Tecoma Judo Club

’s most successful years. In nine years of participation, the club won the annual Victorian Judo Championship seven times and was runner-up twice. Out of frustration the other Victorian clubs combined to beat Tecoma. In those days, the club team consisted of only black belts. The best known among them were Karl Broeker, Dini Chene, Ron Morgan, Richard Pride, Brian Barry, Fred Verhoef, Andrew Virity, Cuthrie White, Ory Prudon, the Parry brothers Lyle and Graeme and Jozeph Zollo. Jozeph Zollo credits judo as an important part of his becoming the Australian heavyweight powerlifting champion. Jozeph is also a professional wrestler known as the ‘Wog Warrior’. Joe Zollo was also a member of Tecoma’s dominant Junior Team which won many individual and team honours including the Under 15 Victorian State Championships. Indeed, Tecoma’s juniors enjoyed just as much success as the senior team during this period. All age groups and both sexes can practice the sport of judo together. Judo is a life-time recreational activity that can be practiced by any individual. For competitors, judo is a highly challenging and rewarding sport. Judo offers both formal movement of kata contests as well as one-on-one ground grappling submission and randori matches. For those not interested in competition, judo provides an enjoyable fitness regime and fun recreational activity that emphasizes self defence. Tecoma Judo Club is now run by Sensei Trevor Lightfoot. Trevor has been with the club for 41 years, instructing for the past 10. Trevor is a 1st Dan and has his accredited coaching qualifications. Today the club has 17 juniors and 8 seniors. It is a family friendly club and the seniors are excellent role models and help with junior classes.