Many judoka from up and down New Zealand assembled at the Ren Shu Den Judo Club in late September to celebrate the club’s 30th year of Judo in Dunedin. The founder of the club, Brian Cloynes, a 7th Dan in Judo, opened proceedings to a large congregation of judoka, old and new, celebrated an exciting weekend of Judo and socialising.
In 1974 Brian Cloynes and his family emigrated from England for a better lifestyle here in New Zealand. Brian, who had recently retired from competitive Judo in the UK, boasted an impressive record of national and international achievements. Judo highlights included defeating ten black belts, one after the other by Ippon, five times British Judo Council middle weight champion and founding of the now well established Toyakwai Judo Club in the U.K. Brian’s Judo reflected the hardened European style that was equally as effective as the Japanese style of speed and agility. This style of Judo, which he has called “Dynamic Judo” focused on reaction, speed, power and flare.
Arriving in Dunedin as a 4th Dan Black belt, Brian was disappointment to discover that Judo in New Zealand was at an infant stage of development. Though there was a number of clubs throughout the Otago region, there was no club or an instructor at a higher grade than himself that could satisfied his technical ability at Judo. He soon realised that he would have to set up his own club to continue his interest in Judo at a high level. Brian started teaching judo at an old church hall in George Street. Helping him with his new club was Andrew Patterson, who later went on to achieve his Dan grade. Brian named the club the “Ren Shu Den” after the Great Britain club that had a reputation of producing great judoka. Ren Shu Den literally means, practice hall for high grades.
The club grew quickly and with an early association with the Otago University Judo Club soon began to produce judoka competing well at a national level such as Graham Black and Robert Erridge. Not long afterwards the club moved premises next door to the Wharf Hotel in Fryatt Street. It was at these premises the club began to produce many judoka at a black belt level. In the 80s and early 90s the club produced many black belts and players competing well at a national and international level, such as Sean O’Leary, Craig Monaghan, Paul Wong, Tony Meier, Janet Poole, Lois Walker, the Hananeia brothers, Paul Murtagh and David Carnegie to name a few. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic games were a highlight for the club as Sean O’Leary was selected to represent New Zealand in the under 71kg division and Brian was selected to coach the New Zealand Judo team. The full team consisted of Graeme Spinks, Sean O’Leary and Bill Vincent.
The club moved premises in the late 80s to Lower Stuart Street where it began to run as an incorporated society. Brian’s idea to run the club as an incorporated society meant that the members had much more involvement in the running and direction of the club. The 90s saw the club move to its current premises Methodist church hall in Mornington. The late nineties saw a downturn in people joining Judo locally and nationally. The efforts and dedication of Brent Hananeia, Gordon Bennett and Brian carried the club through the lean years.
In the new millennium the enthusiasm of Benno Kappers, Daryll Hananeia, David Carnegie and Dave Larsen brought a new lease of life to the club rebuilding the membership numbers through junior recruitment and setting up new initiatives to boost senior membership. With the reintroduction of the Ren Shu Den Open and with a policy of self defence, fun and encouragement, along with technical support from Brian, we have seen our number grow.
From left to right: Peter Miles, John Waite, Brain Cloynes and Bill Vincent.
With past and current judoka the clubs’ 30th celebration was hailed as a success by all who attended. Particular highlights were the presence of national coach and 3 time Olympian Bill Vincent, long time friend Peter Miles and John Waite, 5th Dan in Judo and 7th Dan in Aikido. International referee, former NZ International Rep and past club member Craig Monaghan also attended. Craig had recently returned from a successful trip to the Olympics in Greece. Judoka from overseas as far as the UK and Perth also attended and enjoyed the celebration on and of the mat. John Wait was kind enough to demonstrate two Aikido Kata to the large audience during the weekend. Friendly Judo practice was enjoyed by all and this involved the younger club members joining in with the senior members. Bill Vincent facilitated and demonstrated fundamental techniques that all levels of skill could appreciate and practise. The key message outlined by Bill Vincent was the importance of getting the simple things right, especially at the junior level.
At the celebration meal, Brian was honoured for his commitment to the club and life time commitment to Judo. A sliver goblet from the club and copies testimonial letters that were submitted for recognition in the New Zealand Honours list were presented to Brian. Brian, who was almost at a loss for words, stated that it was the past and current members that had made and will continue to ensure the success of the Ren Shu Den.
