Several years ago, Steve Bell, one of the young up and coming players from Wolverhampton decided to emigrate to the USA and start a new life. Like most judo players Steve had got the sport in his blood and so eventually he set up his own club in Lancaster, California. Since that day the club has gone from strength to strength and is producing many talented players who are winning medals in most of the major championships in the States. As can be seen in the Wolverhampton club history, Steve, Mac and Dave re-established their relationship in 1996 and the two clubs are now actually twinned. There have been several reciprocal visits since the clubs were twinned, the latest of which was when Steve brought a squad over here to fight in the last Wolverhampton International Classic Championships and took home several medals.Below are some of the pictures of our visit over there plus some A.V.J.C. club pictures.


Sadly. In October 2006 we were given the tragic and devastating news that Steve had died suddenly and without any warning from a massive heart attack leaving a much loved wife and family in addition to his legacy to the sport of Judo. Steve had developed not just a Judo Club but a community and an institution gaining an inordinate amount of respect both within and outside of Judo. He was totally dedicated to Judo and was a brilliant ambassador to the sport wherever he went. We all lost a good friend and Judoka when Steve passed away and the world is a lesser place without him. Our thoughts will always be with Steve’s wife, Teri and family.


The good news is that club is continuing to operate and continue the work that Steve had done over the years. Good luck to you all and best wishes for the future from all your friends at Wolverhampton.

WJC Players deep in thought in USA

Steve Bell & Student

Steve. Carl Holland & Mac

AVJC Group Therapy

AVJC older class members

AVJC PeeWee Class