International coach visit
Masaki Nigishi a 4th dan black belt graded by the top institute for judo in the world, the Kodokan in Japan, visited Bath Judo Club to give instruction in technique training and competition techniques to the juniors and seniors. Nigishi came at the invitation of Bath to help celebrate their 50 years’ existence in the city. Senior coach Peter Thatcher started the club originally in the YMCA and the Christopher Hotel opposite the Guildhall to give people from the city the chance to try Judo, which was not then a well-known sport. Nigishi is also one of the top coaches in Switzerland. The fighters enjoyed practising with a coach from another country where they could measure their skills against good outside instruction. The Bath club has been on a visit to the Swiss club in Berne where Masaki is a professional coach and it is hoped his visit to Bath will lead to more exchanges in the future. Nigishi studied at the Bath Spa University about 12 years ago and became good friends with the two main Bath club coaches, Thatcher and Andy Knapp, and it is through this friendship these exchanges have taken place. Bath Judo Club has classes to suit all abilities from complete beginner to advanced player and specialises in self defence lessons for members. Children and Adult classes are available, held in the Bath Judo Centre in Larkhall on Monday and Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings. For more information contact Peter Thatcher on 01225 428569 or Andrew Knapp on 01225 426259.