Instructors

Shihan Dave Rogers started his Judo journey under the tutelage of Liverpool Judo, Jujitsu and military combat instructor, Gerald Skyner. Dave then received tuition from several other instructors, the most notable of which being Kenshiro Abbe, Minotauro OTani, Kawaishi, Harry Mundy, Tommy Rawcliffe and Charlie Campbell but to name a few. Dave thrived during the BJC glory days and began teaching judo in the late 50's.
Dave Rogers worked as an educator primarily in the marine engineering field in Wirral for many years and is highly regarded in the education sector. Dave was presented the "Wirral Award" in 2017 for over 65 years of consistent involvement in Judo and for running the Wirral Borough Council Judo Club beyond the age of 80. It is also worth noting that during Dave's time, he has provided a solid example of a male role model and source of advice and principle for many young people across the Borough for many years.
Today, Shihan Dave Rogers oversees all instruction and developments at the Wirral Tennis Centre Judo Club and provides the wisdom and insight of his years whilst projecting an aura of fun and excitement in classes and a trustworthy staple of the community to parents and organisers.

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Training History:

• Gerald Skyner JuJitsu 1953-1954

• Arnot Street Judo Club (BJA) 1954-1955

• Kenshiro Abbe (BJC) 1956-1969

• Amateur Judo Association 1970-1990

• Wirral Judo Association (Along side Sensei John Ebbs 4th Dan) 1990 - Present.

• Student of Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan, Masutauro O'Tani 7th Dan and Tommy Rawcliffe 4th Dan.

• Trained with Alf Hopkin 7th Dan and ex president of BJC at Arnot Street Judo Club. 

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Coaching Career: 

• Taught Judo for Wirral Borough Council from 1966 to present (56 years ongoing).

• Taught Judo at Birkenhead Technical College 1964-1980.

• Wirral Grammar School.

• Shaftesbury Boys Club (30 years) 1972 - 2002. 

• Leasowe Recreation Centre 1976 - 2000.

• Wirral Tennis Centre (Bidston) 2000 - Present. 

• American Sports Camps USA Judo Squad 1976 - 1986.

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Notable Events and Accomplishments:

• Sports Coach of the Year 1998.

• Wirral Award for Service 2017.

• Visited Kodokan Judo Academy Japan in 1960 and 1961.

• Met Master Mas Oyama, World Karate Champion and founder of Kyokushin Karate at a training session in Singapore 1960. 

• Graded to 1st Kyu by Brian Mowl (13 x Judo World Champion) 1970

• Graded to 1st Dan by Tommy Rawcliffe 1972. 

• Promoted to 3rd Dan by M O'Tani BJC. 

• Promoted to 6th Dan and presented the honorary title of "Shihan" (Teacher of Teachers). The Rank and Title was awarded by a  committee of members of the Wirral and Merseyside Judo Associations collaboratively, alongside the testimonies of students, past and present, parents of participants, co workers and Wirral Borough Council Employees. The Case was then presented, approved and certified by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association.