Tom Hughes has been proud full-time member of the Welsh Judo Association team since 2015. He initially began working for Welsh Judo Association back in 2009 whilst training judo at National Judo Center as a part-time membership and schools judo coach.
In addition to his work at the Welsh Judo Association, he also coach Judo at Cardiff Judo Academy. With Tom’s experience in different area throughout the organisation, he’s passionate about promoting the sport and supporting Welsh Judo athletes and coaches.
Michael joined the association as Welsh Judo National Coach in June 2023, following a successful 4 and a half years as Provincial Coach for Judo Saskatchewan in Canada. Here, the team enjoyed success at National events across Canada along with international representation at the Cadet and Junior level.
Prior to this Michael worked for Judo Scotland for 3 years coaching cadets and juniors. Before his coaching journey Michael represented Great Britain at European Judo Union (EJU) and International Judo Federation (IJF) Tour events as an athlete.
Former Squadron Leader, RAF, ex GB Judo International, 2nd Dan and BJA Coach.
Currently Chairperson of Accrington Stanley Women FC, Sami splits her love of sport across football and judo!
A keen Hyrox competitor, Sami continues to push her limits and has European and World silver medals (age groups).
Sami can be found in the gym or walking the dog when not talking judo, welfare, safeguarding or football.
Eira comes from an eclectic martial arts background with over 33 year’s experience, representing Wales internationally across three martial art disciplines.
She currently holds the following grades:
- 4th Dan Kyokushin Karate
- 3rd Dan Jutsu Kai
- 3rd Dan Shin Atemi
- 1st Dan Taekwondo
- Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
When Eira isn’t on the mat, she can be found studying Japanese, teaching self-defence in schools and running sports massage treatments.
Welsh Judo Directors
The Welsh Judo Board consists of twelve Directors comprising of 5 Elected Directors and 7 Independent Directors.
- WJA Directors - 2024
Elected Directors are appointed for a term of four years, Independent Directors for two-year terms.
Board Diversity Statement
To better represent the diverse nation, we serve and increase the effectiveness of our decision making, we want to attract and particularly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, neurodiverse and socially mobile candidates.
Annual General Meeting
During the meeting, the Annual Report and the Financial Reports and Accounts are submitted for approval. Any changes to Articles of the Company are also agreed.
Anyone is welcome to attend the AGM and can ask a question at the meeting, however this needs to be submitted beforehand to the WJA Office. During the voting section, only Company Members are entitled to participate.