About our club

Learn about the coaches and over 40 years of NJC history

Join an empowering community

At Northampton Judo Club, we are a community of like-minded individuals united by a shared passion for Judo and the philosophy that underpins it. Since our founding in 1982, our coaches have embraced a vision to nurture and pass down the rich knowledge of Judo, grounded in the timeless principles of respect, discipline, and perseverance.

We believe these values transcend the dojo, offering lessons that positively influence all aspects of life. Whether you are an experienced Judoka seeking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to embark on this journey, we warmly welcome you to join us. Together, we strive for self-improvement, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence in an environment that inspires growth and connection.

Northampton Judo Club

Meet the coaches

At Northampton Judo Club, we are deeply committed to fostering the physical abilities, as well as the mental and emotional resilience of our Judokas. We believe that Judo is not just a sport but a holistic practice that strengthens both body and mind.
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Our team of skilled coaches brings a wealth of experience and unique teaching methods, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.
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By tailoring instruction to each individual student’s needs, we ensure that every Judoka receives the guidance and support necessary to grow, excel, and achieve their personal goals.

Red&white Belt

6th Dan

Clive Douglas

Clive’s Judo journey is marked by outstanding achievements at both elite and masters levels. A former member of the British National Squad, he transitioned to a highly successful career in masters competition, earning bronze medals in five World Masters Championships, including one in Japan, and clinching gold at the European Masters.
Clive’s victories span the globe, including prestigious titles such as the Canadian Masters and multiple wins in North America, Europe, and the UK Masters circuits.
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Beyond competition, his passion for Judo extends to coaching, where he has shared his expertise across the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Thailand.

His wealth of experience as both a competitor and coach makes Clive a true ambassador for Judo, inspiring practitioners worldwide with his dedication and success.

Clive is a Level 2 British Judo Coach, first aid, child protection and full DBS certified coach

Black belt

5th dan

Brian Atkins

Brian is the founder of the current Northampton Judo Club, a testament to his vision and dedication to the sport. He remains an active and influential coach, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for Judo with the next generation of practitioners.
As a competitor, Brian excelled at both mainstream and masters levels, achieving the prestigious title of British Masters Champion twice. His career highlights include representing his skillset on the world stage at the World Masters Championships held at the Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan, in 2003, a historic event for Judo enthusiasts.
In addition to his coaching role, Brian serves as the Chairman of Northampton Judo Club, continuing to guide and shape the club’s future with his leadership and expertise. His contributions to the club and the sport are immeasurable, inspiring students and peers alike.

Brian is a Level 2 British Judo Coach, first aid, child protection and full DBS certified coach

Black belt

5th dan

David Tompkins

Dave began his Judo journey in London and has been a proud and integral member of Northampton Judo Club since its inception.
His passion and dedication to the sport have taken him to remarkable heights, including competing at the prestigious World Masters Championships in Japan in 2003.

As a Senior Examiner, Dave holds the authority and expertise to grade practitioners all the way up to 5th Dan, making him a cornerstone of development within the club.
His wealth of experience and long-standing commitment to Judo make him a respected mentor and an invaluable resource for students striving to advance in their martial arts journey.

Dave is a Level 2 British Judo Coach, first aid, child protection and full DBS certified coach

Black belt

2nd dan

Imi Baricz

Imi began practicing judo at the age of 6 and now boasts over 30 years of experience in the sport. A three-time national champion, he has also achieved international acclaim, winning the Paris European Cup three times, Vienna International Competition two times, securing a silver medal at the Sienna International Championship, and earning a gold medal at the Budapest Cup.
As a former member of the Austrian Bundesliga, Imi has contributed to multiple team championships.

Academically, Imi holds a university degree in coaching with a specialisation in judo, along with an additional certificate in adaptive coaching, focusing on young talents with disabilities.

Specialising in tachiwaza and transitions to newaza, Imi's passion, dedication, and unparalleled international experience have equipped him with a unique methodology to support competitive judo athletes.
He believes in a holistic approach to coaching, emphasizing the development of both physical and mental strength. He focuses on individualised training plans that cater to the unique needs of each athlete, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and resilience. His adaptive coaching techniques ensure that all athletes, regardless of their abilities, can reach their full potential. By instilling discipline, respect, and a love for the sport, Imi aims to cultivate not just champions on the mat, but well-rounded individuals in life.

black belt

1st dan

Steve Freezer

Steve’s journey into Judo to complement his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) highlights his dedication to mastering the art of transitions between standing techniques (Tachiwaza) and groundwork (Newaza).
His competitive achievements speak volumes about his skill and determination, being both a BJJ British Masters 2024 Champion and a British Masters Bronze Medallist in Judo, alongside his position on the British Judo Masters Squad.

As a coach, Steve stands out for his expertise in Newaza. He enriches Judo’s ground game by offering unique perspectives and techniques, ensuring that each student builds a deep understanding of the skills taught. By breaking down techniques into digestible reference points and presenting multiple options, Steve empowers his students to adapt and excel in both training and competition. His approach makes him an invaluable mentor for athletes striving for excellence in grappling sports.

Steve is a Level 1 British Judo Coach, first aid, child protection and full DBS certified

brown belt

1ST kyu

Charles Pritchard

Charles is a British Judo Master champion (2024) and comes from a strong Japanese Ju Jitsu background. British Ju Jisu Midlands’ Silver medallist (2024) and British Ju Jitsu National Bronze medallist (2024), he holds a 3rd dan in Ju Jitsu and has trained for 27 years.
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Having successfully transitioned to the Sport of Judo a few years ago, he currently holds a 1st Kyu brown belt and is fighting towards his Black belt (Dan Grade) at the moment.
He brings a blend of competitive modern Judo, traditional Japanese martial arts traditions and efficient self-defence perspective.
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Charles is a level 3 Ju Jitsu Coach, and a Level 1 British Judo Coach with first aid, child protection and full DBS

Our history

1982 onwards

Since its establishment in 1982, Northampton Judo Club has stood as a beacon of excellence in martial arts, fostering a rich legacy of world-class coaches and Judokas. Over the decades, the club has built a reputation for nurturing talent, producing champions, and promoting the values of respect, discipline, and perseverance inherent in Judo.

The club’s storied history continues to inspire its members, encouraging them to embark on transformative journeys of both physical and mental growth. Through the practice of Judo, Northampton Judo Club remains committed to empowering individuals, fostering community, and upholding its proud tradition of excellence in martial arts training.

About our club

Learn about the coaches and over 40 years of NJC history

Join an empowering community

Meet the coaches

Clive Douglas

Brian Atkins

David Tompkins

Imi Baricz

Steve Freezer

Charles Pritchard

1982 onwards

The start of
Northampton Judo Club

1982

1990's

Move from YMCA to
Timken Sports Club

Northampton Judo Club
with Neil Adams

1990's

2003

NJC in the main dojo at the Kodokan, Tokyo

Walter receiving N'ptonshire Sport Award

2016

2018

NJC winning gold at
3-man team competition

Junior Judo Classes

Join our Judo
community today!

About our club

Learn about the coaches and over 40 years of NJC history

Join an empowering community

Meet the coaches

Clive Douglas

Brian Atkins

David Tompkins

Imi Baricz

Steve Freezer

Charles Pritchard

1982 onwards

The start of Northampton Judo Club

1982

1990's

Move from YMCA toTimken Sports Club

Northampton Judo Club with Neil Adams

1990's

2003

NJC in the main dojo at the Kodokan, Tokyo

Walter receiving N'ptonshire Sport Award

2016

2018

NJC winning gold at3-man team competition

Junior Judo Classes

Join our Judocommunity today!

The start of
Northampton Judo Club

Move from YMCA to
Timken Sports Club

Northampton Judo Club
with Neil Adams

NJC winning gold at
3-man team competition

Join our Judo
community today!