ABOUT NEOKO JUDO
NeoKo Judo — Bryanston’s home of authentic Judo, proudly supported by Refinex Enterprise Development.
NEOKO STORY
NeoKo Judo was founded in February 2025 by two lifelong friends who came back to their Bryanston roots with a single purpose: to build something real. A Judo club that doesn’t just produce athletes — it builds character, discipline, and community. NeoKo is proudly part of the Enterprise Development programme of Refinex, with Tyron Sharnock as sponsor and mentor. His involvement goes beyond Judo — guiding Neo and KK through the business side too, building a club that is not just athletically excellent but economically empowered. TRADITIONAL values are not a tagline here. They are the foundation of every session, every bow, every belt earned on the mat.
COACHES & FOUNDERS
Head Coach & Co-Founder
Neo has been on the mat since Bryanston Primary School — over 17 years of Judo. In 2025, he claimed gold at the African Judo Open in Pretoria, cementing his place as one of Johannesburg’s finest. NeoKo carries his name because this club carries his mission: precision, humility, and excellence in every throw.
Coach & Co-Founder
KK started Judo at Bryanston Primary School after being bullied as the smallest kid in school. Judo changed everything. By 15 he was playing first-team rugby — not despite his size, but because of what Judo had built in him: confidence, discipline, and situational awareness. That same transformation is what he now delivers to every student who steps onto NeoKo’s mat.
WHY NEOKO?
NeoKo Judo combines modern coaching, traditional values, a strong community, and a training environment built for every stage of the journey — from a child’s first breakfall to senior competition preparation.
Focused coaching
Students are seen, corrected, and pushed with intent — not lost in a room. Training stays technical, disciplined, and personal.
A clear path forward
Beginners, kids, seniors, and competitors all train with structure. Every belt, class, and correction has a purpose.
A culture that holds you to it
NeoKo is demanding, but never cold. The dojo is a place where effort is noticed, respect is expected, and progress is shared.
If you want focused coaching, honest work, and a dojo that expects your best — NeoKo is where you train.
BELT PROGRESSION
Your Path on the Mat
At NeoKo, a belt is earned — not given. We grade three times a year following the official Judo South Africa (JSA) and IJF syllabus. Our grading masters hold every Judoka to the same international standard, whether they’ve been on the mat for 6 months or 6 years.
We believe in 3 to 4 stripes per belt. With consistent attendance and genuine dedication, a Judoka can progress one full belt per year. Miss sessions, miss stripes. Pitch up and work hard, and the belt follows.
Gradings, like competitions, will sometimes bring heartbreak. That is not failure — it is Judo. We do not award grades out of sympathy or encouragement. A belt at NeoKo means something. That is the point.
6th Kyu — White Belt
Where every journey begins. You learn to fall before you learn to throw.
5th Kyu — Yellow Belt
Your first colour. Fundamentals of throwing and groundwork demonstrated.
4th Kyu — Orange Belt
Technical repertoire grows. Randori becomes purposeful.
3rd Kyu — Green Belt
Intermediate level. Transitions between standing and ground work expected to flow.
2nd Kyu — Blue Belt
Advanced pre-black belt. Broad technical mastery required.
1st Kyu — Brown Belt
The final step. Consistency, competition record, and character are assessed.
1st Dan — Black Belt
Awarded only at age 16 and above. Not just technical proficiency — a solid understanding of Judo’s culture, history, and values is required.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Training Times & Class Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 – 09:00 | Private Coaching Inquire Directly | |||||
| 10:00 – 11:30 | Interclub Training Inquire Directly | |||||
| 12:00 – 16:15 | Plumtree Pre School 12:45 – 13:30 | St Stithians 14:00 – 15:00 | KEPS 12:45 – 14:30 | Private Coaching Inquire Directly | St Stithians 13:00 – 14:00 | |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | All Kids 4+ years | All Kids 4+ years | All Kids 4+ years | All Kids 4+ years | All Kids 4+ years | |
| 17:30 – 19:00 | Senior Judo 12 years + | Senior Judo 12 years + | Senior Judo 12 years + | Senior Judo 12 years + | Senior Judo 12 years + |
Kids Judo (4–11)
Structured classes for younger Judoka building confidence, discipline, coordination, and safe movement.
Senior Judo (12+)
Weekday senior sessions for teenagers, adults, and competitors who want consistent technical training.
Private Classes
One-on-one coaching for focused development, competition preparation, or sport-specific movement goals.
No commitment. Just results. Simply arrive at the dojo or send us a message by clicking on the link below.
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CHOOSE YOUR PATH
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FOR MINOR JUDOKA & FAMILIES
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FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES
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ADULT JUDOKA
I’m an Adult Judoka
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FOR EVERYONE
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