Vernon Judo Club

Vernon Judo Club is a volunteer-run judo club in Vernon, British Columbia, at the north end of Okanagan Lake. Founded in 1944 by Y. Mori, it has practised at the same location ever since and describes itself as Canada’s longest continuously running judo club.

The club trains at the Vernon Japanese Cultural Centre and offers classes for children, teens and adults, with sessions for beginners, intermediate and senior judoka. It also holds kata sessions and provides additional instruction and conditioning for some advanced students. Programs listed by the club include Petit Sam for ages five to six, youth classes, adult training, performance, self-defence and women’s judo.

The regular season generally runs from early September through late April, with classes typically held on Monday and Thursday evenings. Newcomers can arrange a two-week free trial, subject to a signed waiver and advance contact. The club supports participation in competitions and has celebrated members’ achievements at provincial, national and international events.

Its parents’ group is a non-profit society supporting club members