Non-profit vs. For Profit judo clubs

Kano himself, believed within judo it would be serving others in good will and learning about each other, will bring mutual benefits and welfare.

He was also renown for the promotion of sport of many kinds, from neighborhood community programs to world and Olympic levels.

Contrary to his beliefs, as that time era passed, today - In  community centres and church halls, rental space is very high, and getting to tournaments cost a lot more money, add to all of that, the higher costs of governing body fees, and judo is no longer the inexpensive sport it once was.

How do we balance making sure judo is accessible to every child and adult who wishes to participate?

Profitable clubs tend to have high-level judokas who have, or are Olympic level competitors, which is a big draw for them. They also have the highest fees charged in their area.

Non-profit clubs typically have 1-3 black belts running the programs, who are community involved types, with various levels of judo experience.

Non-profit clubs are more involved directly with their students, especially with the younger ones 5-16 year old members. They most likely attend judo tournaments as a group, with coaches very close by. Christmas and other special event gatherings are also common among these type of clubs, in and outside the dojo.

Normally, no one regardless of financial means, or abilities are refused entry into a non-profit club.

Some judo clubs have a combination of the two ideas, thereby, they require a financial profit of some kind by allowing a new, or seasoned judoka in if they’re willing to pay the fees, however, they then include them as part of the structured program.

Profitable clubs tend to hold a fierce resentment when it comes to losing students to other dojos, whereas non-profit clubs will sometimes send their students to other clubs, if it’s in the best interest of the student.

*** In my next writing, I’ll talk about the community in which dojos co-exist. Governing bodies control over them.