John Davies International Training Camp Goes Digital

The Western Area created a new normal, well, just for one year hopefully, as the John Davies International Training Camp went digital!

With some steely determination and endless creativity, the camp went ahead on Zoom with a world-class collection of judo sessions to keep our athletes engaged.

A combination of elite athlete masterclasses, judo specific circuit training, mobility and judo yoga sessions along with inter regional team challenges and performance video analysis, it was sure to be a busy week for all involved!

The lineup was arguably the finest it has ever been with Gary Jackson, former GB Senior International and Olympic Bronze Medallist Neil Eckersley 7th Dan, Western Area Head Coach Simon Ward, Team Bath Coach Charlie Bond, Team GB athlete Ben Fletcher, 2014 Commonwealth medallist John Buchanan, Lele Nairne, 2014 Commonwealth medallist Tom Reed, former GB international Natasha Maslen, 2019 Malaga European Senior Cup Fold medallist Chloe Nunn and multiple Olympic medallist Yoko Tanabe all offering expert opinions throughout several gruelling drills and sessions.

Western Area Head Coach Simon Ward was thrilled with how the camp ran. “It has been an incredibly successful camp; we started this journey as an unknown but have come out the other side knowing with some effort and creativity anything is possible.”

“I’m so very thankful for all the coaches who have made a huge contribution towards the camp, all our Judoka who have amazed me every day with their determination and abilities to find ways to remain as consistent in every possible training opportunity.”

“It is so impressive the way many judokas have created such wonderful home dojos, even under gazebos and converting home garages and sheds. Overall, it’s been an incredibly tough challenging 3 days, physically and mentally on our young athletes.”

“They have all stepped up and matched every challenge set. I am so proud watching the progress and performances.  I am certain this will help them return to Judo stronger and with so much more appreciation for learning and training.”

Congratulations to everyone and a huge thanks to our guest Coaches who have again helped make this experience really reach new highs in our new normal in this present climate.