Discover Judo Classes for All Ages in Durban
The Nintai Martial Arts Judo Club was born out of a desire to practice and teach judo in a way that enhances the best form of personal growth. The Japanese word ‘Nintai’ means ‘perseverance’. This is the ground principle of our club, through which exceptional things can be achieved. The founder of Judo, Shihan Jigoro Kano, said, “Nana korobi ya oki” – “Fall down seven times, get up eight”.
Nintai Martial Arts is fully registered and accredited by Judo South Africa (a member of the International Judo Federation). We ensure that each of our members is also registered at the time of annual registrations. This means that every Kyu grading certificate you earn is recognised not just throughout South Africa, but all over the world.
Sensei Desireé Jack
Head Coach | 5th Dan, IJF Coach
Sensei Desireé is a deeply passionate and caring judoka and coach. Her judo journey began socially, yet through her no-quit nature quickly fund herself pushing the limits she thought she had in order to achieve outstanding things. Sensei Desireé has won Gold at multiple international events, including master’s world championships (twice!) and Commonwealth championships (master’s). She has also competed at world kata championships. Sensei Desireé has extended herself in all fields of judo, including being a licensed coach (national team), referee, technical official, kata judge and grading master, giving her a solid base in every aspect of judo. Sensei Desireé had had the privilege of training, competing and officiating in many countries around the world, learning first hand from world-renowned judo experts. Sensei Desireé’s passion is teaching and passing her knowledge on. While several of her students have won gold at national level, sensei Desireé has a special place in her heart for children with learning difficulties in every form, ranging from ADHD, autism, hearing and visual impairments, Tourette syndrome, hemiplegia and others. Sensei Desireé’s firm but caring teaching style is what helps students of every age to achieve the best versions of themselves.
John Jack
Club Chairman | International Technical Official, National Manager
John has been involved in judo since his sons began training in the 1990’s. John’s keen powers of observation and analysis helped him become among the first people in southern Africa to obtain the rank of international technical official, seeing him attend and officiate at many international competitions. John has had the privilege of travelling to many countries for judo and completed a diploma in judo management through the International Judo Federation Academy, following which he was appointed as manager for the national team.
Jared Jack
Associate (British) Coach | 2nd Dan, JSA & BJA Coach
Jared Jack lives and works in the United Kingdom, where he continued on judo career and opened a community club, teaching judo to students who would otherwise not get to experience the great benefits that judo has to offer. Jared has competed internationally and enjoys tactical judo. He continues to support the club through sharing his experiences and exposure to many programs within British Judo.
Duncan Jack
Associate (Dutch) Coach | 5th Dan, JSA & JBN Coach
Living and working in the Europe, Dr Duncan Jack is the medical consultant for the club. He trains and coaches in the Netherlands, where he has exposure to leading experts in kata and competition. He enjoys training, coaching, kata judging, performing the role of grading master and doing academic work in judo.