Female-only training
Ajax Budokan sensei, Carline Young, has been a strong advocate for female participation in judo. She has led numerous programs aimed at keeping young girls engaged in the sport, particularly during the critical ages of 12 to 17 when many tend to drop out.
A Veteran World Champion, she leads training for females across Ontario. She runs:
- a bi-weekly girls conditioning training class (usually held at the Pan Am Sports Centre in Scarborough).
- an annual girl’s summer camp in July, held in Mississauga. This year it will be held July 18 - 20, 2025.
See Judo Ontario’s website for more information.
Learn more about Carline in our Budokan Brief.
Women in judo
When Jigoro Kano founded judo in 1882, societal norms were heavily skewed towards male dominance, and combat sports were no exception. Despite these challenges, Kano was progressive for his time. He believed in the potential of judo to benefit everyone, regardless of gender.
Initially, judo was a male-dominated sport, but over the years, women have fought for and earned their place on the tatami. The first Women's World Championships were held in 1980, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality in judo. Although men’s judo became a recognized Olympic sport in 1964, women’s judo didn’t follow until the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Today, women's judo is celebrated for its achievements and contributions to the sport. Female judoka compete at the highest levels, and their successes are recognized equally alongside their male counterparts. The journey of women in judo is a testament to the sport's inclusive and empowering nature.
The Hatashita Dojo, Toronto, played a significant role in the development of women's judo in Canada, hosting the first international competition for women in 1959. Elaine McCrossan, a member of Hatashita Dojo, became the first female black belt in Canada that year.
At Ajax Budokan, we are proud of our many female judoka who have made significant contributions to the sport. This includes:
- Jessica Klimkait: A shining star in the world of judo, Jessica has been a member of our dojo since she was four years old. She is a World Judo Champion and an Olympic Bronze Medalist – the first Canadian female to win an Olympic medal in judo. She currently represents Team Canada as she competes in a new weight category.
- Sandra Greaves: Sandra has been a trailblazer in Canadian judo, being first female judoka to represent Canada at the Olympics, competing in both the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Games. Her dedication and achievements have been a source of pride for Ajax Budokan.
