Hajime Judo Dojo Thrives in Horsforth 2024

Key Points

• Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics established judo classes in Horsforth since 2019.
• In 2024, they opened the first permanent dojo in north-west Leeds.
• Club named “Hajime,” meaning “begin” in Japanese, used to start competitive matches.
• Around 70 judokas attend weekly classes at the Horsforth base.
• Additional sessions run in Middleton, Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby using hired halls.
• Horsforth serves as the permanent base with owned mats.
• Seven-year-old Beauden enjoys classes, with mother Sarina noting his enthusiasm and the welcoming coaches.
• Sarina, a former Yorkshire champion, highlights activity, friendships, and weekly incentives.
• Adult Andy Sim praises top-notch instruction in a family-oriented club fostering camaraderie.
• Training balances development and competition.
• Nine-year-old Alexander likes safe judo matches to demonstrate learning.
• Eleven-year-old Botond enjoys learning tactics and throws for submissions.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) April 8, 2026 – Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics continue to welcome local residents to judo classes at their Hajime club in Horsforth, where they opened the area’s first permanent dojo in 2024 after starting sessions in 2019.

What Is the Hajime Judo Club and When Did It Start in Horsforth?

The Hajime Judo Club, led by instructors Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics, has operated classes in Horsforth since 2019. In 2024, the club achieved a key milestone by establishing the first dedicated dojo, or training place, in north-west Leeds. As reported in the original coverage, Balazs Csepes stated:

“Our club is called Hajime, which is the Japanese for begin. It’s the word used when you start a competitive match.”

This permanent base in Horsforth marks a shift from earlier arrangements. The club now hosts sessions there with owned mats, while continuing to hire community halls or church venues in other locations.

How Popular Have Hajime’s Judo Sessions Become?

Sessions at Hajime have drawn steady interest. The club reports about 70 judokas, or pupils, attending classes weekly at the Horsforth dojo. Balazs Csepes noted this growth in the initial reporting:

“Sessions have proved popular and we now have about 70 judokas, or pupils, attending classes weekly.”

Popularity extends beyond Horsforth. The club runs additional sessions in Middleton, as well as further afield in Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby. For these, instructors hire community or church halls and lay down mats. Balazs Csepes explained:

“We also run sessions in Middleton and further afield in Harrogate, Skipton and Selby. We hire community or church halls and put mats down, but Horsforth is our own permanent base.”

Who Are the Instructors Behind Hajime Judo Club?

Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics serve as the primary instructors. They have built the club steadily since 2019, focusing on Horsforth as the hub. Their approach emphasises fun and accessibility, aligning with the name Hajime, which signals the start of matches in Japanese judo tradition.

No further details on their backgrounds appear in the available coverage, but their efforts have created a fixed venue in 2024, expanding reach across north-west Leeds and nearby areas.

What Do Children Say About Training at Hajime Horsforth?

Young participants express clear enjoyment. Seven-year-old Beauden attends weekly classes. His mother, Sarina, shared her perspective:

“I’d done judo at a high level and I’m a former Yorkshire champion. Beauden was keen to give it a try. He loves the activity and making new friends. The coaches are welcoming and Beauden is always delighted with the weekly incentives the children get.”

Nine-year-old Alexander, son of Andy Sim, described his experience:

“I like judo matches where I show what I’ve learnt but know neither person will get hurt.”

His friend Botond, aged 11, added:

“I enjoy learning the different tactics and throws to get a submission.”

These accounts highlight the appeal for children, combining skill-building with safety and social bonds.

How Do Parents and Adults View Hajime’s Family-Oriented Approach?

Parents and adults commend the club’s atmosphere. Sarina, Beauden’s mother and a former Yorkshire judo champion, praised the coaches’ welcoming nature and incentives that keep children engaged.

Andy Sim, father of Alexander, called it

“the top-notch instruction in a family oriented club which encourages camaraderie.”

This reflects a supportive environment for all ages.

The training programme incorporates an effective balance between development and competition, as noted in the coverage. This structure appeals to families seeking structured yet enjoyable activity.

Where Does Hajime Run Its Judo Classes Beyond Horsforth?

Horsforth remains the permanent base with its dedicated dojo opened in 2024. However, the club extends services widely. Sessions occur in Middleton, using hired spaces.

Further locations include Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby, where mats are set up in community or church halls.

This model allows broader access across north-west Leeds and surrounding regions, maintaining flexibility while rooting operations in Horsforth.

What Makes Hajime’s Training Balance Development and Competition?

The club’s sessions blend skill development with competitive elements. Children like Alexander and Botond demonstrate this through their comments on safe matches, tactics, and throws. Instructors ensure no one gets hurt, prioritising learning.

Andy Sim’s observation of top-notch instruction underscores the quality. The family-oriented setup fosters camaraderie, supporting both personal growth and match practice.

Why Did Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics Choose the Name Hajime?

The name carries direct meaning in judo. Balazs Csepes explained:

“Our club is called Hajime, which is the Japanese for begin. It’s the word used when you start a competitive match.”

This choice reflects the club’s mission to initiate fun and engagement on the mats, starting from Horsforth in 2019 and solidifying with the 2024 dojo.

How Has the Horsforth Dojo Changed Hajime’s Operations?

Opening the dojo in 2024 provided a stable home. Prior to this, all sessions relied on hired spaces. Now, Horsforth hosts weekly classes for 70 judokas with permanent mats. Balazs Csepes confirmed:

“Horsforth is our own permanent base.”

This development supports consistent training while allowing outreach to Middleton, Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby.

The story of Hajime Judo Club centres on steady community integration. Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics have grown participation to 70 weekly attendees since 2019. Families report positive experiences, from children’s enjoyment to parental approval of instruction and safety. The 2024 dojo opening cements Horsforth’s role, with classes expanding regionally.

Background of the Development

Hajime Judo Club began with classes in Horsforth in 2019, led by Balazs Csepes and Anna Janovics. Expansion culminated in 2024 with the first permanent dojo in north-west Leeds. This followed years of using hired halls in areas like Middleton, Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby. The name Hajime draws from judo’s starting command, reflecting the club’s entry point for locals. Growth to 70 weekly judokas built on word-of-mouth and family recommendations, as seen in parent statements.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Families and Community Members

This development provides local families and community members in Horsforth and surrounding areas with a fixed venue for judo, increasing access to weekly classes without reliance on temporary hires. It supports 70 current judokas and potential newcomers in balancing skill development and safe competition.

Parents gain a family-oriented space fostering camaraderie, as noted by participants. Regional sessions continue, broadening reach for residents in Middleton, Harrogate, Skipton, and Selby. Sustained operation at the dojo could stabilise participation levels and encourage long-term involvement in the sport.