Following the success of the IJF Academy course hosted at the British Judo Olympic and Paralympic National Training Centre in August, we are excited to continue to share IJF Academy development opportunities with our coaches.

In August we saw British Coaching talent completing the IJF Academy Course with World, Olympic and Commonwealth Champions getting involved throughout the duration. The demanding practical sessions pushed all participants to challenge themselves and their partner to develop their technique in a positive learning environment. IJF Academy experts Mark Huizinga, Slavisa Bradic, Chikara Kariya and Udo Quellmalz shared their expertise across the week, offering support to participants where necessary to uphold the high standard of teaching delivered in both practical sessions and the learning process behind the techniques.

The course was very well received by all participants with many sharing their experience through feedback upon completion.

“Last week was physically and mentally demanding and was also the best technical coaching course I have attended.  The IJF coaching workforce was diverse, professional, supportive and engaging.  They were never condescending and really wanted us to have an opportunity to learn and improve.” Nicole Nunn, Lead Coach at Bishops Stortford Judo.

“I enjoyed sharing this course experience with some champions from the past and contemporaneous, seeing them struggling like me in some bits helped me keep going.” Anna Maria Carbone, Head Coach at Yamato Judo Club.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed the learning process of the nage-no-kata this week. I have benefited hugely from the course by learning more about some of the principles of why techniques work and challenging myself to execute these, both left and right-handed and the cooperation with my partner throughout the week. I certainly have a newfound appreciation for kata.” Chris Barry, British Judo Performance Analyst & Technical Coach.

From 1^st January 2023, the IJF L1- Instructor and UCJI qualification will become mandatory when coaching matside on the IJF World Tour.

Next coach cohort – March 2023

The IJF Academy Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor (UCJI) programme will start again in March 2023. The upcoming course is a fantastic development opportunity for coaches to gain the UCJI whilst also connecting and upskilling with the support of IJF Academy experts. British Coaches must be a minimum Level 2 Coach to attend. The course fee for new enrolments is $900 (USD) further information including course details and costs can be found, here.

Please express your interest using the form below.