Summer Judo festival is ‘pure class’ as hundreds of kids compete in city

Each had at least three ‘randori’ practices against a selection of opponents from across Lisburn, Hillsborough, Belfast, Glengormley, Glenavy, Antrim, Carrickfergus and Downpatrick.

This time, it was a little different. The children got to experience the atmosphere of a professional judo tournament, with the comfort of a festival; a controlled and safe environment to show what they have learned.

State of the art software, specific for judo scoring was used to enhance the effect. Newly qualified technical officials were suited and booted just as in an Olympic event.

However, every participant continued to receive the same award. This carries on The Judo Academy ethos that ’every child is a winner’ and ‘judo for all’. Awards were enhanced by contributions from a number of local businesses and suppliers.

This event was the latest in the club’s development of judo in the traditional manner, enhanced by modern coaching techniques. It follows the pathway led by the French Federation of Judo, where the concentration is on the development and presentation of skills before the introduction of competition at a later age.

It was evident by the mature display of technical skill, mutual respect and family atmosphere; that this is the way forward for individual and group sport in Northern Ireland.

Many parents, coaches and volunteers contributed to making this event a fantastic success. The Judo Academy will continue to employ this method of learning and introduce correct level of competition in conjunction with their Long Term Athlete Development Scheme.

Well done to the whole team of coaches, instructors, parents, supporters, and not least to the players that helped The Judo Academy Summer festival be the best yet.

A very special thanks to the main event sponsor ‘Pure Class Fitness’, a new idea for modern day health promotion in Lisburn.

The next event is planned for December. The Judo Academy hope to enlist further support to bring children from other Council areas to be part of the ‘City of Sport’ celebrations.

To find out more about Judo, check out www.thejudoacademy.co.uk