Sarah
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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Saturday 01 Feb 1958
Page 10 Column 8 and 9
Judo Has Made Rapid Strides in Taunton
Caters For All Ages
IF you were asked which sport had made the most rapid strides in Taunton during the past few years what would be your reply? The odds are you would name an English sport such as soccer, cricket, rugby, swimming or tennis, but you would be wrong. The answer is Judo.
In just over four years since its formation in 1953 Taunton Judo Club, or Judokwai as members like it to be called, has increased its membership from a few people to 65, with the ages of active members ranging form 12 to over 50.
Now there is a thriving junior section, and news of the growth of the sport has aroused the interest of a number of women. Unfortunately, a women's section has not been formed, due to lack of facilities. The need is for larger club premises such as a gymnasium. At present members meet on Mondays and Wednesdays in an indoor shooting range adjoining the railway near Malvern Terrace.
Cinderella Days
The founder-member, Mr. S. C. CHIPCHASE, who is chairman, started the club in September 1953. He and a few members, all novices, learned their judo from books and practised in their oldest clothes. That was in the Cinderella days of the sport in the town: now those members teach the newcomers and are coached themselves by visiting experts. They wear the standard judo dress – or judogi, as it is known in the sport.
The standard attained is indicated by the different coloured belts worn over the judogi. First there is the red belt, worn by novices not yet graded; then white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. After this one progresses through stages known as dans up to 10th dan – of which there are only three in the world.
Practice Essential
In common with so many other sports judo requiries practice and more practice. Mr. CHIPCHASE himself a brown belt, a standard he has reached in only four years, explained to associate members and two reporters at an “At home” evening of the club on Wednesday that there is much to be done before one can start on the throws. The first thing is to learn to fall correctly and the throws, which take a long time to perfect, follow.
The sport is more than just a form of self-defence. It calls for co-ordination of mind, muscle and spirit, so height and weight have little significance.
The Taunton club has gone a long way, and next month some of its members are competing in the West of England championships at Bristol. One team is competing against Bristol Judokwai for the Summers Cup, while D. SYMONDS meets Enberry (Plymouth City Police) in the final of the Langford Cup.
Demonstration
Onlookers on Wednesday saw Mr. CHIPCHASE and Mr. C. GIBBS, a black belt, first dan, demonstrate some lightning throws. Mr. CHIPCHASE's opponent used a revolver, loaded with blanks, and a knife, but was quickly disarmed.
Judo has played an important part in the inter-town link with Lisieux, and last June the Taunton club visited France for a judo match. The Lisieux club came to Taunton in October. One of the prized prossessions in the Taunton clubroom is a pact signed by the two clubs.
After seeing a most entertaining 90 minutes' exhibition the associate members joined the President, Mr. T. R. N. WHYTE, and Mr. CHIPCHASE at dinner.
So if you wish to enjoy an inexpensive, interesting sport, which keeps you extremely fit and caters for all ages, how about trying judo? It's fascinating and you'll enjoy it. B.T.