Judo was developed in Japan in the year 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Kano was an educator, as well as a practitioner of jujitsu. Sensei Kano took techniques from several martial arts, combining western wrestling and new concepts in physical education and spiritual training. He took all his methods from all the schools he had studied at and laid down the fundamental principles of judo with a clear understanding of breaking of balance and proving the principle of “maximum efficiency with minimum effort”.                                                                                                                                                              The resulting martial art form that he developed was called Judo, or "The gentle way".
In 1955 Kenshiro Abbe arrived in England and in 1958 founded the British Judo Council. 
When Kenshiro Abbe arrived in England he brought with him his own theory he had created called Kyu-Shin-Do               Kyu meaning Sphere or circle, Shin meaning Heart or nexus point and Do meaning way or path. 

                      Judo became an official event of the Olympic Games in 1964 and although it was missing in 1968 it returned in 1972 to take a regular place.                        
        Today judo is not only a sport or Olympic event but it is a way of life for people almost anywhere in the world.

Rainworth judo club (Which is a part of the British Judo Council) was established in 1989 by sensei Karl Barker, who at that time was a 16 year old first Dan who lived and breathed judo.
22 years later Karl (now a fourth Dan) still runs Rainworth judo club, teaching Judoka from 5 years of age and above in contest skills, self defense techniques, Kata and general body fitness.
Karl and all his coaching staff are CRB registered, licensed coaches that are registered and approved by the British Judo Council.