Elite judo coaches launch new Furness Judo Academy in Ulverston

Danny Harper, originally from Kendal, is CEO of DNA Judo group which is one of only three organisations in the country with British Judo Association Elite Provider status.

The 36-year-old started judo at the tender age of six at Kendal Judo Club and went on to win British Championship medals at the Pre-Cadet, Cadet & Junior age groups.

READ MORE: Cumbrian student takes home bronze in Judo Championship

He has gone on to win many more medals and has travelled all over the world to train and compete and began.

He began coaching in 2013 and set up his own academy - Craven Judo Academy.

Last year, he won The British Judo Coach of the Year for 2023 and received nearly 20 individual nominations for the award.

Now, he is also CEO of DNA Judo and is working with his younger counterparts, Evan Allan and Evie Vose, who are first degree black belts and national level competitors in their own right.

Evie is head coach at North Lancs Judo Academy in Morecambe which opened in January of this year.

The brand new Furness Academy is now headed up by Evan and opened its doors yesterday  (May 2) at Sir John Barrow Primary School.

Danny said: "We were absolutely blown away by the interest - we had 40-50 new and old judokas on our mats last night. 

"The support the club has had from the local community has been amazing.

"Furness Judo Club existed for over 70 years however sadly closed due to the Covid pandemic.

"DNA Judo has worked in conjunction their past stakeholders to bring judo back to the area. Our aim is to really re-ignite the judo bug for Furness.

"There will be people who have trained in Kendal, like myself, who may want to come down also.

"We really want to get the message out there that we still have capacity and we want to welcome everyone down.

"Evan shares my ethos and mission that judo is for all and he is driven to help our Furness members to fulfil their full potential in the sport."

The academy's weekly classes encompass several age groups from age four to adult.

All coaches are qualified in safeguarding children and first aid and are DBS checked. 

The Kano Kidz is 4-7 Year olds, Junior Judo is for 7-12 Year Olds and Academy Judo is 12 years and over.  

To support families with multiple members, the academy also offers a Family Membership Cap.

To find out times and prices of sessions, including any free tasters, visit the Furness Judo Academy website.

The coaches also have more plans for hubs in Barrow and Dalton.