter Nationals https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsCairns/videos/2643879359034979/?t=0..
24 December 2019 Club Judo bags have arrived! ....Just in time for Christmas and our Cairns Southside Judo Club members who expressed an interest in them! Great looking bags which appear very practical and durable. Made especially for the Queenslander Judoka (from maroon Judogi material with Judo black belt material used for the shoulder strap and carry handles)!
21 December 2019 Bunnings Fund Raiser! A mighty busy Saturday at our Bunnings fund raiser with over 1100 sausage sandwiches going to good homes. :) An excellent fund raising event for our Cairns Southside Judo Club with thanks to Bunnings for the opportunity.

29 Nov - 13 Dec 2019 Trip to Los Angeles with participation at the US Judo Winter Nationals!

23 November 2019 Club Picnic & Awards Day A nice demonstration of gender inclusion in action. At our 2019 Cairns Southside Judo Club picnice, the 19 girls present outnumbered the 17 boys present. This years Best & Fairest was awarded to a young female player, the 6th consecutive year for a girl to be the recipient as well as 6 of the 7 finalists also being girls. This years most outstanding competitor was shared by two very competitive players with one being an outstanding female competitor (the 1st female recipient of the award since its 2013 inception). Next week, both these players along another young female competitor in the club will take a big step forward traveling to Los Angeles, USA to compete in two weeks time at the Judo Winter Nationals ®. Not forgetting that our club President, continues to be Dr. Karen Orts-Ronlund. By any measure, the girls and women in our club are not only being equally represented in terms of gender, but are setting the standard for all our club members to aspire to. As a club in a male dominated contact sport, we are very proud of these achievements.
23 -24 November 2019 Patrick Mahon Visit! A huge weekend of Judo which included a visit from Patrick Mahon Sensei of Brisbane Judo Institute... 2 classes yesterday with another 2 hour class today. Lots of shared insights and lessons learned!
9 November 2019 Grassroots Judo Challenge! Today's Grassroots Judo Challenge presented a raft of learning opportunities, and not just for the competitors. Trying their hand at refereeing were Juniors Esa, Hein, Bree & Regina. Refereeing also by Mr Richard, Mr Darren, Mr Luke and Mr Shannon. And if any of our referees made mistakes? No problems! It's called learning!! :) Fantastic to see our junior as young as 12 willing to have a go at refereeing and to do so with such confidence!!!
21 Oct 2019 Norm Hill Visit! Judo Black Belt Norm Hill recently spent some time with our club in the leadup to the 2019 AKJA National Judo Championships - Cairns Qld. We like to encourage the development of the social value of Friendship along with Courage, Politeness, Respect, Honour, Modesty, Self Control and Sincerity. Friendship and Sincerity are particularly wonderful combination of values. Thank you for your visit Norm, and thank you for your sincere friendship!
9 October 2019 Term 4 Judo Starts! Last night was the start of Term 4 Judo classes, hot on the heels of last weekends 2019 AKJA National Judo Championships - Cairns Qld. A good opportunity to present certificates to the majority of our 38 club players who challenged themselves to participate at this years Australian Kodokan Judo Association championships. The kanji (Japanese calligraphy) on these certificates was beautiful, with huge thanks to our very own Mitsuhiro Fujita who's expertise in Shodo made this possible. Last night we also had the pleasure of sharing company with Mr Murphy. Mr Murphy is a life member of Bushido Judo Club (NSW) with a vast array of Judo experience in Australia in almost all facets of the art (Judo teacher, Judo referee, Judo administration) as well as being the Judo parent of children who were champions in both Judo and life. A wonderful way to start Term 4 Judo.

3 -6 October 2019 AKJA National Championships in Cairns!

Our Cairns Southside Judo Club took a leading role in the conduct this year's Australian Kodokan Judo Association 2019 National Championships. The chance to hold the competition here in our metaphorical back yard allowed all our club's players an opportunity to compete in a big event and to feel special about it. 38 of our players (36 juniors and 2 seniors) took up the challenge! However this event did not just happen. So many of our clubs members and club families supported this event with their time and hard work.... As a club we are so very very very thankful for all this support, and the particularly huge and selfless individual volunteer contributions. A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to all our club members and parents for their support. The competition was held at the amazing Gordonvale High School's Sport and Performance Center. If our club's measure of Judo success was based on medals won, then 28 medals (9 Gold, 8 Silver and 11 Bronze) from 38 players sounds impressive. Instead, we believe the best measure of success is the nature of our participation as members of the club... Thank you to everyone in the club for contributing towards an event which we hope provided everyone with a positive experience and positive memories. The Honourable Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt MP formally opened this years Australian Kodokan Judo Association's National Championships. The Hon. Curtis Pitt summed it up so well by saying: “…. Yes it’s great to see competitors here. But more importantly its about making sure that you take something away from this weekend, not a medal but something that you learn and can apply every time you get on a mat….. I wish all of you the very best. It’s a terrific opportunity for you to be here… to learn and to make new acquaintances and friends…” A busy schedule with a day of skills/seminar training (Thursday 3rd Oct), Referee training/Kata Competition (Friday 4th Oct), Junior/Cadet competition (Saturday 5th Oct) & Senior/Masters competition (Sunday 6th Oct).
1 October 2019: Judo Demonstration! A little demonstration of Judo at Ravizza Park during this mornings Family Fun day. It quickly got too hot to stand on the judo mats so the children gave an impromptu demonstration of their breakfalling skills with a couple of throws done on the bare grass. :) Obviously only done by our senior students who have excellent breakfalling skills, using an appropriate controlled throw, and performed on clean grass free of sticks, stones or anything else potentially dangerous. :) A big thank you to Hambledon house for this mornings invitation, and to Cr John Schilling for his time and support at this morning's activity.
14 September 2019 Judo Competition! An excellent day of judo! Terrific turnout from Malanda Judo Club along with our own members from Cairns Southside. Lots of lessons learned by everyone.... players, referees, marshaling, time-keeping, parents and coaches alike. A few tears of nervousness but loads of smiles with confidence. Wonderful to see. This competition activity was held as a preparation for members of both Cairns Southside and Malanda Judo clubs in the lead up to the @2019 AKJA National competition of 3 weeks time. Excellent attendance and participation by both Cairns Southside and Malanda Judo Clubs.
1 September 2019 Ground Work Only Competition! Short notice (by popular demand from the children): Sunday morning "Ground Work Only" challenge (competition). Especially good as a preparation event for the upcoming AKJA National Competition to be held in Gordonvale/Cairns in less than 6 weeks time!
24 August 2019 Festival of Cairns Grand Parade! -----A terrific evening for many of our club members who took part in last nights Judo Club participation in 2019 Festival of Cairns Grand Parade! So much wonderful feedback from the parents of children who were so excited to have been part of it, especially being acknowledged by friends among the many thousands of spectators lining the Cairns Festival Esplanade parade route. Looking forward to next year already!!! We would have been lost without the amazing community support of Andrew and Terry Marsh of Marsh's transport Marsh S&NI of Gordonvale. This is the third year that Marsh's Transport have provided support to our club's Cairns Festival Grand Parade participation, allowing our young members the thrill of demonstrating their skills to the massive Cairns crowd. We are so appreciative and so thankful for this amazing support!!!
2 August 2019 Fitness Class at Sugar World (Edmonton): Although Judo training was cancelled due to the unavailability of Alley Park (Junior and Senior Rugby home games), a small group of our advanced Juniors instead undertook a modified fitness training session at Sugar World Park (Edmonton). Starting at 10 am and running to 12 midday, it was a mixture of challenging exercises, circuit training and a few games to finish off. Wonderful participation with loads of intrinsic motivation! https://youtu.be/CzwlubvXK-E
27 July 2019 Guest Instruction: A HUGE thank-you for last weekends visit by Myles McKenzie and Rob Close from Brisbane's Lang Park PCYC Judo Club, along with Kevin from France. 3 visiting black belts to our classes last Saturday!! Both Rob and Myles demonstrated practical techniques suitable for all our members irrespective of skill level. Over the past week of training, some of our members are already putting these techniques into their randori practice. And last week, Kevin demonstrated a great little turnover that Mitsu is also using now to good effect. Wonderful to have visitors to our club and even better if they leave a little of their Judo knowledge behind with us.
30 July 2019 FairPlay Vouncers Open: Applications for the new FairPlay Vouchers (Round 1) are now open 👉 www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers
21 July 2019 Fund Raising Dinner: Huge thanks to Richard, Jodie and Karen for organising a club Fund Raising Dinner at Dundee's by the Aquarium on Sunday night. We are so appreciative of the donations by Bek of @Tropica Store & Studio in Gordonvale, the Hon. Curtis Pitt MP for Mulgrave and "Rusty" Rusitovic ofMartial Arts Tatami Mats. Great effort for two of our young juniors with the "Judo Bingo". We are especially thankful for the attendance by our members, supporters and their friends and family, as well as the generous supporters who donated ticket purchases and unfortunately were unable to attend. It was a great night! https://youtu.be/Fe2nZuFCJUk
July 2019 Previous Judo Experience: It's quite amazing the number of people "out there" in the community who have done Judo at some stage in their lives, unseen and unknown. With the right opportunity at the right time, they can be drawn back to the mat, and into the wider club! One of our parents did judo as a child .... as an adult, he decided to introduce his two children to the art/sport as well as again putting on a judogi himself. Besides his children and judo suit, he has brought to the club an amazing set of professional skill sets. This month, we had a first time visitor to the club.... a doctor who has been living in Cairns for quite some time but who has not done judo for nearly 15 years. Before that, he had approximately 30 years judo experience as a student of one of Victoria's most experienced and senior Judo teachers. After his visit to us of last week, it looks like we may have him begin training with us on a regular basis now. As a result, our club gains more professional skillsets and hard gained Judo experience
17 July 2019 Term Three Judo: A great night of judo training for our first week of School Term 3. Three classes of Judo tonight + a visit by French Judoka Kév In. Starting the term with a BANG!
July 2019 Dinner Tickets: A fantastic effort by the Pittard family with 10 tickets by friends and family for this club fundraiser. We still have quite a few tickets left so hopefully our club members will canvas family and friends for a fantastic night out at a fantastic location in fantastic company!
July 2019 Volunteers, Parents and Support: We have many awesome parents in the club with such a wide range of skillsets. Thank you to Mark, and Jodie for the work they did earlier this week to clean fans, change fluro lights, and cleaning that has brightened up the hall. They even found time to mount our posters onto corflute, ready to hang up before the start of Term 3 classes. Thank you to Rob for placing more rodent baiting stations around the hall and surrounds which will benefit both the Junior Rugby League club as well as our Judo Club. A huge thankyou to Karen who through her amazing writing skills, secured a $20,000 grant for the Queensland Kodokan Judo Association from a very supportive Queensland government in order to purchase two competition mat areas in advance of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association's National championships to be held in 3 months time. And a huge thank you to Richard for his amazing project management skills, furiously organising things unseen in the background in the leadup to these National championships to be held in Cairns, jointly hosted by the Australian Kodokan Judo Association and the Queensland Kodokan Judo Association, and with our Cairns Southside Judo Club taking a lead with prior organisation. The next 3 months are going to be crazy busy for us all!!!
5 July 2019 AKJA National Championships Preparations: Mat Clean Working Bee & BBQ lunch: Almost exactly 3 months to go until the Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA) holds its National Championships in Gordonvale/Cairns from 4-6 October 2019. While most interstate participants will likely be staying in the Cairns City hub close to an awesome range of accommodation, meal and tourist activities, the actual competition will be conducted at the Gordonvale High Schools Sports and Performing Arts center (Shephards Street, Gordonvale). We will also have 3 full sized mat area's available for the competition which should assist in the smooth running of the event for the Tournament Director Mr David Gordge. Lots of work still to be done quietly and unseen in the background by our tournament organisers however now is the time for all our interstate participants (Nsw Kja, WA Kodokan Judo Association, Kodokan Judo Association South Australia, VAJU, Top End Judo Academy) and South Queensland clubs to start booking airfares and accommodation! We are looking forward to seeing you all up in Cairns at the best time of the year for both a judo competition and for a once in a life-time holiday!
6 July 2019 Mat Clean Working Bee & BBQ lunch: Thank you so very much to our club's parents AND children who were able to help out at short notice today. A big job made easier by such amazing support. All the mats were lifted, hand cleaned, the sprung floor swept and vacuumed, then the cleaned mats were laid back down and now ready for Term 3. Thank you!
29 June 2019 "Teams" Competition: The "Maroons Blues" vs "Drop Bears"? The "Bush Turkez" vs "Boyz"? :) For day 1 of the school holidays, a small group of our graded junior players along with a few keen visitors from Malanda Judo Club, had a morning of [roughly] weighted & [very mismatched] unweighted teams judo. :) There were no medals, certificates, ribbons, sheep stations or dias photo ops on offer. Instead, it was a morning of challenging judo with good fun and learning as goals. And so many wonderful plates of "nibbles" afterwards. :) A HUGE thank you to all the juniors for their excellent manner of participation, but also to our parents for taking time out on a busy Saturday morning in order to allow their children these kinds of opportunities.
26 June 2019 End of Term Two Training: Wow, term 2 ended this week but no-one was ready for it. We were all just getting on a roll. :) Never-the-less, in anticipation of 2 weeks of school holidays, we wrapped up classes this week with a few gradings and some fun and games. While all our very young players will have 2 weeks off training over the holidays, our more experienced and older juniors will continue training through the break with twice per week training (Monday and Wednesday 6.15-7.30 pm). A HUGE Term 3 of Judo to prepare for, however Term 2 is not over yet! This Saturday we will be trialing a Teams Competition format for U13 and U16 year graded players. 9am for 9.30 am start!
24 June 2019 Malanda Judo Club Competition: Unfortunately a road accident at the bottom of the Gillies Range (near Ross and Lock?) closed both lanes on the road and shut down traffic for a couple of hours on Sunday morning. Our club had at least 7 cars in the backed up traffic (Heather & daughter, Erika & 2 daughters, Richard, Luke and 3 children, John, Allison and son). Neil and family stayed up at Malanda on Saturday night so they did not get caught in the holdup. Long story short, we all each managed to communicate with each other and after sending apologies through to Shannon at Malanda Judo Club, managed to turn around and make other plans for Sunday. As Erika put it, they went for a picnic instead (having a "plate" prepared for the post competition "eat"). Neil and family waved the flag for our club at Malanda's competition while the rest of us did other things instead (like mow lawns and do school homework). On the upside, none of our families were involved in the accident that closed the road.
14-17 June 2019 Bushido Judo Club 50th Anniversary with Nakajima Sensei seminars: Luke Sensei was one of 90 priveleged guests invited to a huge weekend of Judo in NSW. Esteemed guests at the 50th celebrations included Bushido Judo Club's founder 6th degree black belt Mr Bruce Fagan (O.A.M), the Hon. Gareth Ward MP for Shoalhaven, DR Barry Chambers, Paul Ell, Professor Takeshi Nakajima from Japan, David Gordge (President of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association), Sue Slater nee Williams and Julie German nee Williams. Nakajima Sensei also conducted 6 classes of instruction over the 3 days as well as a detailed powerpoint presentation on his approach to Judo... "Judo Family!". On the 1st night of training, instructor suport included one 7th grade black belt, two 6th grade black belts and an assorted group of 8 other black belts which included 2 former Olympic and World championship representatives. An amazing depth of experience!
7 June 2019 Grassroots Challenge (Competition): Over 50 young boys and girls from 3 local clubs put their best foot forward at tonights get together! And not a medal in sight! :)
1 June 2019 Circuit Training returns! By popular demand from the juniors themselves.... A 15 minute circuit being put through it's paces AFTER the regular 75 minute Judo class....
26 May 2019 Mission Beach Social Activity: Today's adventures for a small group of the clubs older juniors... Rewarding and educative on so many levels including the climb up Bicton Hill, Clump Mountain National Park, Mission Beach, lunch at the Mission Beach Jetty, hunting for oysters at Clump Point, a quick stop over at Djiru National Park, Lacey Creek, and a late afternoon swim at little known (except to the town's locals) El-Arish swimming hole.
9 April 2019 PCYC Holiday Program Activity: ...
March 2019 Kazuhiro Domoto Sensei & family visit: ......
March 2019 Cleanup Australia: ......
16 February 2019 Cairns Biggest Sign On Day: Being held again at the Cairns Convention Centre from 10:00 - 3:00. A free event for young people and their families to connect with Sporting and Active Recreation Associations and Clubs. The event is organised by the Cairns Convention Centre and supported by the Sport and Recreation (Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Government). Showcasing Cairns wide array of sporting clubs to children and their parents at a "one stop information shop".
30 January 2019 FIRST NIGHT OF JUDO FOR 2019! Our first night of Judo classes for the 2019 Calendar year!
22 January 2019 PCYC Vacation Care Judo activity: ...
14 December 2018 - 29 January 2019 Christmas Holidays: Over the Christmas school holiday break, there will be no formal Judo classes as we recharge our batteries ready for a HUGE year of judo in 2019...

13 December 2018 LAST NIGHT OF JUDO FOR 2018! Thursday 13th December was our final night of judo classes for the 2018 calendar year! Thank you John, Lee, Luke and Mitsu for a huge 2018 year of Judo classes!
8 December 2018 US Judo Winter Nationals in Los Angeles, Southern California! Three of our members have just finished competing at one of the largest Judo events in the USA with a record 825+ competitors run on 6 mats over a single day! An amazing event for our young Cairns judo players to participate in. It was an especially HUGE day for little Anneliese! She had a total of 8 hard fought bouts to eventually win silver in the girls under 26 kg novice division (below orange belt) & bronze in the girls U26kg 9/10 year old Graded division (Orange belt and higher). The pieces may not have fallen into place for each of her older brothers as they might have hoped. But Anneliese very much made her own mark. So wonderful to see! This is a link to her 8th and final bout https://youtu.be/rBBF_ntl5BA
1 December 2018 Malanda Judo Competition Thank you to Malanda Judo Club for this weekends grassroots competition. Was fantastic to see a bunch of our keen young competitors ignoring the warm weather to make the trip up the hill for some excellent judo and an refreshing swim afterwards. What a team!
28 November 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

24 November 2018 Club Awards/Picnic A big day out.... and likely many tired children (and adults) tonight. Wonderful to see so many attend this mornings games and presentations. And so much to eat beforehand!! An awesome way to begin winding up the training year.
21 November 2018: Cairns Southside gains two "new" black belts!- HUGE congratulations to our John and Lee on being graded last night to their black belts! For John it's been a 10 year long judo journey. For Lee, it's been a longer and very different adventure that began "a little longer" ago at the age of 9 years old. :) So awesome to be able to share in acknowledging this milestone for them both. On behalf of all our members, again, a huge Congratulations John De Blaze & Lee Fletcher!!!
3 November 2018: Lang Park PCYC Judo Club- Thank you to Rob Close Sensei and Lang Park PCYC Judo Club for organising a great judo get-together in Brisbane. The Lang Park club has so much Queensland Judo history behind it!! Over the last weekend, much was accomplished in such a short time. All in all, a fantastic weekend of judo in excellent company. Thank you again Rob & Myles!
31 October 2018: Judo Demonstration A fantastic opportunity for a few of our young players to show-case Judo during VIVID at the newly opened Gordonvale State High School sports/assembly hall. Lots of amazing singing, dancing and music last night from young members of the Gordonvale community. Was wonderful to have a little judo included in such an amazing lineup of young talent.
30 October 2018: Pyramid Views article With huge thanks to Gordonvale's Pyramid Views November edition for providing fantastic general coverage of our Cairns Southside Judo club, as well as our participation at the Australian Kodokan Judo Association 2018 National Championships
22 October 2018: 101 members! We have just reached 101 members with our club for the 2018 year. Reflecting the grassroots junior nature of our club, 83 of our members are aged between 5-16 . A huge thank-you to our many wonderful parents for choosing our club and our small niche art for their children to participate in.
9 October 2018: ABC Far North Qld Radio interview Luke & Anneliese had 10 minutes of radio airtime with presenter Kier Shorey on ABC Far North Qld http://www.abc.net.au/farnorth/. A wonderful opportunity to talk about next years Australian Kodokan Judo Association National championships to hosted by the Queensland Kodokan Judo Association here in Cairns in 2019, as well as the awesome north Queensland participation of Cairns Southside Judo Club and Malanda Judo Club players at the 2018 championships of two week-ends ago
10 October 2018: Visit by Jaquina Simao Visit tonight by 2 times Canadian Women's U63kg National champion Jaquina Simao. And besides being an elite level judo player, she is also a fantastic judo coach! Our 5-8 year old class loved her (then again, so too did older junior class, and also our small social senior class)!! :) What an awesome way to start the 4th Term of Judo. Safe and happy travels Jaquina!
29 Sept - 1 Oct 2018: Australian Kodokan Judo Association National Championships. A few photos taken during the course of our Cairns clubs attendance at this years Australian Kodokan Judo Association 2018 National Championships. Our relatively isolated Far North Queensland club fielded a big team of 10 Junior competitors as well as 2 National referees. A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to all our club members and parents for their support towards our attendance at this years competition held at Bomaderry, NSW. Much of this support and direct assistance came from club parents and members who did not travel away with us. If our measure of success was on medals alone then 7 medals from 10 players (2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze) would count as tremendous success. However we choose to try not measure our success in such shallow terms. We believe that our best measure of success is the nature of our participation as members of the club... parents who helped with fund raising even though their children weren't traveling away.... children who participated in regular higher level challenging training who were not going to these nationals but who still provided invaluable assistance as quality partners for those who did come way to compete.... parents who supported their children on the big day of competition by simply allowing their children to do their best and trusting our coaches to provide the judo support needed.... nervous and very excited children who under challenging circumstances maintained self control to participate admirably.... children who despite individual disappointments and elation still found time to support each other as club mates while perhaps quietly nursing hard felt personal lessons..... On the basis of participation, our club as a whole had a degree of success which pushed our high bar well and truly up to a new pb. Thank you to everyone in the club for contributing towards an event which provided everyone with life time memories. Feeling very tired but accomplished.
25 Aug 2018: Festival of Cairns Grand Parade. This is a little clip which we have put together of our participation in this years parade. It was a wonderful treat to have so many of our parents and families come together to showcase what our club tries to achieve, particularly for the children. Thank you to all our parents and members for their collective efforts throughout the parade. Wonderful to see and to be part of https://youtu.be/CzLWEXSd3mA
19 August 2018 (Sunday): Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Fund Raiser So much support and good will from within the club. It was a long day beginning at 6am (to be at Bunnings by 7am) and not finishing till 6pm (and home by 7pm). But what a resounding success on so many levels!! All funds raised will be going directly towards our teams trip away to NSW next month for the Australian Kodokan Judo Associations National championships. Thank you sincerely to Cairns City Bunnings for this wonderful opportunity, and to it's support of Community organisations like ours.
18 July 2018: Club visit! We had the pleasure to welcome French Judoka Marc Ivian to Australian Judo and our Cairns Kodokan Judo club!
7 July 2018: Inaugural Queensland Kodokan Queensland Associations North Queensland Zone championships: A big morning of holiday Queensland Judo! A huge thank-you to all who helped behind the scenes today, all the players who gave their very best, and especially to all the parents and carers for their support of all the children.
Friday 29 June 2018: "Pizza & Movie Night" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A little event to mark the end of School Term 2 and the start of School holidays! Fantastic attendance by over 30 of our juniors.
10 June 2018: 1st "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). This was the 1st of our Grassroots Judo Challenges for 2018. These Grassroots oriented training activities aim to provide competition to judo players of any abilty, and especially cater to the first time players (and spectator parents).
25 May 2018: Malanda in-house competition. A club oriented training event to be hosted by Malanda Judo Club. 20 of our young players participated admirably.
20-22 April 2018: Visit by Patrick Mahon (5th Dan and Olympic Coach) & Olena Usenko (1st Dan) Based on an awesome visit last year by Patrick Mahon Sensei (of Brisbane Judo Institute), we managed to convince Patrick to return to Cairns! This time, the Irish “Yoda” of Queensland Judo brought with him his Padwan, Ukrainian Elena Usenko. A fantastic opportunity for Elite level coaching to meet grassroots club Judo.
16 March 2018: Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay. A huge day for our club Sensei Luke, selected from over 40,000 nominations to run a leg in the Queens Baton relay in the lead up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Wonderful to see support from both our Judo Club and "Mac Creek" Primary school. More information on the Commonwealth games can be found at their website.
23 February 2018: Malanda inhouse competition. A safe and enjoyable club event hosted by Malanda Judo Club. 10 of our young players participated admirably.
10 February 2018: Cairns Convention center "Cairns Biggest Sign On Day" Great effort, particularly by two of our younger girls. Also a little spontaneity with one of our club members in the audience (minus a judo gi) coming up on stage to throw around one of the older boys. Was fun to put on this small support activity as part of a big event at the Cairns Convention center last weekend. Besides having a stall, there was this 10 minute presentation on the stage area.... A quick introduction into Judo and our clubs approach to Judo (which includes promotion of general physical literacy skills and the benefits of Judo for children). https://youtu.be/VYbvln2hU-I
24 January 2018 (Wednesday): Return to training for 2018. Our first week of classes for 2018 began on Wednesday 24th January! Our 2018 class schedule can be found at http://www.judocairns.com/schedule-and-fees
20 January 2017: Saturday Morning Working Bee. All our mats were lifted up, individually cleaned, and re-laid back down. A wonderful team effort by our parents, adolescents and older children. A bright start to 2018 Judo!
Friday 19 January 2018: "Awards, Pizza & Movie" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A little event that welcomed in the 2018 Judo year. After the presentation of a few awards, we all had a little pizza and settled in to watch a movie on the Judo mats.
19 January 2018: 2017 Club Awards.
6 January 2018: Swimming Pool Social day. A nice day at the pool with many of the children from the club enjoying a little of the School holiday break sharing some "off judo mat" time together. A total of 57 club members (parents and children) attended which was wonderful to see, for a simple BBQ lunch of sausage sandwiches, and a swim. A HUGE thankyou to all the club parents, both those who were able to attend as well as those who had other commitments but still considered attending. You're all awesome!
8 December 2017 - 23 January 2018: "Holiday Break". Cairns Southside Judo Club is now on a break from training. Classes will resume on Wednesday 24 January 2018. We wish our members and families a most enjoyable and safe festive season.
13 December 2017: Deputation to Council. Club President Dr. Karen Orts-Ronlund delivered a presentation today as part of a deputation on behalf of the club to Cairns Regional Council. A great opportunity to inform the councillors of our clubs achievements and issues, while at the same time making ourselves available to the councillors for any questions subsequent to the deputation.
2-4 December 2017: "Roadtrip to Mackay" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A great trip to Mackay over the last weekend in the company of a few of the crew from Malanda Judo Club. Over 800km driving each way with everyone pitching in to lend a hand either driving or preparing meals. Everyone finding their own place in the group and also getting on well as a team. Both Mitsu and Bindi were awesome company as well as being excellent with the children of both Cairns Southside and Malanda Judo clubs. And the Mackay Kodokan Judo Club being gracious hosts including inviting us to their end of year breakup held at the Mackay Bluewater lagoon. https://www.facebook.com/CairnsJudoSouthside/posts/1565342670187536
1 December 2017: "Pizza & Movie" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). Pizza and movie night at the dojo last night. Nearly 50 attended. Thank you so very much to all who supported this event last night (especially Mark and Amanda for all their projector equipment, Lee for huge "backup" support and Emily for "backup backup" support). For the children, it was a big adventure to be able to watch a movie on the judo mat with their judo friends. Arthur Christmas was a great choice at this time of the year.
28 November 2017: "Women and Sport Symposium". Karen (Dr Orts-Ronlund) attended a Womens and Sports Symposium hosted by Griffith University. https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/news/2017/11/27/breaking-down-barriers-to-women-and-sport-symposium/
24 November 2017: "Good Sports Finalist". We may not have won but it seems we were in there with a mighty good chance. :) We are proud to be part of the Good Sports program which includes over 8000 clubs across Australia. This achievement reflects our club’s commitment to being a safer and more inclusive community club in which everyone feels welcome to play and enjoy sport.
19 November 2017: "Grassroots Judo Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). This was our 4th and final "Grassroots Judo Challenge" for 2017. 36 competitors from 2 clubs with 3 bouts for each and every competitor. 9am start with an 11 am finish. This challenge however took the pressure of individuals with a "teams" concept being used. Still very much a Grassroots oriented training activity that provided competition to judo players of all skill levels, but especially for the first time players (and spectator parents). Thank you to all the parents and children at Malanda and Cairns Southside for a fun Sunday morning of Judo challenges. And our random assignment to one of three teams, seems to have been very well received by players and parents. Also, a big "thank you" to our special guest spectator, Patrick Mahon Sensei from Brisbane's Judo Institute.
18 November 2017: Visit by Pat Mahon (5th Dan and Olympic Coach) Patrick Mahon Sensei of the Brisbane Judo Institute will be visiting Cairns and the Cairns Southside Judo Club over the weekend of 18 and 19 November. Pat will attend our general class training on Saturday morning 9-10:15. He will then run a special training session for our more advanced juniors from 10:15-11:30. Patrick Mahon Sensei is a highly respected coach, particularly by elite level Judo competitors. He strongly believes in the concept of mutual respect, of strongly supporting his players, and of Canada's Long Term Athlete Development model. This should be a fun visit by Pat. A chance for all of us to see a different Judo Teachers approach. Also a good chance to show Pat just how special our club is with our strong polite grassroots membership. https://www.facebook.com/CairnsJudoSouthside/posts/1550389238349546
18 October 2017: Queens Baton Relay selection Congratulations to Sensei Luke Ronlund on being selected to join the Queens Baton relay in the leadup to the XXI Commonwealth Games. Luke's selection is an acknowledgement of his past and present service to Judo, and his current passion for Grassroots Judo that is ‘safe, supportive, inclusive, and enjoyable’. The Queens Baton Relay began its journey on 13 Mar 2017 at Buckingham palace, and has since crossed many countries (tens of thousands of hands) including the continents and regions of Africa, Caribbean, Americas, Europe and Asia. At the moment it is in Malaysia and will enter Oceania in November. Traveling through many of the Oceania Island nations, the baton will arrive in Australia on 24 December (Christmas Eve) to then travel across the nation. Luke will be one of 3800 Australians (one of 1828 Queenslanders) privileged to collectively celebrate community achievements and aspirations. http://www.medianet.com.au/releases/145887/
7 October 2017: Go-Dan! Our Sensei Luke Ronlund was graded to Go-Dan (5th degree black belt) at the 2017 National championships of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association, and congratulated by the AKJA CEO Mr Ivan Zavetchanos (9th Dan) and President Mr David Gordge (6th Dan). Luke's previous grading to Yon-Dan (4th Grade black belt) was 17 years ago with an assessment by then JFA Grades Committee member Arthur Moorshead (8th Dan). Commmenting on his grading last weekend, Luke wished to acknowledge the support he receives within Cairns Southside Judo Club, within the Queensland Kodokan Judo Association, and from the wider Australian Kodokan Judo Association. At the same time, our club's strength in numbers (over 80 practicing judo players) along with the inclusive nature of our participation (over 40% girls and women) are just two examples of where Luke's significant experience has guided our club for mutual welfare and benefit.
6-8 Oct 2017: Australian Kodokan Judo Association National Championships. 3 of our young players represented Queensland at the Australian Kodokan Judo national championships held in Adelaide, South Australia over the weekend of 7th & 8th October. A gold medal performance by Hein who won the Boys Under 13 years Under 45 kg weight division convincingly. Sasha at his first nationals did well to get a bronze medal in the Boys Under 10 year Under 40kg division. Our third competitor, 10 year old Cade, did not medal however he competed courageously against the older players in the Boys Under 13 year Under 40kg division. It was also a pleasure to see Shannon Connolly from Malanda Judo club win the gold in the Mens Under 100kg division. Our club instructors John De Blaze and Luke Ronlund also participated in this years National championships in support roles. This was John's first attendance as a National referee and from all reports, he did exceptionally well. Luke had a busy weekend, initially judging the Nage-no-kata and Katame-no-kata on Day 1, coaching and later refereeing on Day 2, and throughout Day 2 and 3 of the championships he acted in the capacity of National Referee Director. It was a very successful event for all our players and officials with medals won and lessons learned. Next years national championships will be held NSW over the weekend Saturday 29 September, Sunday 30 September & Monday 1 October 2018. Already looking forward to it!
September 2017: Level 3 Accreditation! We have now been accredited to level 3, the highest level of accreditation with the Good Sports foundation. For more information, please visit www.goodsports.com.au
23 September 2017: Fitzroy Island Social Day A day trip with Raging Thunder Adventures. A fun day for a few of our Judo families during the school holidays. A few of our photos and highlights at https://youtu.be/imRZ5nD1CzI
3 September 2017: 3rd "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). This was the 3rd of our 4 scheduled Grassroots Judo Challenges for 2017. These Grassroots oriented training activities aim to provide competition to judo players of any abilty, and especially cater to the first time players (and spectator parents). Of the 29 junior players participating, nearly half were girls! Outstanding.
1 September 2017: Malanda in-house competition. A safe and enjoyable event hosted by Malanda Judo Club. Great to see the number of new players who were prepared to participation, both boys and girls.
27 Aug 2017: Festival of Cairns Grand Parade. A huge turnout of club members to support our participation in this years gala event. 42 Judo players and 14 supporting adults helped make this our most successful parade yet. We were float number 19 or 85 entries. Here is a little movie of our group participation https://youtu.be/VawlZ_1lnj4 Here is a transcript of ABC Far North reporting of the event. https://youtu.be/C2Hg75E544c
23 August 2017: Club visit! Heather and Trevor Kshammer We were very privileged with a visit by Heather and Trevor Kshammer of South Australia. Before retiring from Judo, Heather was the most senior female Judo referee in Australia and formally Chaired the National Referees Commission. Her husband Trevor, a 7th Dan and member of the Australian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, has represented Australia as an international level competitor (at the 1973 World Championships in Switzerland). Later he was to coach many National teams including being appointed head coach of the Australian team to the Atlanta Olympics. It was a real pleasure to have Trevor and Heather visit our Cairns club.
26 July 2017: Club visit! Takeshi Shiromoto Sensei of Kansai University, Japan returned to Cairns and paid us another visit! A Judo Sensei as well as a school teacher at Dai-Ichi High School, Osaka, Shiromoto Sensei was especially engaging with our juniors. Although he was on holidays with his wife, we were very privileged and honoured that he found time to train with us again. Fantastic!
June 2017: Club Gradings: TWENTY-EIGHT of our members graded over this past week. A real nice way to round off School Term 2 training.
17-18 June 2017: Road trip to Mackay- A judo adventure for 10 of our members. 750 kilometers (9 hours drive) down and the same back! 6 juniors and 1 senior participated in the Mackay Kodokan Judo Club's in-house competition, with 2 of our club coaches assisting as referees. Leaving Cairns on Saturday morning, the team arrived in Mackay on Saturday evening, slepted "judo style" in sleeping bags on the Judo mats, rose early to participate in the Mackay clubs grading and competition, then packed back into the bus for return drive back to Cairns by Sunday night. We also had the pleasure of Malanda Judo Club's Shannon Connelly as coach, referee, player and fantastic role model for all our young players during the day's competition. A huge "thank you" to the Mackay Kodokan Judo Club for both the invite and for their typical very warm welcome and hospitality. Always a great trip to build judo friendships, and to create long term judo memories.
11 June 2017: 2nd "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A good turn-out for the 2nd of our 4 scheduled Grassroots Judo Challenges for 2017. These Grassroots oriented training activities aim to provide competition to judo players of any abilty, and especially cater to the first time players (and spectator parents). The first challenges started at approximately 9.30 am and the last challenge finished at approximately 11.00am. A fabulous co-operative activity between the two Queensland Kodokan Judo Clubs of Malanda and Cairns.
May 2017: Kodokan Judo. 6 members of the north Queensland Cairns Southside Judo Club recently visited the Kodokan in Japan. Although the trip was predominantly a holiday, the 3 younger junior members all participated on at least 2 classes at the Kodokan. From all reports, the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves with their parent coaches seeing Grassroots Judo at it's finest.
April 2017: Nagasaki Judo. One of our club instructors made a week long visit to Nagasaki over the end of School Term 1 school holiday break. During the visit, Mitsu was most graciously hosted and welcomed. Mitsu also had another unique opportunity to receive personal instruction from Niki Sensei (7th degree black belt), reknowned for his ne-waza expertise as a practitioner of Kosen Judo. A fantastic opportunity and experience.
March 2017: Club Gradings... Building confidence through competencies based gradings. TWENTY-FOUR of our juniors graded over the past week. All demonstrated at least the minimum required competencies for their new grades and all of them know that they well deserved their new grades. A nice way to round off School Term 1 training.
12 March 2017: Club Competition- 1st "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A HUGE day of Grassroots Judo. Our two clubs, Malanda Judo Club and Cairns Southside, fielded over 60 players for non-stop judo from 9.30 am to a little after mid-day. It was all about the young players being able to challenge themselves, the opportunity to do their best irrespective of whether they won the bout or not, and to feel good about their efforts. So much so, that it was only half way through the medal presentations that we realised we were not identifying the club that the players belonged to. It somehow didn't seem important. The young players individual efforts were what mattered and what the morning was all about. Thank-you Malanda Judo Club. Their participation today helped take our 1st Grassroots Judo Challenge for 2017 to a whole new level.
20 February 2017: Girls Judo. In addition to our large Under 8 year old junior classes, our Over 8 year old junior classes and our smaller adolescent/senior social classes, we also have a girls only class. It may be small, but the girls are so well mannered, polite and respectful that it makes learning judo so much easier and more enjoyable. Lots of activities build around bolsering confidence, physical literacy skills and general enjoyment of sporting participation irrespective of inherant sporting ability. Girls judo sets a standard all of its own!
23 January 2017: Return to training for 2017. Our first week of classes for 2017 began on Monday 23rd January, followed by big classes on Wednesday, a new class on Thursday, and another big class on Saturday. We were also joined on Saturday by International visitor Samantha Miller from the USA. Great way to start 2017 Judo.
14 January 2017: Saturday Morning Working Bee. All our mats were pulled out of storage and each one hand cleaned before being re-laid back down. A wonderful team effort by our parents, adolescents and older children. We are now ready for 2017 Judo!
28 December 2016: Floating Floor Installation. There were no judo classes over the Christmas summer holiday break. Instead, we prepared for the installation of a floating "compression" floor. Our entire 13m x 12m training area was underlaid with approximately 1600 small foam blocks fitted undertneath two layers of plyboard. A large task completed over 3 days. This should make a significant difference to our training surface. Looking forward to 2017 Judo.
11 Dec 2016: Sunday Morning Working Bee. All our judo mats were lifted up and packed away in a corner of the building. A huge task which took just 1/2 hour. Many hands made light work. We are so fortunate at Cairns Southside Judo club to such supportive parents and members. Lifting the mats out of the way was a 1st step towards installation of a floating "compression" floor.
3-5 December 2016: Road trip to Mackay- A judo adventure for 9 of our members to Mackay. 9 hours drive down and another 9 back. Seemed a bit "shorter" on the way back. The older club members set a good example for our 4 younger players to follow. We also received very welcoming hospitality from the Mackay Kodokan Judo Club. Shared in the clubs in-house competition, end of year bbq, and an afternoon at the "blue lagoon". A great trip for all.
29 November 2016: Our Club logo! Courtesy of Daniel Rusitovich and Judomatsaustralia, we have received a range of embroidered Judo suits, and a years supply of belts all complete with our club logo. Looking good for any future purchases or gradings! Thank you Rusty!!

26 November 2016: End of Year Party & Awards. A fun morning of Judo, presentations, a little to eat and enjoyable company!
25 November 2016: Grant success! With thanks to the Queensland Government, Cairns Southside Judo Club received $7500 Get Going grant assistance. This funding will allow us to purchase a wide range of equipment and to conduct an 8 week course designed especially for women and young children. "Thank you" Dr. Karen Orts-Ronlund for all your time and efforts writing and researching for this grant.
19 Nov 2016: Club Social Event..... "Movie (Finding Dory) + Pizza + Birthday cake". Again, we had over 40 take part in our 2nd pizza and movie night. A fun way to spend some time with judo friends. And what a beautiful cake arranged by one of our parents to celebrate a birthday. A big thank you to all our parents and members who contributed in many ways to making last night a fun night for all our young members. Would also like to say thank you to http://katandtimspizzeria.com.au/ of Gordonvale for both the discount on our order as well as the fantastic job they did at short notice .
13 November 2016: Club Gradings... Building confidence through competencies. TWENTY-SEVEN of our younger members graded over the past 2 weeks with THREE more yet to confirm their competencies. All of these players have demonstrated at least the minimum required competencies for their new grades and all of them know that they well deserve the belts they now hold. A nice way for each of these children to round off the 2016 training year.
7 Nov 2016: Club Visit. David Gordge Sensei (6th Dan) President, Australian Kodokan Judo Association, visiting North Queensland as a Cairns stop-over enroute to Japan and an overseas Judo committment at Osaka. David along with his son Rhys (2nd Dan) visiting our dojo and trained with our Girls class and our Advanced Juniors class. A great opportunity for one of our club's youngest players to be graded by one of our National Organisations most senior teacher. "Thank-you David" for both your support and your visit to our regional far North Queensland club.
6 Nov 2016: Club Competition- 4th "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A club activity introducing the concept of Shiai (competition). A fantastic turnout with 34 of our members participating, some for the first time. We also had 16 visitors from Malanda Judo Club, a similar minded grassroots Judo club which made for a total of 50 participants, 7 more than our last Grassroots Challenge. Each one gets bigger and better than the last!! Thankyou to all the parents and children who rose early for a Sunday morning of Judo. You are all so fantastic!
2 November 2016 - Club visit! Cairns Southside welcomed visiting French National Morgan GIRARDEAU (5th Dan) to the club. Morgan is mid-way through a 2 year round the world Judo Tour during which he is writing a book of his travels, maintaining a detailed blog http://jitayuwakyoeiwolrdtour.over-blog.com/, and extensive social media diary https://www.facebook.com/JUDOWORLDTOUR/about/ of all his judo adventures. Cairns is the end place for Morgan's Australian adventures before flying out to New Zealand then on to South America. We were very honoured that he chose to share some of his time with us on such an extensive and busy world judo tour.
31 October 2016 - Crash Mat has landed! Our crash mat has landed and what a monster!!! A huge "Thank-you!" to the Queensland Government. Cairns Southside Judo Club acknowledges with thanks, a grant of $13,960 in 2016 round 89 of the Queensland Government Gambling Community Benefit Fund. This grant will allow the construction of a sprung training surface as well as purchase of this safety mat.
29 October 2016 - Club visit! Cairns Southside welcomed visiting Italian National Francesco to the club. Francesco, a young Sho-dan (1st Degree black belt) who hails from Como Italy, is on a 12 month Australian holiday beginning his travels in Cairns. Wonderful to have him visit and train with us.
1-2 Oct 2016: Australian Kodokan Judo Association National Championships. The 2016 AKJA National Judo Championships were held this year in Wollongong, NSW. 5 of our clubs members represented, 4 as players and 1 as a National referee. This years National Championships was an outstanding event with outstanding participation and success by Cairns Southside Judo Club. Our 4 young players exceeded expectations to all medal with final results being 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. All 4 players impressed with both their determination and a high standard of Judo skills. Hein in particular showed a very dominant display on his way to winning a National Judo Championship as well as being one of 3 players to win a sponsor award and Judo suit for outstanding participation. The Cairns players participated as members of the newly reformed Queensland Kodokan Judo Association, the first time in over 10 years that the QKJA has had representation at the AKJA National event. Club Sensei and National referee Luke Ronlund also officiated at the event acting initially in the role of State Coach and then as a National Referee. A highly successful tournament putting Queensland, the QKJA, and Cairns Southside Judo club firmly on the Australian Kodokan Judo map!
22-25 Sept 2016: Japanese Delegation Visit: An absolutely marvelous experience over 3 full days of activities both on and off the mat. As a club, we all felt very privileged by this visit from the Nagasaki based "Mitsubishi" Judo Club and Niki Sensei (7th Dan) of Okayama prefecture. Niki Sensei was truly a remarkable master of traditional Judo including Kosen Judo. This visit was only made possible through personal introduction from Rob Close and Myles McKenzie of Brisbane's Lang Park PCYC Judo Club. https://youtu.be/JivWYnB46JQ
9 Sept 2016: Record Books. Maintaining records of gradings, courses, competitions, and personal goals, all in one small booklet. Cairns Southside Judo Club Inc has had a quantity of books produced and Luke Ronlund Sensei has completed these for all actively training club members.
27 Aug 2016: Festival of Cairns Grand Parade. We did it again!! This year we were float number 26, and again placed towards the front end of the parade. Over 3000 parade participants. 90 float entrants and an estimated 25,000 spectators. And we were part of it with 23 children and 18 adults participating. A fantastic way to showcase our club and the vibrant enthusiastic nature of our friendly grassroots membership. Follow this link to a small movie which highlights our club participation.... https://youtu.be/A8GN59LPodE
17 Aug 2016: Club visit! A visit to our club tonight by Takeshi Shiromoto Sensei of Kansai University, Japan. also a school teacher at Dai-Ichi High School. Shiromoto Sensei was especially engaging with our juniors tonight. A rush to him each time we changed partners during Randori (free practice). Very thankful and honoured that he found time to visit us during his short stay in Cairns
14 Aug 2016: Club Competition- 3rd "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A club activity introducing the concept of Shiai (competition). A fantastic turnout with 32 of our members participating, some for the first time. We also had 11 visitors from Malanda Judo Club, a similar minded grassroots Judo club which made for a total of 43 particpants. A huge thankyou to all our parents, supporters and especially to our volunteers. These events would not be possible without your support. Safe and Enjoyable participation.... our primary goals at our Grassroots Challenge events. And the players love it. Safe, Supportive, Inclusive & Enjoyable. That's our kind of Judo.
6 Aug 2016: Club Social Event..... "Movie, Pizza & Popcorn night". A fabulous way to spend a Saturday evening. We had 42 take part in an enjoyable social activity. On the mats at our Dojo watching Kung Fu Panda 3 in good company. A chance for parents to either to have a few hours off and go out to tea yourselves, or to join us at the club for a quit chat. The juniors are already asking for the next one!
6 August 2016 - Club visit! Cairns Southside Judo club tonight welcomed visiting German National Lena to the club and Australia. Lena, a young Sho-dan (1st Degree black belt) who hails from Bavaria, Germany, is on a 12 month holiday to Australia, beginning her travels in Cairns. Wonderful to have her visit and train with us.
11 July 2016: Recommencement of Training & Additional Classes: Co-inciding with the start of School Term 3, we recommenced regular club training from Monday 11 July 2016 This includes two new classes on Monday nights. New Class One: from 5.00-6.00 pm are weekly 1 hour classes for Girls & Women, ages 10 years and older. These classes, while Judo based, will predominantly be about enjoyable participation. games, exercise, co-ordination, and needs-based "gentle" grappling/throwing. New Class Two: from 6.15pm-7.30pm is a 75 minute class for the clubs relatively more advanced junior players. Attendance via prior arrangements with Luke Sensei.
9 July 2016: Reformation of the QKJA! Cairns Southside Judo Club has joined with 3 other Queensland Judo clubs to reform the http://www.queenslandjudo.com/ (QKJA) as an affiliated State Judo Association of the Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA). With Cairns Southside Judo Club currently having approximately 65 members of whom approximately 50 actively train, this will present attractively affordable annual membership.
28 June 2016: Level 2 Good Sports Accreditation... We are now accredited to Level 2 with the Australian Drug Foundations "Good Sports Program". This National government funded program aims to promote healthy clubs and healthy people. Sporting clubs such as ours play a significant role in the community and have a responsibility to our members and their families. We have chosen to join over 6,500 clubs across Australia taking part in the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program. Through Good Sports we are committed to managing alcohol responsibly and ensuring smoke free areas, which we believe will help us to provide a healthy, safe & family friendly environment.
27 June 2016: School Vacation Care Judo... Today, 32 children were dressed in Judo suits for a day of judo skills, confidence building activities and and enjoyable games. These school based, vacation care support activities are ideal for introducing young students to introductory Judo and Judo related games.
22 June 2016: Club Grading... Building confidence through competencies. 14 of our younger members graded during our last Term 2 training night. The standard of competency based gradings was very high and pleasing to see. Congratulations to all who graded! A nice way for each of these children to end the School Term 2. The club will now take a break from regular training over the 2 week School holiday period. Regular club training will again resume with the start of School Term Three, Monday 11 July 2016.
19 June 2016: Club Competition- 2nd "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). A club activity introducing the concept of Shiai (competition). A great turnout from our members today for this club development activity. 22 of our members competed, many for the first time. Both Mitsu & Lee also did a fantastic job refereeing for the first time, sharing the duties with Luke. Plus a huge thank you to Valeriya & Glenn who were timkeeping and marshalling officials along with the "off duty" referee's. And after the finish of competition, everyone shared a little to eat and drink. Could there be any better way to spend a Sunday morning?!
14 May 2016: Award Recognition... Recognition from the Queensland State government's Hon. Curtis Pitt MP Minister for Sport. Late last year we conducted a club initiative which aimed to build confidence in 8-12 year old girls as well as introduce them to physical activity (with Judo as the basis). Over 40 girls participated in one of two 10 week courses conducted during the second half of 2015. Fantastic recognition for our small team, with special thanks to Liz, Saskia, Lee and Karen. Thank you Karen for all your time and effort in submitting our clubs nomination for these awards
May 2016: Grant success! With thanks to the Federal Governments Department of Social Services for Volunteer Grants 2015, this funding will allow us to purchase of an ipad, printer and flat screen. This will go a long way to assisting our volunteers to conduct activities both more easily and more professionally. Thank you Karen for all your time and efforts writing and researching for this grant.
1 May 2016: Club Competition- 1st "Grassroots Challenge" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). An enjoyable club activity introducing the concept of Shiai (competition). Not a single tear during the morning, win lose or draw. And while there were medals on offer, what seemed to matter most was personal effort & good conduct. Very proud of all 18 of our club members who participated today, irrespective of individual results. A few photoes on our club's social media (facebook) page and many more in the club's social media closed group page. A huge thankyou to Valeriya, Lee, Luke, John, Daniel & Mathew for all their volunteer efforts to referee, time keep, marshall and score throughout the morning.
4 April 2016: School Vacation Care Judo... Today, 35 children participated in a day of judo skills, confidence building activities and and enjoyable games. School based, vacation care support activities are ideal for introducing young students to introductory Judo and Judo related games.
2 February 2016 - Media Coverage. Making it into the Cairns Sun. A great article showcasing our move to Gordonvale.
27 January 2016: Welcome to 2016 Judo. It's a New Year. A new Dojo. New mats and even some new members. But we're still the same club with the same values and still the same smiles.
18 January 2016: In the Media... Another article found its way into the Cairns Post on our clubs representation at the Judo Winter Nationals held in Los Angeles, USA on 12 December 2015. Fantastic!
18 January 2016: School Vacation Care Judo... Today, 36 children particpated in a day of judo skills, confidence building activities and and enjoyable games. School based, vacation care support activities are ideal for introducing young students to introductory Judo and Judo related games.
January 2016: Report for Club activities Dec 2014 - Jan 2016 Highlighting some of the clubs efforts throughout 2015, particularly towards increased participation in Judo at the Grassroots club level. Download File
16 January 2016: Working Bee (Mat Set-up) conducted. A hot tropical 35 degree day didn't slow anything up. Another big morning working of work. Started early at 8am with our convoy of 4 cars transporting the mats from storage to the hall. Mats laid under the guidance of John who had a well designed accurate mat/floor plan. In no time at all, an empty hall was transformed into a dojo ready for 2016. All finished by 1030. Awesome! Thank you to everyone who was able to lend a hand!
14 January 2016: School Vacation Care Judo... Today, 39 children participated in a day of judo skills, confidence building activities and and enjoyable games. School based, vacation care support activities are ideal for introducing young students to introductory Judo and Judo related games. And we have another one of these scheduled as part of another School vacation Care program later this weel in Cairns.
11 January 2016: Australian Kodokan Judo Association (AKJA) Affiliation... Cairns Southside Judo Club Inc has affiliated as an Associate Member Club with the Australian Kodokan Judo Association. As a grassroots national Judo organisation, the AKJA will provide support and benefits to grassroots members of our club seeking affordable membership. At the same time, the Association has decided not to continue affiliation of Southside Social Judo Club with the Australian Judo Union. The Association has also continued affiliation of Southside Judo Club with the JFA through JFAQ, for any members who wish to avail themselves of the benefits that JFA provides financial individual members.
9 January 2016: Working Bee (Hall Cleanup) conducted. A big morning of work by young and adult alike. Under the guidance of Dion and Allan, so much work done with everyone including the children just powering on. Cleaned and ready to receive mats next weekend. Thank you to everyone who was able to lend a hand!
18 December 2015: In the Media... Judo Winter Nationals (USA) coverage in the Cairns Post.
12 December 2015: International Competition- Judo Winter Nationals attendance in the USA. The 2015 Winter Nationals Judo Championship was a USJA/USJF Grassroots Judo™ alliance endorsed competiton which caters for all age groups and skill levels, from novice to elite. Cairns Judo - Southside Judo Club Australia was one of 103 clubs represented at this 10th Judo Winter Nationals. Our four grassroots (club) members were among 700 competitors, competing over 6 competition mats during the course of the day. Despite the enormity of the event and preparation aimed at enjoying participation rather than "winning", they still managed a surprising one bronze and one 5th placing (in a division of 14). Of much greater and more significant value with the future in mind, were the friendships and judo connections made.
10 December 2015: In the Media. Movie clip courtesy of Win News Cairns Sport. Thank you to all the members of Cairns Southside Judo Club for doing such a great job in showcasing our club's approach to sports participation. Information presented includes our clubs grassroots growth to over 100 registered members, of having over 50% girls participation, of our move to a larger Gordonvale facility and of impending club representation at the Judo Winter Nationals Azusa, Ca in the USA. https://vimeo.com/168319956
5 December 2015: Club Grading. Building confidence through competencies. 22 graded today with over half (13) being girls! A nice way for each of these children to end 2015, at the same time making us all very proud. Despite being a hot tropical morning, we still had over 30 on the mat for our last Saturday morning training after grading. Plus a visit by WIN News Cairns (airing on Wednesday night)!! But best of all, we had a new member (Jayden) try out Judo for the first time today and is now very keen to join us for 2016. Looking forward to the new year.
29 November 2015: End of Year Break-up. For the second year in a row, our end of year party and presentations were held at the Woree swimming pool. A fun afternoon of water, snacks, presentations and enjoyable company!
24 November 2015: In the Media... Club Sensei Luke participated in a non scripted radio interview with Dam Stephen of ABC Far North Queensland radio. The interview started with a little history of Judo and what Judo is about, moved to the Cairns Southside clubs concerted efforts to make Judo more gender inclusive, and then somehow ended with a little discussion on Judo for Bullriding. Learning to fall seems to cross many boundaries. https://youtu.be/apUs-J3kYz8
November 2015: We're moving next year! BIG NEWS SOUTHSIDE! Are you ready?! Next year (2016), we will have our very own dojo with thanks to support from Gordonvale’s Southern Suburbs Rugby League Club and the assistance of Cr Steve Brain. Space for a permanent mat area (we have a 12m x 12 m set of mats ready to put down) courtesy of previous funding support from the Queensland Government's Gambling Community Benefit Fund). Space for parents to sit comfortably to watch. Space for storage of our equipment which means me no longer carting the Judo club around in the back of my car every lesson. Space for industrial fans in addition to two roller doors to allow breeze through. But most importantly, space for our players! Not only that, but outside the dojo, there is plenty of space for children (and parents) to safely play. The positives however far outweigh the negatives, so lets do it!!
31 October 2015: Remembering Arthur Moorshead Sensei. MR ARTHUR MOORSHEAD 8th Dan visited the Northern Territory in April 1998. At that time, Cairns Southside Judo Club Sensei Luke Ronlund was Sensei of Darwin Northern Territory's Larrakeyah Barracks Judo Club (as well as the NT State President and a Judo Federation of Australia Director. The Northern Territory Judo Community at the time was most priveliged to have shared association with Mr Moorshead. Luke recently transferred some old video footage into digital format. This select footage is small tribute to Arthur, a great man who in many ways was without peer. RIP Mr Moorshead.
25 October 2015: Club Competition- 2nd "Koesen Judo Scrimage" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). This was a Ne Waza (Ground techniques) only "in house" competition event primarily for our club members. So well supported by our young players and parents alike. We also welcomed a few members from Cairns PCYC. Altogether 36 players with 31 being from our own little club. A little event to challenge the players, wonderful company, and a little to eat and drink afterwards.
27 September 2015: Walsh's Pyramid. No shortcuts or "freebie" competition medals on offer here. A few of us from ‪Cairns Southside Judo Club took on the Walsh's Pyramid challenge! Crikey it was a touch gig! 922m high, 6 km return track, graded as "difficult", 5-6 hours long. Old and young, boys and girls, volunteers and active players, competitive and social..... Grassroots judo players, parents and supporters! For everybody to try if they wished. Big pats on the back all round on this one. https://youtu.be/ogEpHiCDIX8
20 September 2015: International Competition- JFA "Sydney International Open". Club Sensei, Luke Ronlund (Oceania A class referee) was selected by the Judo Federation of Australia's National Referee Committee to referee at his year's JFA(NSW) hosted Sydney International Open. Luke also attended a full day IJF Oceania Union referee conference held the day before the competition. Also in attendance at both the conference and the tournament was Juan Carlos Barcos, IJF Referee Commission Chairman. Luke was very satisfied with his referee perfomance during highly competitive and intense day of Judo competition oversighted by National (JFA), Oceania (OJU) and International (IJF) Referee Commission Chairmen. This was the 4th International Open in the last 2 years that Luke has officiated at as an Oceania A grade Referee.
17 September 2015: Introduction to Judo for Girls (End of Course 2). SO HAPPY with the success of our 2nd 10 week “Introduction to Judo for Girls” course conducted after hours at a local primary school. ‪Grassroots Judo at it's most grassroots. With thanks to the support of the Queensland State Government through Queensland Sport and Recreation. Similar to our 1st course, feedback was sought from both parents and the girls. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis conducted. Very appreciative to the parents and carers for taking the time to do this, and for their detailed and honest comments. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, valuable and reassuring in re-enforcing the course achieving the outcomes it set out to do.
29 August 2015: Festival of Cairns Grand Parade. Wow!! 3000 parade participants. 87 float entrants. 20,000 spectators. This was a fantastic event for children, parents and club supporters to share in, an oasis of goodwill which is both humbling and valued. For Cairns Southside Judo Club, we had attendance by 21 Junior Judoka with 20 parents/supporters (7 of whom are senior Judo players). AWESOME turnout!!!
15 August 2015: Club Competition- 1st "Koesen Judo Scrimage" (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). This was a Ne Waza (Ground techniques) only "in house" competition event primarily for our club members. Just a little roll around designed to allow participation by ALL our club members, especially beginners trying competition for the first time. A fun afternoon full of smiles and a few laughs despite the personal challenges. Exactly 30 Club members on the mat, challenging themselves. Magic.
24 July 2015: Club Competition- 10th "Shiai Training" event (at Malanda Judo Club). The tenth of these "in-house" club training activities involving Innisfail, Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs, epitimising Grassroots Club Judo. An activity for beginners and experienced alike (players, instructors, table officials, referees, parents.... EVERYONE). These club level activities are the life blood of Judo. These events are not just about "competition", not about "winning" or "losing", 1st or 4th, big team or small team. Not about medals or trophies. Instead, it's the chance for everyone to do something a little different from normal club training, for everyone to challenge themselves a little (not their opponents), for everyone to participate. The manner in Malanda Judo Club ran this event (complete with pizza for all the children afterwards) was exactly why our two clubs have now been involved in 10 of these grassroots activities over the past 18 months.
15 July 2015 - Introduction to Judo for Girls (Start of Course 2) at Hambledon State School, an initiative funded by the Queensland State Government's Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing GET GOING program. Limited to 20 girls aged 8-12 to try Judo as a safe, supportive, and enjoyable adventure.

8 July 2015 - School Vacation Care Judo. Luke and family arrived back in Cairns from Toowoomba at 10.30 pm last night after a 1700 klm drive over 2 days and roadside camping. He is now ready for 4 hours of Judo as a PCYC holiday program activity with 52 participants split into 2 groups for 2 hours of judo each! Grassroots judo is always fun Judo.
3 July 2015: AJU Competition- Australian Judo Union Annual Championships. (Toowoomba). 4 members of the club travelled travelled by car 1700klm over 3 days to attend this event in Toowoomba, with the same for the return trip to Cairns. The road trip was an adventure and a half of it's own. The affiliation of our members with the AJU through Southside Social Judo Club enabled 3 of our clubs young players to compete, with all three successfully winning gold medals albeit in a relatively shallow pool of competitors. As the AJU's National Referee Commissioner, Luke Ronlund Sensei oversighted the competitions refereeing. The following day, during a series of AJU meetings, Luke also provided a formal presentation on the clubs Grassroots Judo initiatives as well as a brief on the process of becoming incorporated.
18 June 2015: Girls Introduction to Judo (Course 1 near end). Week 9 of our Cairns Southside Judo Club 10 week "Introduction to Judo for Girls" course. Thank you to Cairns Regional Councillor Cr Cathy Zeiger for handing out certificates today. HUGE thanks to the Queensland State Government for their funding support of this course. From the girls boundless enthusiasm, wonderful friendships, and no end of smiles. It was a privilege for all three of us Judo teachers (Luke, Lee & Saskia) to have taught this course. And very lucky to have had help every single week from Karen & Liz.
21 May 2015: Cairns Regional Council Award... for Volunteer of the month. Luke Ronlund Sensei was awarded Volunteer of the month for Mar 2015 by the Cairns Regional Council as part of it's Go Clubs initiative. The award recognised all Luke's efforts not only at Cairns Southside Judo Club, but also his contribution towards re-establishing and oversighting the Innisfail Judo Club.
3 May 2015: Club Competition- 9th "Shiai Training" event (at Cairns Southside Judo Club). The ninth of these "in-house" club training activities now regularly involving Innisfail as well as Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs. 15 players and 3 referees (Luke, Ben & John) from Cairns Southside attended.
22 April 2015 - Introduction to Judo for Girls (Course 1 start). We are so excited with this initiative! This is the start of the first 10 week long Girls only Introduction to Judo for Girls course conducted by Cairns Southside Judo Club and held at Hambledon State School. This initiative has been generously funded by the Queensland State Government Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing GET GOING program. We cannot thank the Queensland Government enough, as without their support, this program would simply not exist. Spaces are filled for the School Term 2 course and we already have several young ladies signed up for the second course to be conducted throughout School Term 3. Spaces are limited to 20 girls per course, so if you are a girl aged 8-12 and would like to try Judo in a safe, supportive, with all female participants, here's your chance.
7 March 2015: Japan Day of Hope.
3 March 2015: Club Competition- 8th "Shiai Training" Event (at Innisfail Judo Club). This was the eighth of these "in-house" club training activities which now regularly involves Innisfail as well as Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs. 16 players and 2 referees (Luke & John) from Cairns Southside attended.
18 February 2015: Mt Sheridan Community Sports Sign-on activity An excellent community support activity at the Mt Sheridan shopping center. We were also fortunate to receive a little publicity on WIN News as a consequence. https://youtu.be/LSy1yl_CJ54
February 2015: International Competition - JFA "ACT International Open". Club Sensei, Luke Ronlund who is an Oceania A class referee, was selected by the Judo Federation of Australia National Referee Committee to referee at the JFA (ACT) hosted 2015 ACT International Open. Luke was very satisfied with his referee perfomance during highly competitive and intense day of Judo competition oversighted by National (JFA) Referee Commission. This was the 3rd International Open in the last 2 years that Luke has officiated at.
February 2015: Judo mats delivered! Today we took delivery of a full competition set of judo mats thanks to The Gambling Community Benefit Fund administered through the State Government's Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Without their support of our grant application, our small but growing club would not have been able to procure these mats without huge, long-term, fundraising efforts. These mats will allow us to continue our focus on grassroots Judo and expand our ability to host local and regional competitions.
January 2015 - During School Holidays, training will only occur on Saturdays! We will resume the full training schedule during the first week of school (26 - 30 January 2015). Please see the "Class Schedule and Fees" page for information on what classes are being offered during Term 1. Every Saturday of the School Holidays is a FREE Come and Try day. Members can feel free to bring along a friend. And any other interested individuals can simply drop in on our class (from 9 - 10am). Just bring a water bottle!!!
January 2015 - Cairns Southside Judo Club Inc. is registered with the Get In The Game "Get Started" program. Eligible families can apply to receive grants of $150 per child to apply towards registration and training fees. The next grant application period opens on 28 January 2015. Please see www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/getstarted/ for more information.
December 2014: End of Year Break-up. Our club's end of year party and presentations were held at the Woree swimming pool with a fun afternoon of water, snacks, presentations and enjoyable company! The "Cairns Southside Judo Club Presidents Award" was presented to John B. The "Tony Termine Award for Best and Fairest Club Member” was presented to Briannon P. And the “Bruce Fagan Award for Most Outstanding Competitor” was presented to Cade R.
December 2014- Grant success! We were thrilled to receive a phone call from the office of Hon. Curtis Pitt (State Member for Mulgrave) to say our Get Going grant application for Round 3 had been successful. This will enable our club to run 2 x 10-week Girls Only Introductory Judo Classes after school at Hambledon State School in Terms 2 and 3. If you know a young girl who might be interested, please get in contact with the club. Each term there will be only 20 spaces available...first in, best dressed! A huge Thank You to the Queensland Government and the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing for their support of our Judo club and of getting more girls active in sport through the Get Going Grants. But also "thank you" to Karen for all your time writing and researching for this grant.
November 2014: Report for Club activities Jul 2013 - Nov 2014 Highlighting some of the clubs efforts throughout 2014, particularly towards increased participation in Judo at the Grassroots club level. Download File
16 November 2014: JFAQ Competition- "Innisfail Open" (at Innisfail Judo Club) . Innisfail Judo Club held it's first JFAQ "Open" competition following a sucessful training camp. Through the goodwill that Luke Ronlund Sensei had built up with various other local North Queensland clubs since 2012 return to Judo, the competition and previous days camp were widely attended by Mackay, Castle Hill Townsville, Charters Towers, Malanda, Cairns Southside and Mossman Judo Clubs. With Luke being Head Coach at both Cairns Southside and Innisfail Judo Clubs, our members and parent volunteers followed his lead and enthusiasticly provided support to the new Innisfail club in it's first major Judo adventure . 9 young players (Hein, Peter, Cade, Dante, Anneliese, Sascha, Matthew, Jayden and Esa) from Cairns Southside Judo Club enjoyed themselves competing. Luke coached the young members of Cairns Southside while also taking care not todisadvantage the young Innisfail club members who is also teaches on a weekly basis. As the most senior referee in NorthQueensland, Luke also oversighted and supported an enthusiastic team of 11 referees. A successful event for all whoattended. Difficult to believe that 12 months ago, Innisfail Judo Club did not exist and only started up again as part of Luke's initiative's to develop Grassroots Judo in North Queensland.
October 2014: Grant success! So exciting...the club's new judo uniforms have arrived! A huge shout out to Cairns Regional Council for their community support of sports. Our successful application funded the purchase of 16 new Judo suits which will be used for Come and Try days, as well as newcomers who want to give Judo a go! We hope that providing free loaner uniforms will overcome the financial barrier of having to purchase specialised equipment before children can try a new sport. So if you've never tried Judo but would like to, come by the club and we'll get you fitted out in one of our snazzy new uniforms! "Thank you" Karen for writing up and submitting this grant.
October 2014: JFA NSW Competitions- NSW Country Championships & Southcoast Open Judo Championships At the invitation of Luke's former NSW Judo teacher Bruce Fagan Sensei of Bushido Judo Club, Luke and son Cade travelled to Shoalhaven Heads NSW. Luke assisted with refereeing over the course of the two events while son Cade had great success competing. On Saturday Day One, in the 2014 NSW Country Championships, Cade won a silver medal in the Boys/Girls U9yrs U27kg “graded” division and then stepped up a weight category to win silver in the Boys U9yrs U30kg “graded” division. On Sunday Day Two, in the Southcoast Open Judo Championships Cade was again successful, winning silver in the Boys U9yrs U30kg “graded” division before again stepping up in both age and weight to get a bronze in the Boys U12yrs U30kg “graded” division. A total of 3 silver & 1 bronze medals over 2 days of competition. No wonder he was smiling!
11 October 2014: JFAQ Competition- "Otto Delhaus Memorial Judo Competition" (at Castlehill PCYC Judo Club, Townsville). Attendance by members of Southside Judo Club this year was mostly a family affair with the four Ronlund children competing. Our resident Dutchman Jorn also competed but he may have an identity crisis sharing himself out between Cairns Southside Judo Club and Innisfail Judo Club. Jorn, John & Luke also added their input in the refereeing department. Similar to the Mackay tournament of 3 weeks ago, many of the players from both Innisfail and Cairns Southside arrived the night before the competition to sleep on the mats, ready for the next days competition. Thank you to Townsville Castle Hill PCYC Judo Club for all their help (particularly Chris) and hospitality. From a refereeing perspective, it was great to see the number of coaches who were willing to help with the refereeing at this competition. In addition to the 5 referees from Townsville, coaches (new and old) from both Cairns Southside and Innisfail clubs helped out. A total of11 referees! Many hands making light work in a supportive friendly competition environment which focused on player safety and enjoyment as priorities.
27 September 2014: JFAQ Competition- "State Judo Championships" (Brisbane). Cairns Southside Judo Club had 3 players (Esa, Hein & Ben) and 1 coach (Luke) fly to Brisbane to participate in the JFAQ State Judo titles held at Inala, Brisbane. The newly formed Innisfail Judo club, also coached by Luke Ronlund Sensei, had 3 players (Riley, Coby & father coach Paul) attend. Although Luke is an Oceania A referee, he chose to participate in the event as a coach rather than as a referee in order to support the 6 players from the two North Queensland clubs at which he teaches. Both Southside Judo Club and Innisfail Judo club members had medal successes. Although the divisions were relatively shallow in depth, all the North Queensland Judo players gained Judo experience. Perhaps more importantly especially for the young players, the Judo holiday away from home provided many other memories. Snakes and guinea pigs, the Brisbane museum, playgrounds and the Sunshine Coast big waves all ensured that a great time was had by the young Cairns clubmembers. All in all, a huge weekend for all four Southside Judo Club members and three Innisfail Judo Club members whodespite travelling significant distance from Cairns at significant cost, contributed significantly to supporting QueenslandJudo through their participation.
September 2014 - Grant success! And what a very pleasant surprise it was! While attending the JFAQ State titles in Brisbane, Luke Ronlund Sensei received a telephone call from the office of the Hon. Curtis Pitt (State Member for Mulgrave) that Cairns Southside Judo Club's grant application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for an $11,000 set of full competition Judo mats had been successful. Our North Queensland club is so appreciative of this support. The new mats will now allow us to run tournaments of our own , contributing to the promotion of grassroots Judo and our efforts to increase participation in our sport. On behalf of the club, a huge "Thank you" to Karen for her time and expertise with writing and submitting this grant application. See the full story at: http://www.curtispitt.com.au/2014/10/29/cairns-southside-judo-club-floored-by-grant-success/
21 September 2014: JFAQ Competition- "Sue Hill Memorial Judo Competition" (at Mackay Kodokan Judo Club, Mackay). For the second year in a row, Cairns Southside Judo Club made the 9 hour drive, this year with 3 players and 1 coach/referee. This year though, we could share the travel costs in the company of 3 members of our "partner" club Innisfail Judo Club at which Luke Ronlund Sensei also teaches. Together, that made 6 players (Esa, Hein, Cade, Coby, Riley, Paul) and 1 referee (Luke) travelling to Mackay from Far North Queensland this year. Similar to last year, the Mackay club was most accomodating and very welcoming. A big adventure for the children to arrive late the evening before the competition and to sleep in sleeping bags on the Judo mats! Next day, there were medals and smiles all round for everyone who participated.
30 August 2014: International Competition- JFA "Sydney International Open". Cairns Southside Judo Club's Sensei Luke Ronlund (Oceania A class referee) was selected by the Judo Federation of Australia National Referee Committee to referee at this 2014 Sydney International Open competion. Luke was again pleased with his referee perfomance during a highly competitive and intense day of Judo competition oversighted by the National (JFA) referee commission. This was the 2nd International Open in the last month that Luke has officiated at. Luke was particularly pleased with his referee performance during the last bout of the day, the final in the U73 kg Mens division.
8 August 2014: International Competition- JFA "Southern Cross International Open". Cairns Southside Judo Club's Sensei Luke Ronlund (Oceania A class referee) was selected by the Judo Federation of Australia National Referee Committee to referee at this JVI hosted 2014 Southern Cross International Open competition, held in Melbourne Victoria. Luke was very pleased with his referee performance, the first time refereeing again at the senior competition level since his break from Judo in 2000 (due to military service obligations). Subsequent to this Victorian event, the JFA Referee Committee invited Luke to referee again at the prestigious Sydney International Open in just 3 weeks time.
2 August 2014: Club Competition- 7th "Shiai Training" Event (at Innisfail Judo Club). This was the seventh of these "in-house" club training activities now regularly involving Malanda, Innisfail and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs. This was the first time that Innisfail has hosted an event on their new mat area. Our three clubs fielded a total of 8 referees which was great for 3 small regional clubs. Our own Cairns Southside Judo Club fielded 8 players and 2 referees (John & Luke).
January 2014 - Club visit! Cairns Southside Judo club had the privilege and pleasure of welcoming visiting Dutch National Mareille to the club. Mareille was holidaying in Cairns with her father after completing high school studies and before beginning University studies in Medicine. Mareille trained with us twice during her short holiday to Cairns, Australia for which we felt honoured. She is an admirable young lady who we hope will one day visit us again!
20 June 2014: Club Competition- 6th "Shiai Training" Event (at Malanda Judo Club). A sixth "in-house" club training activity involving Malanda Judo Club and both Cairns Southside and Innisfail Judo clubs. Refereeing was conducted by 2 coaches from Innisfail (Paul and Ricky), 3 from Cairns Southside (Luke, John and Ben) and 2 from Malanda (Andrew and Winfried). This friday evening shiai training activity by Malanda Judo Club was well attended with participation ribbons on offer. These enjoyable grassroots Judo activities provide regular consistant learning opportunities for junior and senior judoka alike.
May 2014: Transfer of members from Cairns Southside Judo Club to Innisfail Judo Club. Since Feb 2014 Luke Ronlund Sensei has been driving 1 hour each way weekly from Cairns to Innisfail in order to conduct Judo classes at the Innisfail PCYC. After a lengthy 2-3 month long process, Innisfail Judo club's application for affiliation to JFA(Q) was formally approved. On 29 May 2014, 38 Innisfail resident players were officially transferred on the JFA's IMG membership database from the JFAQ affiliated Southside Judo Club to the JFAQ affiliated Innisfail Judo club. Luke is often accompanied on his trips to Innisfail by his sons Esa, Hein & Cade, who after both junior and senior classes, help keep him awake on the drive back to Cairns. Training at Innisail PCYC is a noisy affair with Luke Ronlund Sensei shouting instructions to the classes over the loud Zumba music next door. Training is still being conducted on the carpet sprung gymnastic floor. Innisfail Judo Club is currently negotiating a reasonable price for the purchase of 2nd hand mats from JFAQ.
May 2014: School Fete Judo Demonstration. A community Grassroots Judo initiative by the young members of Cairns Southside Judo club with the assistance of Judo teachers Luke Ronlund, John De Blaze and Sarayor Ahern of Malanda Judo Club. This was a 20 minute demonstration conducted at a local Cairns area primary school fete in North Queensland which promoted junior judo participation. https://vimeo.com/168300988‪
4 May 2014: Club Competition- 5th "Shiai Training" Event (at Southside Judo Club). A fifth "in-house" club training activity between Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Club but now also involving members of Innisfail Judo Club. Feeling very proud of the progress of Innisfail Judo club and it's members alongside that of Cairns Southside Judo Club. A combined total for both clubs of 19 players and 4 referees participating. 18 months ago, Judo did not exist in either Cairns South or Innisfail before Luke's initiatives to begin both clubs (Southside Judo Club beginning May 2013 and Innisfail Judo Club beginning Feb 2014). A lot of work developing and promoting Grassroots Judo is beginning to reap dividends. Wonderful to see and very rewarding. https://vimeo.com/168305735
12 April 2014: Cyclone Alert. Training at Cairns Southside Judo Club was cancelled over the weekend. Fortunately, Tropical cyclone Ita (Category 5) which was heading directly for Cairns instead tracked south and crossed at Ingham. Cairns (and Cairns Southside Judo Club) had narrowly missed being hit by one of the biggest cyclones (category 5) in decades
5 April 2014: Competition- "NQ Games" (at Ross River PCYC, Townsville). At the 2014 North Queensland Games last weekend, we fielded 9 players (combined Cairns Southside & Innisfail Jayden, Matthew, Riley, Coby, Esa, Hein, Cade, Paul & Les) and 4 referees (Luke, Jorn, Leo & John). Luke Ronlund Sensei teaches and oversights Judo at both Cairns Southside and Innisfail, with all Innisfail resident members currently registered with Cairns Southside Judo Club. Officially, Innisfail Judo Club does not exist as an affiliated club of the Judo Federation of Australia (Queensland) or with any other State or National Judo organisation at this point in time. We are in the process of seeking application for Innisfail's affiliation with the JFA(Q) as a club in it's own right but in the meantime we are all currently members of Cairns Southside Judo Club. A total of total of 6 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals were won by the Cairns South and Innisfail members which is a fabulous achievement considering that our two clubs are little more than 10 months old and 2 months old respectively. https://www.facebook.com/CairnsJudoSouthside/posts/640873172634495
22 March 2014: Club Competition- 4th "Shiai Training" Event (at Malanda Judo Club). A joint activity between Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs with 8 players and 3 referees (Luke, John & Ben) from Cairns Southside attending. Also first attendance by 3 Innisfail members who, not having an officially registered Judo Club at this stage, were competing and training as members of Cairns Southside Judo Club. Luke Ronlund Sensei has been teaching Judo at both Edmonton (Cairns Southside) and Innisfail this year. These Shiai training events are an ideal Grassroots Judo environment for introducing players, referees, officials and parents to the basic concept of "shiai" (competition).
5 March 2014: International Competition- JFA "Queensland International Open". Held in Brisbane. Leo Duprat attended as our Cairns Southside Judo club representative (not "Southern Cross NSW" as the drawer sheet mistakenly identifies) in the U73kg division while Luke Ronlund Sensei attended as Leo's personal coach. A strong field of 27 players in Leo's weight division meant he ended up with 6 bouts on the day. Unfortunately a day that could have ended with a bronze medal and Leo fighting fit for the upcoming Nationals ended up with a 5th place and serious shoulder injury. Had his solid Sumi-gaehi (https://vimeo.com/167714266) which appeared to put his opponent squarely onto his back with speed, force and control been awarded Ippon rather than Wazari, the day would have ended safely and with a medal. Unfortunately for Leo, a Wazari score was awarded and soon after continuation of the bout, Leo was injured trying to avoid a strong throw.
15 February 2014: Club Competition- "Shiai Training" event (at Castle Hill PCYC Judo Club, Townsville). An "in-house" club training activity by Castle Hill PCYC Judo Club to begin the year, with a 7 person mixed junior and senior team from Cairns Southside Judo Club (including visiting Dutchman Jorn & Leo) plus Malanda Judo Club's Sarayor made for a great day. 7 players (Esa, Hein, Cade, Nathan, Ben, Jorn & Leo), 1 referee (Luke) and supporting parents made the 4 hour trip from Cairns/Malanda to Townsville. A great day of fun all round with participation ribbons on offer. A fabulous Grassroots Judo environment. Thank you to Castle Hill PCYC Judo club for the invitation.
January 2014- Innisfail Judo Club resurrected! What began as an Oct 2013 coffee between Cairns Southside Judo Club's Luke Ronlund Sensei with his first Judo teacher of 30 years ago Antonio Termine Sensei, has led to Judo classes again beginning in Innisfail after over 10 years break. Luke and Southside Judo club will provide over-arching support to Innisfail club in terms of administration and expertise (including the process of becoming incorporated and becoming an affiliated Judo club), instruction (including weekly 1 hour trips by NCAS accredited coach Luke from Cairns to Innisfail), player registration (with Innisfail resident players to be later transfered from Southside Judo Club to Innisfail Judo club), gradings (juniors and seniors) and assisting coaches to meet completion of NCAS (National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) requirements.
January 2014 - Special Training visit! A small team of 4 Castle Hill PCYC Judo Club players (Brent, Chris, John & Jason) travelled 4 hours to Cairns for a weekend of training at Cairns Southside Judo Club. Joined by Ben, Leo and Dutchman Jorn with anticipated attendance by Andy and Sebastian from Mossman, it posed to be a good weekend of preparation for the upcoming ACT International Open. Unfortunately, Andy and Sebastian from Mossman did not attend despite earlier committment. A tough weekend of training mixed with honest fun ensured. Training on Saturday. Swim at Ross and Lock afterwards. Brazillian style barbeque on Saturday evening (thanks Leo!) then "first in best dressed" to claim beds and couches at Sensei Luke's house for the evening. Fortunately Luke's wife and children were on overseas holiday at the time. Sunday morning was bootcamp style training before BJJ style Ne-waza training.
23 January 2014 - Media Coverage. Making it into the Cairns Post. An article on Leo Duprat and his competition goals this year!
January 2014 - Club visit! Cairns Southside welcomed visiting Dutch National Jorn to the club. Arriving in Cairns on a mission to gain a few diving qualifications, Jorn may be with us in North Queensland for while. We will be sure to link him up with any other club who would like to make him feel welcome.
December 2013: Affiliation with the AJU. While Cairns Southside Judo Club's "Southside Judo Club" is affiliated with the Judo Federation of Australia (JFA Inc) through JFAQ, "Southside Social Judo Club" has also seen value in applying for affiliation with the Australian Judo Union Inc (AJU Inc). This will allow members of the club choice and opportunities to participate in other judo activities.
21/22 December 2013 - North Queensland Skills Development camp. Just 6 months after starting as a club, Cairns Southside Judo Club conducted it's first major activity. This Judo Skills Development camp was a success in all respects. Hosted by Cairns Southside Judo Club Australia with major support from Malanda Judo Club (thank you to Malanda administrators and instructors Kelly, Winfried, Sabine, Sarayor and Andrew). A busy hard working mat with a fabulous group of very keen & well behaved juniors, instructors with wonderful attitudes to teaching children using safe and supportive approaches, and highly experienced dan grade instructors for technical expertise. 6 black belts were present with a real international flavour (Brazilian, German and French accents!!!). Cairns Southside Judo club's Luke Ronlund Sensei was able to attract guest instructors Victorian resident Frenchman Aurelien Couston (3rd Dan) and Judo Victoria Inc President Neville Sharpe (5th Dan). Participation from 7 North Queensland clubs. Final participant count being 23 Juniors and 17 Seniors/Instructors. A fantastic event to be part of!!!
December 2013: End of Year Break-up. Jigsaw Martial Arts held their end of year organisational breakup party at the Edmonton Swimming Pool. At the same time, Cairns Southside Judo Club (a.k.a Jigsaw Southside Judo) held it's first end of year breakup and awards day. With a number of the Jigsaw BJJ members also training with Cairns Southside Judo, it was only fitting. The inaugural "Cairns Southside Judo Club Presidents Award" was presented to Tasmin C. The "Tony Termine Award for Best and Fairest Club Member” was presented to Jacob H. And the “Bruce Fagan Award for Most Outstanding Competitor” was presented to Hein R.
8 November 2013 - Media Coverage. Making it into the Cairns Post is always a pleasure. Cairns Southside Judo Club teacher and father Luke Ronlund Sensei may have been looking very serious in this photo but it was all part of the act!
26/27 October 2013 - JFA NSW Competition (hosted by Bushido Judo Club, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW. A HUGE weekend for two of Cairns Southside Judo Clubs youngest players (Esa and Hein) attending the NSW Country Championships (fielding a total field of approx 120 players) on Saturday 26 October and the NSW South Coast Open Championships (fielding a total of approx 230 players) on Sunday 27 October. At Saturday's NSW Country Championships, the boys won two 1st place trophies. At Sunday's NSW South Coast Open Championships, the boys won one 1st place trophy, one 2nd place trophy and a special trophy for Ippon (full point) throw of the day trophy. Thank you to Bushido Judo Club of Shoalhaven Heads (Nowra, Sydney, NSW, Australia) for professionally hosting both these tournaments over the same weekend. A 2 mat venue layout with conduct of a group warmup for junior competitors. 30 + volunteer workers. No shortage of willing hands to put mats down or take them up. No shortage of willing hands to run the tournament (scorers, time-keepers, marshals, first aid etc). This tournament epitomised "5 star" organisation at the grassroots club level. Very proud to have close connections with the NSW Bushido Judo Club. https://vimeo.com/168303009
19 October 2013 - Club visit! Cairns Southside welcomed German National and New Zealand resident 3rd Dan André Pinkert. It was our privilege to have André visit the club. At the same time, we also had the pleasure to learn from a visiting BJJ teacher from Melbourne. But most enjoyable was a visit to the club by our most senior Judo member, Antonio Termine Sensei (Luke Ronlund Sensei's first Judo teacher from 30 years ago).
18 October 2013: Club Competition- 3rd "Shiai Training" event (at Malanda Judo Club). The third "in-house" club training activity at Malanda, a joint activity between Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Clubs. 7 players (Esa, Hein, Cade, Jack, Tasmin, Ben, Nahan) and 1 referee (Luke) from Cairns Southside attended. A big success all round. Thank you again to Malanda Judo Club for allowing us to participate in their club activity.
3 September 2013: JFAQ Competition- "Sue Hill Memorial Judo Competition" (at Mackay Kodokan Judo Club, Mackay). 4 members from Cairns Southside Judo Club made the 9 hour drive from Cairns to Mackay with 3 players (Esa, Hein & Cade), 1 referees (Luke) and 2 spectators (Karen & Anneliese) participating (a Ronlund family affair). The Mackay club were accomodating and very welcoming! "Thank you" to David Cullen, Pauline Cullen and Wayne Palmer
16 August 2013: Club Competition- 2nd "Shiai Training" event (at Malanda Judo Club). A small "in-house" club training activity at Malanda Judo Club. The second of these joint activities between Malanda and Cairns Southside Judo Club. 5 players (Hein, Cade, Michaela, Ben & Nathan) and 2 referees (Luke & John) from Cairns Southside attended. A big success all round with thanks to all the hard work by Malanda Judo Club. "THANK YOU!" Malanda.
10 August 2013: JFAQ Competition- "Otto Dalhaus Memorial Judo Competition (at Castlehill PCYC Judo Club, Townsville). To support the event, a small team Cairns Southside Judo Club team of 4 players (Esa, Hein, Cade & Leo) and 2 referees (Luke & Leo) made the 4 hour drive to Townsville. Our Cairns club won 5 medals and a trophy for throw of the day. Great fun!
Aug-Oct 2013: Committment to Cairns Southside-Beginning in August, Luke Ronlund Sensei was absent to Townsville with military service committments. During this time, assistant Judo instructor John Deblaze conducted the club's mid-week junior classes at Cairns Southside Judo Club. Luke returned to Cairns each weekend from Townsville during this 2 month period, conducting Saturday morning junior classes and Saturday morning senior classes with Leo Duprat Sensei. From this time, Luke Ronlund Sensei no longer instructs at the Northern Beaches Judo Club, and no longer administers the other Cairns Judo club. Concentrating his efforts on Cairns Southside Judo club, it is hoped that a strong Junior Judo presence will be quickly established. While some members of Cairns Southside Judo club cross train Judo & BJJ, the classes at the Jigsaw Martial Arts facility are conducted as separate arts with mutual benefits for students and developing coaches alike. Judo classes conducted by Luke Ronlund Sensei always accord with traditional Kodokan Judo principles of instruction and etiquette.
20 July 2013: Club Competition- "Shiai Training" event (at Northern Beaches Judo Club). A small shiai (competition) training activity organised by of Northern Beaches Judo Club. This small event was attended by members from Cairns Southside Judo Club and Northern Beaches Judo Club. Cairns Southside Judo Club had 7 players (Esa, Hein, Cade, Tasmin, Jack, Ben and Nathan) and 1 referee (Luke) attend.
19 July 2013: Club Competition- 1st "Shiai Training" event (at Malanda Judo Club). A small "in-house" club training activity at Malanda. This is the first joint Shiai (competition) training activity between the members of Malanda Judo Club and Cairns Southside Judo Club with Northern Beaches Judo Club instructor Michaelis and his club declining an invitation to participate. Cairns Southside Judo Club had 3 players (Esa, Hein & Cade)and 1 referee (Luke) attend with learning opportunities for all (players, referees, table officials, marshalling and parents spectating). Luke Ronlund Sensei, as a Yon Dan (4th Degree black belt), Oceania A Class referee and former National level Judo administrator, is keen for these small training events to promote and develop Grassroots Judo based on safety, inclusion, support and enjoyment.
26 May 2013: JFAQ Competition- "Cairns Invitational Judo Open" (at Northern Beaches Judo Club). As Luke Ronlund Sensei continues to teach at the Northern Beaches Judo Club, as well as teaching at his own Judo school Southside Judo Club, he acted as Tournament Director for the NBJC hosted JFAQ "Cairns Invitational Open" competition. Mr Neville Sharpe, President of Judo Victoria and Chairman of the Judo Federation of Australia referee Commission was holidaying with the Ronlund family in North Queensland and attended as a guest official. At it's first event as a club, the Southside Judo club fielded 8 players (Esa, Hein, Cade, Ben, Jazmin, Tasmin, Jack & Ben) and 1 referee (Luke). Participation by other North Queensland clubs was Malanda Judo Club (4 players), Northern Beaches Judo Club (24 players), Coral Coast Judo Club (15 players) and Castle Hill PCYC Judo Club (24 players). The large number of Northern Beaches Judo Club players willing to participate in the competition is testimony to Lukes manner of supportive teaching at the Yorkey's Knob based club over the past 12 months.
Apr 2013 - Our enthusiastic beginning as a club! Southside Judo Club began with training in association with the privately owned Edmonton BJJ club "Jigsaw". At a JFAQ management committee meeting of 18 Apr 2013, Southside Judo Club became affiliated with the Judo Federation of Australia (Queensland) . Luke Ronlund Sensei will lead instruction at Queenslands newest Judo Club (Southside Judo club), while at the same time continuing with instruction and administration at the Yorkeys Knob, Northern Beaches Judo Club during the absence of Karl Michaelis. Luke has been a member of the Northern Beaches Judo Club (NBJC) since his return to Judo in Apr 2012. With Michaelis now living in Ravenshoe, and Luke having delivered the majority of classes at NBJC since early 2012, Luke feels an ongoing responsibility to the young players and families that he has introduced to Judo at the NBJC club. He will therefore continue teaching at the Northern Beaches club in the near future, as well as at the newly founded Cairns Southside Judo club.