Judo WA brought together representatives from across Western Australia’s judo community for the 2026 Judo WA Clubs Conference, held at ibis Perth on Saturday, 13 June.
The conference welcomed representatives from Judo WA member clubs, the coaching community, committees and key stakeholder organisations for a day of discussion, information sharing and collaboration.
The annual conference provided an important opportunity for members of the WA judo community to step away from the day-to-day activities of their clubs and consider the broader direction of the sport across the state. Discussions explored the current position of judo in Western Australia, Judo WA’s strategic priorities and several of the key initiatives expected to shape the sport over the year ahead.
National participation and pathway updates
Judo WA was pleased to welcome Gareth Watkins, Judo Australia’s General Manager of Participation, and Maria Pekli, Judo Australia’s General Manager of Pathways.
Gareth provided an update on national participation priorities and the work being undertaken to support the continued development of judo clubs and participation opportunities across Australia.
Maria shared insights into Judo Australia’s athlete pathway and performance programs, helping attendees better understand the opportunities available to developing athletes and the role that clubs and coaches play throughout the pathway.
Their presentations gave attendees valuable national context while creating an opportunity for WA clubs to ask questions, provide feedback and consider how national initiatives could support the development of judo within their own communities.
Supporting safe and positive club environments
Representatives from SportWest’s True Sport team also attended the conference to deliver an important session on building safe, inclusive and positive sporting environments.
The session introduced attendees to the True Sport initiatives and the practical tools and resources available to help clubs strengthen their culture, support their members and respond to some of the challenges faced within community sport.
Creating environments in which participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and families feel welcome and supported remains an important priority for Judo WA and its member clubs.
Clubs helping shape the future
A central focus of the conference was hearing directly from the people delivering judo throughout Western Australia.
Club representatives, coaches, administrators, volunteers and committee members contributed their experiences and perspectives throughout the day. These discussions helped identify shared opportunities and challenges, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration between Judo WA and its member clubs.
The conference also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with representatives from other clubs, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across the WA judo community.
Judo WA thanks Gareth Watkins, Maria Pekli and the SportWest True Sport team for sharing their time and expertise.
Most importantly, Judo WA thanks every club, coach, administrator, volunteer, committee representative and stakeholder who attended and contributed to the conference.
The conversations held throughout the day will help inform Judo WA’s continued work with its members as we seek to grow participation, strengthen our clubs, support our people and build sustainable athlete pathways.
Judo WA looks forward to continuing these conversations and working together to build a stronger judo community across Western Australia.
