The Fighting Chance project is looking for more clubs to sign up to the Yellow Belt Challenge. The Yellow Belt Challenge is aimed at young people up to 25 years old who would like to try Judo. Clubs that sign up can expect a steady stream of new members joining your club as they work through the demands of their new challenge. There is no charge for clubs to sign up to the programme, all you need to do is honour one free judo session voucher for each new participant after which the new members will pay your normal session fee directly to you just like all other members at your club. As a Fighting Chance club you can also expect to receive financial support to maintain, or grow your club. 

Examples of the support the Fighting Chance project has previously given include, Hammersmith Martial Arts Club who were supported to source over £5,000 worth of funding to purchase new mats and Harlow Judo Club who recently gained over £6,000 worth of funding to repair a leaking ceiling with the support of the Fighting Chance. 

The challenge to date has engaged over 1,000 young people into over 200 judo clubs across England, setting each young person their Yellow Belt Challenge. Those that meet a combination of eligibility criteria linked to age, receipt of benefits or suffer from a disability will have their challenge costs paid in full by the Fighting Chance Project. This includes British Judo Association membership, a free judogi and the costs of their gradings to achieve their yellow belt. 

“The Yellow Belt Challenge is a great tool for introducing new young people to our sport. Many of which are disabled and or disadvantaged. But it is the community judo clubs are their coaches that really affect change in the participants young lives which is so incredible to me. The Yellow Belt Challenge is nothing without our judo clubs and their coaches and volunteers”, said Fighting Chance Director Lee Quliter.

Success Stories

Louie Titre (pictured above with the British Judo VI Squad at last year’s British Judo Special Needs Championship) from Stevenage Judo Club was introduced to judo through the Yellow Belt Challenge in 2014. 

 

Johnnie Grant (pictured above) started Judo in 2013 at Hackney Judo Club, and is only a few Dan Grade points away from achieving his black belt. 

If your club is interested in signing up to the challenge, please contact Lee Quilter on 07710 716 902 or leequilter@fightingchanceproject.co.uk.