The Past.
The Academy was formed in 2007 by South Australia's only Judo Olympian, Steve Brown.
Frustrated with limited training opportunities, the Academy was originally designed to cater for two purposes-
- To create a central training venue where like minded athletes could gather for intense, high level training in the lead up to the 2008 Olympic Games
- To build a junior development program which would change the way young promising players were trained and taught, to help them compete against the best athletes in the country.
The elite group started strongly, most of the states strongest competition fighters gathered regularly for training based on European methods. The fighters enjoyed the variety from their regular sessions and improved quickly.
The training was a success, with Steve successfully being selected for the 2008 Games.
The junior program began with the assistance of Tony Barks, who was and is a driving force in what has become a very successful system. Approximately 15 young athletes where given the opportunity to train at a level they had never been exposed to before. Basic competition strategy and moves where broken down to the tiniest detail.
The success was unprecedented, with most fighters going on to win medals at the upcoming national titles - many for the first time.
Post Beijing 2008
After the Olympic Games there was a high demand for training of various levels at the Academy. It was decided that a more structured training program needed to be implemented, to help cater for participants of all ages and abilities.
'Judo Ninjas' was formed for training for kids 5-12 years old. Like all our classes, the methodology used to train these kids was different to any other class being run in the state. There was an emphasis on fun and fitness but also teaching techniques in a unique and effective way.
The original junior development squad changed slightly. Participants who did not want to reach the highest level moved onto different classes and select new athletes with potential were added. The program continues to be a huge success, with several original members being selected to represent Australia at the 2010 Junior World Championships.
The senior elite squad adopted a regular training program implemented to help each aspect of their competition.
As well as this, general classes were added for adults wishing to begin or improve their general Judo, without the desire of elite competition.
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