Starting A Club

Judo Clubs that wish to join Judo Alberta must apply for membership. Applicants must:

1. Review all Judo Alberta and Judo Canada constitution, bylaws and policies & procedures.

Judo Alberta Policies
Judo Canada Policies.

2. Complete and submit the Judo Alberta Club Application Form along with a one-time membership fee.

Anyone interested in starting a judo a club should review the following documents:

Club Information Form
Membership Fees/Registration
Pipeda Agreement
Promotion Registration

Judo Alberta Junior Member Waiver Form
Judo Alberta Senior Member Waiver Form

Judo Canada Toolbox for Clubs

Judo Canada’s “Toolbox for Clubs” is a comprehensive resource hub designed to support club development, member engagement, and safe, high-quality judo programming. This toolkit includes:

• Guides & Templates: Step-by-step materials for starting a club or dojo, sample bylaws, a comprehensive Club Management Guide, and an NCCP standards checklist 

• Safety & Participation: Parent guides, safe-sport policies, concussion prevention and nutrition resources.

• Programming & Development: Introductory and age-specific training curricula (U5, U9, U12, U16, U18), long-term athlete development and grading materials .

• Coaching & Promotion: Posters and presentations covering breakfalls (ukemi), nage‑waza & ne‑waza techniques, strength training for men and women, life‑skills development, parent values, kata (Nage no kata), and strategies for promoting your club.

• Webinar Recordings: Downloadable PowerPoint presentations from past “Toolbox for Clubs” webinars, including sessions on overall club management and judo-specific strength training.

👉 Explore all resources here: Judo Canada – Toolbox for Clubs

Helping Your Club Thrive

Plan for growing your membership. Some ideas are:

1. Host Open House Events Invite the public to come and see what your club is all about. Offer free classes or demonstrations to give people a taste of what they can expect if they join.
2. Offer Free Trial Classes Allow potential members to attend a class or two for free. This gives them a chance to try out Judo and your club before committing to a membership.
3. Partner with Local Schools Offer after-school Judo programs or workshops. This can be a great way to introduce kids to the sport and potentially attract new members.
4. Social Media Promotion Use social media platforms to promote your club and share updates. Highlight member achievements, upcoming events, and the benefits of Judo to attract interest.
5. Referral Program Offer incentives for current members to bring in new members. This could be a discount on their membership fee or club merchandise.
6. Community Events Participate in local community events and festivals. This can raise the profile of your club in the community and attract new members.
7. Collaborate with Other Local Sports Clubs Organize joint events or cross-promotion with other sports clubs. This can help you reach a wider audience.
8. Offer Family Discounts Encourage whole families to join with discounted family membership packages.

Plan for member retention. Some ideas are:

1. Engage Members: Regularly communicate with your members. Keep them updated about upcoming events, changes in schedule, or any other club-related news. This can make them feel more connected to the club.
2. Offer Quality Training: Ensure that your trainers are skilled and knowledgeable. Quality training can greatly enhance the members’ experience and make them want to stay. Set goals early in the season so your members understand the direction of the sessions/club. They can also set personal goals that work hand in hand within the clubs’ goals.
3. Create a Welcoming Environment: Foster a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. This can make new members feel welcome and encourage them to stay. Supply new and current members with T-Shirts or judogis with their membership.
4. Recognize Achievements: Celebrate the progress and achievements of your members. This can boost their motivation and make them feel valued. Social media is important with keeping members connected. Make sure that your communication is consistent and positive. Remember that belt promotions, competition achievements and milestones are important to the member and the club.
5. Organize Social Events: Apart from regular training, organize social events like parties, outings, or team-building activities. This can strengthen the bond among members and increase their attachment to the club. It is important to follow up several times with invites and information, it seems that many people miss information because they are moving quickly to the next thing.
6. Provide Flexible Membership Options: Offer different membership plans to cater to different needs. For example, you can have monthly, quarterly, or yearly plans. This can make it easier for members to continue their membership.