About our Club  Stanway Judo Club was created during the late 1970’s by Senior Dan Grade Judo players in the Colchester area. In 1989, the current Sensei had to rescind his role and 1st Kyu Martyn Barnett became Sensei having already  been instructing at various other Clubs in the Colchester area and gaining suitable coaching qualifications. From an initial 3 members, the Club quickly flourished and became well known in the Judo community by successfully attending as many competitions and events as possible.  As Sensei at the time Martyn produced Area, National and International Judo players through hard training.  He also arranged successful training days for other clubs to attend.  The current Sensei – 3rd Dan Dale Sowman (Martyn’s brother-in-law) - took over from Martyn when he had to move away from the Colchester area due to work commitments. Like Martyn, Dale has earned coaching awards (see Profiles) and has brought the Club currently up to about 50 members with Judoka  ranging from age 6 upto and including Seniors.  Dale said that it is rewarding to see his judoka becoming Area, National and International Champions through the Amateur Judo Association and hopes it will continue with the All England Federation.    Martyn’s parents – Christine and Peter both 1st Dans (Honorary)– handle the administration, so Stanway Judo Club really is something of a family concern.   We are proud to be affiliated to The All England Judo Federation who provides excellent back-up knowledge and information whilst wanting us to run the Club independently without interference and political restrictions.   Sensei himself can carry out gradings within the Club up to and including Orange belt plus 3green tags,  which shows the freedom bestowed on us by the A.E.J.F. governing body.     In February 2011, we were awarded a Certificate of Commendation by Colchester Sports Council in recognition of the development of the Club over the last 25 years. This prestigious award was well received by the audience and it is pleasing to see a Martial Arts Club achieve such a highly prized acclamation.