My name is Kornelis (Koko) de Vries, I am 39 years old and I am a newly promoted 1st Dan (black belt) at EdinburghJudo.
In 2016, I started judo again as an adult and again became hooked on the unique physical and mental challenges the sport offers. For years now, I trained at various different judo clubs across Scotland, always learning and growing. When the COVID lockdowns ended in 2021, I made the switch to EdinburghJudo, and it genuinely felt like coming home. The club’s atmosphere, compared to many others, was immediately welcoming as if I had joined a family. The coaches and members were incredibly supportive, and it didn’t take long for me to realise that this wasn’t just a club - it was a community where everyone, from seasoned athletes to absolute beginners, found a place. The flexibility to train as much or as little as one desires makes it easy to balance judo with the other demands of life. The timetable genuinely caters to anyone from any walk of life.
My three kids, aged 10, 12, and 14, have all done judo since they were about five years old. Like many children, they initially thrived and enjoyed the competitive side of the sport, but over time, their passion shifted away from competition and they fell out of love with the sport for a while. When they saw how friendly and inclusive EdinburghJudo was when I began training there they too decided to join again. The non-pressurised environment, where they could focus on skill development and just enjoying judo rather than winning medals, reignited their love for judo. The club’s unbelievable diversity, with members of all ages and skill levels, has provided them with not only strong role models but also lifelong friends. Watching them grow in confidence, fitness, and respect for others has been a joy, and I firmly believe that judo, and EdinburghJudo specifically, has helped shape their character.
One of the standout aspects of EdinburghJudo is the level of expertise present in the senior Dan grade sessions. Having trained across various clubs in Scotland, I can confidently say that EdinburghJudo’s senior practices are absolutely second to none. The quality of instruction is unmatched, with highly skilled coaches who not only have deep technical knowledge but also a genuine passion for teaching. Whether you’re pursuing gradings, looking to improve your competitive edge, or simply wanting to stay fit, the opportunities for growth are endless. I truly believe that anyone, whether a child learning discipline and teamwork or an adult looking for a challenging and rewarding practice, can benefit immensely from being part of this phenomenal club which has become my second home.