Our coaches
Swinton Judo Club Judo School: Where Passion Meets Practice
At Swinton Judo Club Judo School, we believe that Judo is more than just a sport - it's a way of life. Our experienced instructors are passionate about sharing their love of Judo with students of all ages and backgrounds. From mastering the fundamentals to competing at the highest levels, our students develop the skills, discipline, and confidence to succeed both on and off the mat. Join our community today and discover the transformative power of Judo.
All of our coaches are qualified by the British Judo Association, carry out first aid and safeguarding training on a regular basis and are DBS checked.
Our coaches bring a wealth of experience from local level competitors through to international and even Olympic level experience!
Meet our coahces
Andy Officer
Hammad Hussain
James Doherty
Andy (4th dan, level 2 qualified coach) has been coaching at Swinton Judo Club for over 40 years, and moved it to its current premises in 2002 when his club merged with James’ Westwood club. Andy was a high level competitor as a junior and senior, wining the u60kg British Junior Championships. Andy brings this strong competition knowledge to his coaching at the club.
James Doherty
Hammad Hussain
James Doherty
James (4th Dan, Level 2 coach) started coaching Judo at the age of 20, and later took on the role of head coach at Westwood judo club. During his time at westwood, he was appointed as the BJC Lancashire Area Squad coach for a period, before joining Andy to run Swinton Judo club in 2002. James has had an extensive competitive career incl
James (4th Dan, Level 2 coach) started coaching Judo at the age of 20, and later took on the role of head coach at Westwood judo club. During his time at westwood, he was appointed as the BJC Lancashire Area Squad coach for a period, before joining Andy to run Swinton Judo club in 2002. James has had an extensive competitive career including a BJC national senior bronze medal, and (to those that know him), his most famous competition win, “James versus the mountain” James vs. The Mountain - YouTube. James brings his strong technical judo coaching to our members of all ages
Hammad Hussain
Hammad Hussain
Hammad Hussain
Hammad (1st Dan, Level 2 coach) started judo at Cheetwood Judo club as one of Andy’s students and has never left! He is the lead coach on our kinder class, and brings a wealth of experience in coaching younger children in judo fundamentals and basic gymnastic movements whilst making lessons fun.
Hazel Doherty
Francis Connor
Hammad Hussain
Hazel (2nd Dan, Level 2 coach) joined us from The University of Manchester judo club where she originally trained with Steve Pullen, and quickly began to help with the coaching on our junior and adult classes. Hazel works with most of our junior and adult beginners to teach the basics and guide them through their first lesson.
Francis Connor
Francis Connor
Francis Connor
Francis (1st Dan, Level 1 coach) specialises as our strength and flexibility coach, and kata (traditional forms of judo demonstration). As a qualified osteopath and physiotherapist, Francis brings this knowledge of body mechanics into his coaching, and often leads the senior cool downs and tailors them to the lessons that we have delivered.