6th Dan Coral Belt

President

Former Member of the GB Olympic Judo Squad

Clive Douglas is a 6th Dan coral belt and Level 2 British Judo Coach, fully certified in First Aid, Child Protection, and DBS-checked.

His Judo journey is defined by decades of remarkable achievement, dedication, and global impact.

A former member of the GB Olympic Judo Squad, Clive built a formidable reputation on the elite competition circuit before transitioning to the Masters level, where he continued to excel. He has earned five bronze medals at the World Masters Championships, including one in Japan, and claimed gold at the European Masters. His competitive triumphs also include victories at the Canadian Masters and multiple gold medals across North America, Europe, and the UK circuits.

Clive’s passion for Judo extends beyond the tatami. As a coach, he has shared his knowledge and expertise across the UK, Europe, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Thailand, inspiring Judokas of all levels with his technical insight and deep love for the sport.

Now in 2025, Clive continues his journey, pushing towards his 7th Dan coral belt, a rare and distinguished rank that reflects not just technical excellence, but a lifetime of contribution to Judo. A true warrior in every sense, Clive remains a driving force behind the growth of others, both on and off the mat.

5th Dan Black Belt

Chairman & Founding Member

British Masters Champion

Brian Atkins is a 5th Dan black belt and Level 2 British Judo Coach, fully certified in First Aid, Child Protection, and DBS-checked.

He is the founder of the current Northampton Judo Club, a reflection of his vision, leadership, and lifelong devotion to the sport.

As a competitor, Brian enjoyed success at both mainstream and Masters levels, becoming a two-time British Masters Champion. One of his proudest career moments came in 2003, when he represented his skills at the World Masters Championships held at the historic Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan.

In addition to his coaching, Brian serves as the Chairman of Northampton Judo Club. He continues to shape the future of the club, leading with wisdom, experience, and unwavering dedication. His influence and mentorship are felt across generations of Judoka.

Brian is a cornerstone of the club, whose contributions continue to elevate the spirit and standard of Northampton Judo.

5th Dan Black Belt

Technical Director

Senior UK BJA Examiner & Referee

David Tompkins is a 5th Dan black belt and Level 2 British Judo Coach, fully certified in First Aid, Child Protection, and DBS-checked.

A long-standing figure in British Judo, Dave brings decades of experience and technical mastery to Northampton Judo Club.

Beginning his Judo journey in London, Dave has been a proud and integral part of Northampton Judo Club since its founding. His dedication to the sport has seen him compete at the highest levels, including the prestigious 2003 World Masters Championships in Japan.

As a Senior BJA Examiner and Referee, Dave holds the authority to grade Judoka all the way up to 5th Dan—a rare level of responsibility that makes him instrumental in the technical development of club members.

Dave’s deep knowledge, calm presence, and unwavering commitment make him an exceptional mentor. He plays a vital role in guiding students on their path to excellence, supporting their progress with insight, precision, and respect for tradition.

4th Dan

Competition Coach

Former Hungarian Olympic International Team

Imi Baricz is a 4th Dan black belt and Level 2 British Judo Coach, fully certified in First Aid, Child Protection, and DBS-checked.

Imi began practicing judo at the age of 6 and now boasts over 30 years of experience in the sport. A three-time national champion, he has also achieved international acclaim, winning the Paris European Cup three times, Vienna International Competition two times, securing a silver medal at the Sienna International Championship, and earning a gold medal at the Budapest Cup.
As a former member of the Austrian Bundesliga, Imi has contributed to multiple team championships.

Academically, Imi holds a university degree in coaching with a specialization in judo, along with an additional certificate in adaptive coaching, focusing on young talents with disabilities.

Specialising in tachiwaza and transitions to newaza, Imi's passion, dedication, and unparalleled international experience have equipped him with a unique methodology to support competitive judo athletes.
He believes in a holistic approach to coaching, emphasizing the development of both physical and mental strength. He focuses on individualised training plans that cater to the unique needs of each athlete, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and resilience. His adaptive coaching techniques ensure that all athletes, regardless of their abilities, can reach their full potential. By instilling discipline, respect, and a love for the sport, Imi aims to cultivate not just champions on the mat, but well-rounded individuals in life.

1st Dan Black Belt

Newaza Coach & Junior Program Head Coach

Secretary

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2nd Degree Brown Belt

British Masters Judo Bronze Medallist British Masters BJJ 2024 Champion British Judo Masters Squad

Steve Freezer is a 1st Dan black belt and Level 2 British Judo Coach, fully certified in First Aid, Child Protection, and DBS-checked.

He brings a dynamic blend of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) experience to Northampton Judo Club, specialising in transitional grappling and groundwork (Newaza).

Originally turning to Judo to complement his BJJ training, Steve has developed a unique coaching approach that bridges standing techniques (Tachiwaza) with smooth and effective groundwork transitions. His competitive success reflects his deep skill and determination—Steve is the BJJ British Masters 2024 Champion, a British Masters Bronze Medallist in Judo, and a member of the British Judo Masters Squad.

As a coach, Steve stands out for his analytical teaching style and depth of knowledge in Newaza. He breaks techniques down into clear, actionable reference points, offering multiple attacking pathways from each position. This method empowers students to understand, adapt, and apply what they’ve learned—on the mat and in competition.

Steve also leads the Junior Program at Northampton Judo Club, helping to develop the next generation of Judoka with a balance of discipline, technical detail, and fun. His contribution is central to the club’s continued growth and success across all levels.

1st Kyu Brown Belt

Self-Defence Coach

Treasurer

3rd Dan Japanese Ju Jitsu

British Judo 2024 Masters ChampionBritish Ju Jitsu 2024 Midlands Silver Medallist British Ju Jitsu 2024 National Bronze Medallist

Charles Pritchard holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Japanese Ju Jitsu, is a Level 3 Ju Jitsu Coach, and a Level 1 British Judo Coach, with full certification in First Aid, Child Protection, and an enhanced DBS check.

Charles is a highly experienced martial artist with over 27 years of training in Japanese Ju Jitsu and Judo. He currently holds a 1st Kyu brown belt in Judo and is actively preparing for his black belt (Dan grade), with a focused competitive and coaching path.

A skilled and determined competitor, Charles is the 2024 British Judo Masters Champion, a 2024 British Ju Jitsu Midlands Silver Medallist, and 2024 British Ju Jitsu National Bronze Medallist. His accomplishments across both disciplines showcase his adaptability and technical depth, especially in high-pressure, real-world scenarios.

Having transitioned from a traditional martial arts background into the dynamic world of competitive Judo, Charles brings a unique hybrid coaching style, combining the efficiency, discipline, and structure of Japanese Ju Jitsu with the explosive athleticism and flow of modern Judo.

His approach to self-defence instruction is especially valued at Northampton Judo Club, where he teaches practical, realistic techniques rooted in years of applied study.

As the club’s Treasurer, Charles is also instrumental behind the scenes, managing operations, supporting the club's growth, and ensuring stability for its future.

Passionate about empowering students of all ages and abilities, Charles leads with calm authority, technical insight, and a belief in lifelong learning. He is a trusted coach, competitor, and mentor who represents the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance at the heart of traditional martial arts.

1st Dan Black Belt

Level 1 Coach

Myeisha Dawkins is an emerging British judoka competing under the British Judo Association banner.

A dedicated and disciplined athlete, she has progressed through the junior ranks with determination and is continuing her development as part of the next generation of competitive British judoka.

Training through Moberly Stars Judo Club, Myeisha earned her 1st Dan black belt in 2022, demonstrating strong technical ability, perseverance and a commitment to the art. She has competed at BJA-sanctioned events, including national ranking competitions and school-level championships, gaining valuable experience against some of the country’s top young athletes.

Myeisha is known for her positive attitude on the tatami and her willingness to challenge herself in competition. She represents the pathway many young players aspire to follow, beginning in grassroots judo, working hard through the Kyu grades, and pushing forward into the Dan ranks while gaining tournament experience nationally.

Still early in her competitive career, Myeisha, now training & coaching at Northampton Judo Club, continues to develop her technical profile and competition presence. With continued training, mat experience and support from the team at NJC, she has the potential to grow further and make her mark in future national events.

A promising talent to keep an eye on, Myeisha embodies the spirit of British judo: respect, perseverance, courage, and a drive for continuous improvement.

2nd Dan Black Belt

Female Competition Coach & Junior Program Coach

Former Member of the Indonesian National Judo Team

Yona Miden is a 2nd Dan black belt and a current international competitor who brings elite-level experience, technical excellence, and inspirational leadership to Northampton Judo Club.

As a former member of the Indonesian National Judo Team, Yona competed at major international events across Asia and beyond, gaining invaluable insights into high-performance training, preparation, and mindset.

With a deep foundation in competitive Judo, Yona now plays a vital role at NJC as the club’s Junior Team Coach & head Female Competition Coach, guiding both our kids & our ladies through every stage of their development, from fundamentals to advanced performance. Her coaching blends a sharp technical edge with real-world competitive knowledge, delivered with clarity, intensity, and genuine care for her students' growth.

Yona is particularly passionate about empowering female athletes, building confidence, and promoting resilience on and off the tatami. Her presence as a high-level female coach provides a powerful example for the next generation of girls and women in Judo.

Respected for her humility, discipline, and high standards, Yona is more than a coach, she is a mentor and role model whose influence is felt far beyond competition results. Her contribution strengthens the club’s competitive programs and reinforces its commitment to excellence, inclusion, and international calibre coaching.

8th Dan Black Belt

Vice President – Northampton Judo Club

British Judo Legend
Olympian & World Medalist

Brian Jacks is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of British Judo, an 8th Dan Judoka, Olympian, and international medalist whose career helped shape the landscape of the sport both in the UK and globally.

A trailblazer on the world stage, Brian made history as the first British Judoka to win a medal at the World Judo Championships, earning bronze in Salt Lake City in 1967. He competed in two Olympic Games, Tokyo 1964 and Munich 1972, and was a dominant force across the European circuit during the golden era of British Judo.

Beyond the tatami, Brian became a national hero through his remarkable performances on the BBC’s Superstars, where his unmatched strength and athleticism, particularly in gym-based challenges, earned him legendary status. He became a household name and elevated public interest in Judo across the UK.

Known for his ferocious groundwork, clinical technique, and unwavering discipline, Brian helped inspire a generation of athletes and contributed significantly to the development of modern Judo training. His expertise has since been shared through coaching, seminars, and his own martial arts and fitness facilities both in the UK and abroad.

Today, Brian serves as Vice President of Northampton Judo Club, lending his vast experience and lifelong passion for the sport to support and inspire the next generation of Judoka.

A true pioneer, competitor, and ambassador of Judo, Brian Jacks remains a living legend, respected worldwide for his achievements, his resilience, and his enduring dedication to the martial art he helped put on the map.