BJA Coach Development Update – December 2018
A key objective of British Judo is to put learning at the heart of coaching and to have in place a system that encourages coaches to grow and develop their knowledge and skills. To help achieve this objective we introduced in January 2013 a completely revised system linked to continuous personal development opportunities for all levels of coach award.
Since that time, the coaching system has been updated several times based on feedback from coaches.
This system allows coaches to have more autonomy over their learning and development and look beyond what they already do to impact positively on their coaching environment. Coaches can choose from a range of modules/subjects to plan and manage their learning opportunities over an extended period.
To remain licensed to coach and be covered by BJA insurance, all BJA Coaches, regardless of the duration of the revalidation period for their award, must:
- renew their BJA Membership annually
- renew their first aid certificate every three years (an on-line option is acceptable every alternate three-year period)
- complete safeguarding and protecting children in sport every three years (an on-line option is acceptable every alternate three-year period)
- complete a DBS (formally CRB) check every three years
- satisfy the BJA revalidation event requirements detailed above
Important Note: Should any of the above not be in place, the individual’s licence to coach is suspended and insurance cover will be withdrawn.
As of November 2018, the revalidation requirements are as follows:
- BJA Level 1
The revalidation period for BJA Level 1 coaches is three years. During the revalidation period, participation in three revalidation events each consisting of a minimum of 4 hours learning or one two-day revalidation event consisting of a minimum of 7 hours learning is required for revalidation purposes.
BJA Level 1 Specific Requirements
- Coaches wishing to grade players up to and including 6th Mon/5th Kyu must complete the Technical Grading 1 Module (also counts as a revalidation event).
- Coaches who want to go matside at competition up to Competition Level 3 or the British Schools Championships must complete the Matside Coaching Module (also counts as a revalidation event).
- BJA Level 2
The revalidation period for BJA Level 2 coaches is three years. During the revalidation period, participation in three revalidation events each consisting of a minimum of 4 hours of learning or one two-day revalidation event consisting of a minimum of 7 hours of learning is required for revalidation purposes.
Hiroshi Katanishi 8th Dan visited the UK earlier in 2018 and held two highly successful coach revalidation events
BJA Level 2 Specific Requirements (coaches qualifying after 31 January 2013)
- Coaches wishing to grade players up to and including 18th Mon/1st Kyu must attend at the Technical Grading 2 module (also counts as a revalidation event).
- Coaches who want to go matside at all BJA competitions (not including British European Open) must attend a Matside Coaching Module (also counts as a revalidation event).
- BJA Level 3, 4 and 5 Coaches
The revalidation period for BJA Level 3, 4 and 5 coaches is six years. During the revalidation period, participation in three revalidation events consisting of a minimum of 4 hours of learning or one two-day revalidation event consisting of a minimum of 7 hours of learning is required for revalidation purposes.
BJA Level 3, 4 and 5 Specific Requirements
- All coaches qualifying after 31 January 2013 must have completed the Technical Grading 2 and the Matside Module to be able to grade players up to and including 18th Mon/1st Kyu and go matside at BJA competition (not including British European Open).
Important Note: Participation in revalidation events can be done at any time during the revalidation period – it is not necessary to do one event every year.
List of Current Revalidation Modules:
| BJA Revalidation Modules/Activities | |
| Technical Grading 1 – Syllabus Novice – 9th Mon: Novice – 4th Kyu
Technical Grading 2 – Syllabus 10th Mon – 18th Mon: 4th Kyu – 1st Kyu |
Judo Fitness Modules: JudoS&C, JudoAgility, JudoGymnastics, JudoSAQ, Judo Flexibility, JudoFit) |
| Judo Games | Strength and Conditioning |
| Matside Coaching | Nutrition and Weight Management |
| Technical Frameworks | Contest Rules for Coaches |
| Coaching Specific Groups (e.g. children, adults, schools etc.) | UK Coaching Workshops |
| Judo Specific Master Classes (MMA/BJJ/Jujitsu not applicable) | Area Technical Conferences |
| Adaptive Judo Coaching (formerly Disability Coaching) | Kata (General) |
Before participating in any coaching event, it is advisable to check that the intended course or activity is approved for revalidation purposes prior to commencing the activity.
From time to time, additional modules or events will be added. All qualifying modules will carry an identifying strapline:
Suitable for revalidation purposes of all levels of BJA Coach Awards
Information: Further information can be found on the British Judo website at British Judo Coaching or by emailing: coaching@britishjudo.org.uk
- Applied Learning
In addition to the above criteria, coaches may provide evidence of applied learning to be considered for the purpose of revalidating their coach award. This should be done using the Applied Learning form which can be found on the British Judo website at British Judo Coaching or by emailing: coaching@britishjudo.org.uk
