Judo Satellite Club Festival Held in the Black Country

On 7th July 2017, 4 judo satellite clubs took part in a fun and exciting festival at the British Judo Dojo at the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus.

The festival was run by community club - University of Wolverhampton Judo Club and a judo coach from West Midlands Judo – Wayne Macdonald.

The children, aged between 12 and 16 years were from different communities and schools.  All children had been part of a Satellite Club in their local community, and had received multiple lessons over the past few months, so had learned some sound techniques to master safe judo throws.

The day started by weighing all children, and they were divided in to their categories and did a joint warm up, which was led by British Judo fitness staff.  They then enjoyed watching a demonstration of judo from two female judoka’s.

Initially a little shy to try, but when the young people warmed up to being on the mats, some great skill and enthusiasm from them, showed how they had picked up the first techniques of judo.

Each weight class had their winners, and awards for 'Spirit of Judo' and 'Ippon of the Day' were awarded along with a raffle for fun judo prizes.

At the end of the festival the young people had an amazing opportunity to ask V.I. Paralympian Natalie Greenhill some questions on her journey into sport and in particular Rio 2016.

They also took a tour around the Judo performance centre and club training areas.

All young people were given vouchers to attend 5 lessons for free at the club, and within a month, 4 young people have since joined the club.

In addition, one of the Satellite Clubs in Walsall has received an influx of new young people attending their sessions.

For more information on Satellite Clubs, email Hannah Hofman