About us
Club History
The Howick & St Heliers Judo Club (formally known as the Howick Academy of Judo) was founded over fifty years ago by Ivan Willis, who is currently a sixth dan Judoka. Ivan is also a black belt in Aikido and Karate.
The club operated on a small scale until the Howick Recreation Centre opened and the club moved in as one of the Centre’s foundation sports.
When Ivan retired from Judo in 2005, the club was taken over by Lawrie Crooke. At that stage Lawrie was a member of the club and had trained under Ivan for eighteen years.
In 2019, Lester Harris took over the running of the club. Lester had started his judo at Howick. Originally just a father watching his son training until the urge to try for himself got him onto the mat. From there progressing up the grades to become a black belt.
The club, primarily based in Howick, was soon expanded to include St Heliers. The Howick training sessions are still held at the Howick Recreation Centre on Pakuranga Rd. The St Heliers training sessions are held at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium on Kohimarama Rd.
50+
Years of Community Training
80+
Students Trained in Judo
5+
All Ages Welcome
Martial Arts With A Difference
Ready to Try Judo?
Come along to a class, meet the coaches and see if Howick Judo is right for you.