Judo (柔道 Judo, meaning "gentle way") was created as a physical, mental and moral pedagogy in Japan, in 1882, by Jigoro Kano (嘉納治五郎). It is generally categorized as a modern martial art which later evolved into a combat and Olympic sport. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue an opponent with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke. Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defenses are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata, 形) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori, 乱取り). A judo practitioner is called a judoka.
Judo became an Olympic sport for men in the 1964 Games in Tokyo. The Olympic Committee initially dropped judo for the 1968 Olympics, meeting protests. Dutchman Anton Geesink won the first Olympic gold medal in the open division of judo by defeating Akio Kaminaga of Japan. The women's event was introduced at the Olympics in 1988 as a demonstration event, and an official medal event in 1992. Paralympic judo has been a Paralympic sport (for the visually impaired) since 1988; it is also one of the sports at the Special Olympics.
Several judo practitioners have made an impact in mixed martial arts. Notable judo-trained MMA fighters include Olympic medalists Hidehiko Yoshida (Gold, 1992), Naoya Ogawa (Silver, 1992), Paweł Nastula (Gold, 1996), Makoto Takimoto (Gold, 2000), Satoshi Ishii (Gold, 2008) and Ronda Rousey (Bronze, 2008), former Russian national judo championship Bronze medalist Fedor Emelianenko, Karo Parisyan, Don Frye, Antônio Silva, Oleg Taktarov, Rick Hawn, Hector Lombard, Yoshihiro Akiyama and Dong-Sik Yoon.
Kazoku Judokan was founded by James Bradbury in 2015 with members initially training along the foreshore of Heron Way Reserve at Hallet Cove while James focused on his commitment to training the Junior State Team in preperations for the Judo Federation of Australia's National Championships in May of 2016. October 28th 2016 (World Judo Day) Kazoku Judokan moved to an indoor venue to begin more formal training, the location chosen was Byard's Gym at Reynella East College.
Kazoku is the Japanese word for "Family" so with James and his coaching staff committed to creating a fun and family orientated Judo club which still has the disipline and values instilled by the history of a Japanese martial art "Kazoku" was a natural and fitting name for the club.
Head Coach James began Judo in 1984 under the direction of Stephen Bradbury at Miyagi-Do Judo Kan where he also began his coaching career by 1994 after progressing through the Kyu grades and entering as many competitions as he could. James quickly went on to compete at a national level and moved up to represent Australia in the OJU World Cup. James currently holds a 3rd Dan(Sandan) Black Belt.
James Bradbury
Fifth Place, Over 100 Kg Division 2009
Sakura Kodokan National Titles
1986, 1989-1996, 2002-2007
JFA Australian Judo National Championships
2007-2009
Australian Capital Territory International Open
Gold Medal, Over 100kg Division 2008
Bronze Medal, Over 100 Kg Division 2010
South Australian International Open (SAIO)
Silver Medal, Over 100Kg Division Gold Medal, Open Division 2008
Silver Medal, Over 100Kg Division Gold Medal, Open Division 2009
Silver Medal, Over 100Kg Division Silver Medal, Open Division 2008
Victorian International Open
Gold Medal, Over 100 Kg Division
Bronze Medal, Open Division 2009
• Miyagi-Do Judo Kan 1994 - 2000
• Onkaparinga Judo Kan 2000 - 2007
• Seacliff Judo Club 2002 - 2011
• Scorpion Judo Club 2007 - 2016
• Sakura Kodokan Junior State Coach 1996 - 2000
• Sakura Kodokan Senior State Coach 2010 - 2011
• Judo SA Junior/Cadet State Coach 2011 - 2016
James has been the co-ordinating coach in developing the next generation of young judoka for competition in South Australia through his MONster Judo program. Where young judo players can learn competition techniques in a fun environment with out the pressure of a formal contest. Kids learn judo skills presented in an enjoyable format with games based on judo moves and an informal competition. Although medals and trophies are awarded the emphasis is on participation and development not winning. MONster Judo events are held at various clubs through out South Australia to encourage new judo players to participate
Assistant Coach James achived his Shodan grade in 2019 and has trained with Kazoku Judokan since it's beginning.
James Sprules
JFA Australian National Championships
1st Place, U100kg Kyu Grades - 2019
3rd Place, U100kg - 2022
South Australian International Open, Adelaide
1st Place, O100kgs - 2019
2nd Place, U100kgs - 2019
JudoSA State Titles
3rd Place, Mens Open - 2020
3rd Place, U90kg - 2020
1st Place, U100kgs - 2019
1st Place, Mens Open - 2019
1st Place, U100kgs - 2018
1st Place, Mens Open - 2018
2nd Place, U100kgs - 2016
3rd Place, Mens Open - 2016
1st Place, Junior Division
Kodokan State Titles
1st Place, U100kgs - 2017
1st Place, Mens Open - 2017
1st Place, U100kgs - 2016
1st Place, Mens Open - 2016
• Started coaching with kazoku Judokan - 2018.
• coached school and club rugby. 2013 - 2016
• Judo Development (camps, kata courses, judo courses)
• Min-Ho Judo Camp at SAJA 2018
• SA State Team Judo Camp at Port Augusta Judo Club 2021
• Kazoku Judokan Training Camp 2021
