British Judo’s North West Area held their annual coaching seminar on Saturday 26 October on the Olympic mats at Kendal Judo Club in Cumbria.

Former Olympic Team Manager Colin McIver, 9th Dan, delivered a Technical Frameworks module in the morning, while Olympian and former world medallist Joyce Heron, 6th Dan, delivered a Coaching Children module in the afternoon.

In total, 36 coaches attended the day across the two sessions, which each count towards coaching revalidation requirements.

Colin McIver who is now the BJA’s Technical Director, focused on how coaches can develop their skills as per coaching practices.

The overall aim was to encourage players confidence and to improve their knowledge to equip them with the skills to adapt to changing situations.

Joyce Heron, the BJA’s Education and Training Manager, delivered her coaching children module, supported by Kerry Tansey.

Together they showed coaches how they can adapt different games and activities to increase younger judoka’s players awareness and abilities. A grading session also took place for youth, senior and masters players on the Sunday.

Joyce said: “It was pleasure to work with so many coaches who were eager to take some of the ideas and concepts from the ‘Technical Frameworks’ and ‘Coaching Children’s’ modules and deliver them back to their clubs.

“This will help to keep young people involved in judo long term while at the same time developing their judo and social skills.”

Don’t miss these coaching revalidation events:

Coaching Disability Workshop

The Sports Coach UK Inclusive Coaching Disability Workshop will take place on Sunday 24 November at Rochdale Judo Club from 1pm until 4pm.

The aim of the workshop is to help coaches to learn valuable techniques that they can take back to their own sessions.

For more details on this course and others visit the BJA Events Calendar or by email kerry.tansey@britishjudo.org.uk

Completed forms must be returned to Kerry Tansey at 7 Speakman Avenue, Newton-le-Willows. Please enclose a cheque made payable to the British Judo Association.

Technical Dan Grading weekend

A Technical Dan Grading weekend will take place between Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2013 at Waterloo Judo Club, Bath Street, Liverpool.

This event is for anyone considering applying for their next grade, but perhaps unable to physically fight due to age, mobility or any other factors.

Instead, they may be able to achieve their next Dan Grade through demonstrating knowledge of understanding of the required techniques.

For further information contact Kerry Tansey, the BJA’s Technical Officer by email on: kerry.tansey@britishjudo.org.uk or call her mobile on: 0796 777 8121.

Words by Donna Richardson.