Image Credit: policejudo.ca

KAMLOOPS - A new martial arts program aims at making the streets safer for both law enforcement officials and suspects being taken into custody.

Police Judo is a recreational fitness training program that combines the martial art of judo and police control techniques. Started 20 years ago by a Vancouver Police Department Inspector, the judo program is designed specifically to provide officers and other law enforcement members with self defence, to counter excessive use of force and to learn more about how to safely take a suspect into custody.

Since the club's beginnings, the program has expanded across the Lower Mainland. Many Vancouver officers have adopted the technique for policing the city's notorious downtown east side. 

Kamloops sheriff Brad Endean discovered the club through local Sensei John Huntley and attended a session in Burnaby. He was later approached by one of the club’s directors to manage the Kamloops Police Judo chapter, which is now set to open Sept. 23. On the opening day of the club, Endean will be presented with his instructor black belt.

“I jumped at the chance,” Endean says of opening the new chapter in Kamloops.

While it’s police integrated, the club and the judo practices are geared towards all forms of law enforcement including corrections, sheriff's service and security.

“I think that need is out there. There’s definitely a want for this kind of club to be starting up in Kamloops,” Endean says, adding the training has helped him in his career. “It’s given me that much more confidence in my abilities to be able to communicate better. One of the biggest components of Police Judo and other tactical units out there is communication. One of the philosophies of judo is to take care of your partner. In Police Judo it’s to make sure that you’re safe and that the person you’re trying to get control of is safe as well."

Endean says he hopes to see potential law enforcement candidates, such as students of the police and justice studies program at Thompson Rivers University, drop by. Locals interested in learning self defence skills are also encouraged to join.

The club is non-competitive with plans to meet every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aberdeen Judo Academy at 1465 Pearson Pl.

For more information on the club and membership prices, visit the club’s website www.policejudo.ca or contact Endean by emailing kamloopspolicejudo@gmail.com.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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