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Danny Simmons

1941 - 2014

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Beginning with an interest in boxing at the South Sydney Police Boys Club, Waterloo, Danny was introduced to Judo in 1955 at the age of 14 and it is here where he flourished.


With an absolutely stellar career in Judo, Danny represented New South Wales at the National Championships on multiple occasions, he also represented Australia at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand in 1968, winning a silver medal in the longest match in Judo history, and also tried out for the Australian Olympic Team in 1964 & 1968. After the Olympic tryouts in 1968, Danny moved to Japan to further study the art of Judo, learning traditional techniques of Judo and upon returning to Australia, incorporating them into his own career. 


After coaching in Sydney for many years, Danny moved to the Central Coast in 1982 and opened his own club. Teaching children, teenagers, and adults not only Judo, but life skills of respect, compassion, and strength through his incredible ability as a Coach. Danny saw to it that every member & player had the opportunity to show their talents and work to their strengths. Danny has sent countless players to National, International, World Championships & Olympic Games throughout his career.


Danny's accolades for his achievements and dedication to the sport of judo and the community have been rewarded on many levels including:


  • Australian Sports Medal 

  • Life Membership of Kodokan Judo Institute, Tokyo,Japan 

  • Life Membership of Judo NSW 

  • Life Membership of the Black Belt Register

  • Induction into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall Of Fame (AMAHOF)

  • National Judo Grades & Kata Examiner 

  • Rotary International (Woy Woy Branch) Volunteer of the Year 


Danny was not only a coach but an inspiration and friend to all in the judo community and who passed through the halls of Woy Woy Judo Club. 


Sadly in October 2014, we lost Danny to a long battle with illness. However, we stand by his legacy and continue a strong club, one that still holds the same ideals that were taught to us by him. 


In 2016 in memory of Danny, the Woy Woy Judo Club created the Danny Simmons Memorial Judo Tournament, which is a yearly run competition.

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