Our Team

 
 

Head Coach Tahmina Adan

I am a mum of 2, black belt judo coach. I have been doing judo for over 20 years and have been a coach for 10+ years. I am a qualified UKCC Level 3 Judo Coach with DBS, First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications. I am also a qualified teacher with 5 years working with primary and secondary school children. This club is like a family to me and I care about every child I coach.

Judo is my passion. Judo teaches us important skills in life. It teaches you about self defence, discipline, friendship, hard work and kindness. Judo has so many health benefits, both mental and physical.

Senior Coach Tahirjan Karimov

I am the founder of the club. I have been coaching for 14+ years and I am a father of 5. My daughter now runs the club. I love judo because we welcome everyone. We don’t discriminate. Judo is for everybody from any size, colour or background. The main thing when somebody wears a judo suit, they become a member of our judo family. We are proud of all our kids. The kids I have coached have now become coaches at the club and that makes me extremely proud.

Club Welfare Officer Zumrad Ahmedova

Our Club Welfare Officers are DBS checked and attend NSPCC 'Time To Listen' and UK Coaching 'Safeguarding & Protecting Children' courses.

Our Club Welfare Officer is Zumrad Ahmedova 07565029804 and can be also contacted via email zumrad258@hotmail.com

Our Club Welfare Officer's are your first point of contact if you have any concerns relating to safeguarding.


For more information on the role of the CWO please visit the British Judo Website.

Coach Anisa Rashid

Hi, my name is Anisa. I was a student at A1 when they first opened in 2009 and have now become a coach. I believe judo teaches discipline and self control. I enjoy working with the kids and helping them learn new skills and build a passion for judo. It’s important to make judo fun, enjoyable and a comfort for the students. I look forward to each session, welcoming new students and watching the A1 family grow.

Coach Andy Irvine

I started judo when I was 6 but stopped in my mid twenties. I always wanted my kids to do judo an so many years ago I brought them along to A1 Judo Club to start their training. However, I was soon encouraged to get back on the mat myself. It’s a family club so it made sense for me to join in with coaching my own kids and get the Level 1 Coaching Qualification. What I most love about coaching is the reaction from a student when you help them nail a technique. My own personal judo highlight was getting my black belt aged 46. My favourite throw is ipponsenagi.

Coach Philip Hayman

My name is Phillip, I started at A1 judo club when I was 9 years old, judo gave me the confidence to be myself and is a very beneficial skill to learn for discipline and self awareness. I've always longed to be a teacher or coach and enjoy seeing the kids progress. I studied technical production arts at UAL. My favourite throw is Sode Seonagi

Club Welfare Officer Toia Infote

I’ve been practicing judo for over three years, and it’s become a meaningful part of my journey. With a background in sports like swimming, football, and horse riding, I naturally found myself drawn to the competitive side of judo as well.

Judo has challenged me both physically and mentally, helping me build confidence, gain valuable experience, and grow through personal challenges. One of the things I love most is coaching—especially working with children. Seeing their joy when they master a new technique is incredibly rewarding.

My passion for judo continues to grow, and I’m committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of judokas.
Favourite throw: Tani-otoshi.

If you would like to report any safeguarding issues please email toiainfote35@gmail.com

Coach Fatimah Baker

I’ve always been physically active with gym, horse riding, boxing and football and although I’ve not been going to judo for very long, the passion and love I felt towards it was very immediate. Not only are we learning and teaching fundamental skills, we’re building a very close family unit for all those who join our club. My favourite judo throw so far would have to be Tomoe-nage.

Being one of 17 siblings and having worked with children for several years I’ve a lot of experience with children. At the moment I’m currently finishing up my masters degree in Civil Engineering.