Japan Arts Centre Police Sport UK Judo Bristol entered a new phase of their Tackling Inequalities Project on the 23rd of July with the inaugural class for children who have relocated to Bristol from Hong Kong.

The class was led by former Hong Kong International Wallace Chui (Chui Chun Sing). Wallace an experienced competitor has represented Hong Kong at the World Championships and Asian games and relocated to Bristol in 2021. Wallace brings his coaching experience from his club, Leap Judo HK to his new class at Japan Arts Centre.

Wallace and fellow coach Ricky Leung identified an opportunity of helping Hong Kong families relocating to Bristol settle into their new communities by joining the Judo family. The classes are conducted in Cantonese and English so children who are yet to be fluent in English can participate fully and safely.  The first class was a great success and saw an excited enthusiastic group of children enjoy their first Judo experience.

Congratulations Wallace on a great initiative to expand the GB Judo community.

It is important that opportunities inclusive to all continue to be provided. Wallace’s initiative is exemplar of the values within judo and is an inspiring story for clubs up and down the country. The British Judo Association (BJA) wish to see further growth and is committed and passionate about providing judo sessions to judoka that may come from lower socio-economic groups, black, Asian and culturally diverse communities. Earlier this year, the BJA was awarded £165,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Together Fund. The funding is a continuation of the Tackling Inequalities Fund (TIF) that was set up in April 2020 as part of the support package offered to the sport and physical activity sector through the coronavirus pandemic.

This funding and support will enable registered clubs within the BJA’s English Areas to work with target audiences to continue to recover and grow off the back of the pandemic and allow people the opportunity to live more active lifestyles.

Since its launch, TIF has enabled community groups to continue to exist and engage with their communities, supporting people to be engaged and active. The Together Fund is intended to help further growth and recovery of community organisations working with target audiences.

Click here for more details on how your club and judo community could benefit from the Together Fund.

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