Yamakwai (Black Mountain) Judo Club was formed in St. Agnes’ Youth Club in Belfast in 1978.
Founding members Jimmy Ward & Brian Draine built a cross community club with an inclusive ethos at its core, reflected in the club colours of black, white, red & yellow.
Over the past 40 years the club has consistently been the most successful competitive Judo club in Ireland.
Jimmy Ward went on to Coach Yamakwai members at European, World & Olympic level – but his greatest achievement is the close family atmosphere he created at the club. That family atmosphere is still very much evident today where many of our youngest Judoka are 3rdgeneration members!
Yamakwai is the Parent Club of the Ward School of Judo. Membership is by invitation only. Graduates of the Ward School of Judo are offered a place at Yamakwai Judo Club when they have completed their Primary School Judo Programme.