Join us this weekend at the British Championships for any queries ahead of a potential launch of a new initiative designed at introducing judo to children aged three and four.

Our Sports Directorate team of Colin McIver and Joyce Heron will both be at the British Championships on Saturday 1st December and will be happy to field questions from any potential clubs and coaches that may be interested in holding JudoTots sessions in 2019.

Environments, equipment and session content should be set-up in a way that encourages fundamental movement development through safe play on a matted area where soft play equipment is available. Where possible coaches should encourage parents to participate alongside their child to support them during activities or at least be matside to deal with the child’s basic needs.

What will the child learn or benefit from?

  • Physical literacy in a fun way
  • Movement skills that utilises balance and co-ordination
  • Social interaction and co-operation with other children
  • Quality time with parents or significant others
  • Focus and concentration
  • Judo Values – Fair Play; Respect; Friendship; Responsibility; knowledge & Discipline

Suggested Equipment

  • Soft play – balance beams, rollers, tunnels etc.
  • Bean Bags
  • Hoops
  • Safety mats (running and jumping on)
  • High Cones with balance rod – for crawling under
  • Judo mats that meet BJA safety requirements (see ‘Safe Landings’)

Any club or coach that is interested in working with this age group should contact, Joyce Heron (BJA Deputy Sports Director – Email: joyce.heron@britishjudo.org.uk Tel: 07967773813) for more information on how the programme will work.