THE TEAM
Stephen McCluskey
5th Dan - Lead Coach
Anne Marie McCluskey
1st Dan - Lead Coach
With over 40 years experience in Judo, Stephen has competed at the highest level across the Globe. After becoming British Champion at the age of fifteen, Stephen represented GB to win a Gold medal and became Britain's only World School's Champion in that year.
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Multiple Northern Ireland champion
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Multiple All Ireland title
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2 x British Schools titles
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1 x World Schools title
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4 x Irish Inter varsity titles
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3 x British University titles
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4 x British C'ship bronze medals
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1 x Canadian National Exhibition Champion
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1 x Welsh Senior Open title
'I started Judo relatively late in life, almost 15 years ago. I enjoy the challenge of this diverse, very technical and exciting sport'.
Anne Marie is the Business Manager, Club Treasurer as well as one of the Senior Coaches (qualified - Level 2).
She devotes her time to the operational, administrational and logistical requirements of running multiple schools and clubs. Anne Marie is also one of the DCPO's for the club.
Grace McCluskey
1st Dan - Senior Coach
Robert McCusker
1st Dan - Senior Coach
Former Northern Ireland Champion, Grace is currently a 1st Dan Black Belt, and is also a UKCC and BJA Level 2 Coach.
Grace is known for her lightning Uchi Komi and 'big' throwing techniques!! Her favourite techniques are O Goshi (major hip throw), O Uchi Gari (major inner reap) and Kami Shiho Gatame (upper four quarters hold).
Robert is a UKCC and BJA Level 2 Coach and has been doing Judo for many years, having already a strong Martial Arts background with a Black Belt in Taekwondo and Blue Belt in Jujitsu. Robert is also a qualified Tae Bo Instructor. Having enjoyed competing, Robert has gained medals in the Commonwealth Tournament, NI Championships & Irish Open! Robert is the Coach that quickly observes if someone needs help!
Patrick Toal
1st Dan - Senior Coach
Patrick started his Judo as a child and went on to compete and win medals around the world. At the age of 17 he left the sport as 1st Kyu and returned to attain his Black Belt. Patrick has since brought his family to The Judo Academy and become a UKCC and BJA Level 2 Coach.
With Patrick's excellent technical knowledge, he is an invaluable member of the Coaching team, working in with the Competitive and Adult sections of the Club!
Will Gillespie
3rd Dan - Junior Coach
Will is a 3rd Dan Black Belt and has been involved in judo for over 15 years. Will is more commonly seem at the 5.00pm Wednesday class where his two daughters Lily and Eva are key members.
Will also studies BJJ and is a Leisure Centre Administrator. Great with the children and is very patient and caring for all their needs.
A great asset to The Judo Academy!
Jonah Cartland
1st Dan - Senior Coach
Jonah is the youngest UKCC and BJA level 2 coach at The Judo Academy, and has just gained his 1st Dan Black belt. He is also one of the founder members of the club, being with the club since he was 5 years old. Jonah is a great example to everyone in the club and shows that with commitment and perseverance, you can achieve not only high quality judo techniques, but can gain lifelong qualifications and skills!
John Murray
1st Dan - Senior Coach
John has a long history in Martial Arts having spent many years studying Karate before moving into Judo. John is currently a 1st Dan Black Belt and works alongside his son Ewan who has also spent many years at Judo, and also just achieved 1st Dan Black Belt.
Having been involved at The Judo Academy for over 10 years, John is now a UKCC and BJA Level 2 coach and senior player.
John loves helping new members to find their feet at the club and with his with his background in Karate, has a wealth of knowledge to offer.
The Judo Academy Welfare Officers
Club Welfare officer - Manus McAllister - 07597908048 - manusmcallister12@gmail.com
Designated Officer - Stephen McCluskey - 07729520334 - thejudoacademy@hotmail.co.uk
Designated Officer & Mental Health Officer - Anne Marie McCluskey - 07729520334 - thejudoacademy2017@gmail.com
Designated Officer - Robert McCusker - 07716003852 - robertmc65@hotmail.com
Mental Health Officer - Johny Colllins - 07940392931 - jayc365@gmail.com
Mental Health Officer - Grace McCluskey - 07713967692 - gracemccluskey16@gmail.com
Mental Health Officer - Jonah Cartland
The NIJF Safeguarding & Child Protection Officer
Russell Brown
T: 07751748971
We have included a variety of contact numbers that can be used for Child safety issues in Sport or indeed in any situation that may arise.
At any time, you can talk to:
Local Children's Services Gateway team - 028 90507000 / 028 95049999
The PSNI Central Referral Unit - 028 90259299
The NSPCC N.Ireland Helpline
T: 0808 800 5000
E: help@nspcc.org.uk or nspcc.org.uk/helpline
The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit
Paul Stephenson
T: 028 90351135
E: paul.stephenson@nspcc.org.uk