Active Staff Judo sessions 

Judo is the ‘way of gentleness’. A wonderful system of physical, intellectual and moral education, it’s the most popular combat sport in the world. Have fun, develop confidence and trust, improve flexibility and balance. Taught in a safe, structured and fun way, where else can you learn to strangle your colleague?! 

Aims

1. Fun, enjoyment and safety
2. Understand philosophy of judo
3. Development of throwing and grappling skills
4. Optional grading for 1st level belt with the British Judo Association

Instructions to participants, expectations and preparation for sessions

Clothing 

Please come to the session wearing shorts, leggings or track bottoms, with a crew neck t-shirt. (no polo shirt or collared shirt) Your t-shirt might get stretched, so wear an old one. You will be barefoot during practice. You will be loaned a judo jacket for the duration of the lesson. 


Hair, jewellery and piercings 

Please remove any clips or hard objects from your hair before arriving at the session. If you have long hair, please tie it back with a soft hairband. 

If possible, please remove any jewellery or piercings before coming to the lesson. These could cause injury to yourself as well as your partner. This includes ear-rings, and studs. 


Combat 

The aim of the sessions is to have fun in a safe way, and to introduce staff to judo through relevant games and exercises. An option, for those who wish to, is to take a grading at the conclusion of the course for the first step to their black belt. 
Judo is often categorised as a combat sport. You will progress to fighting each other in a safe, managed way. However, you might get some bruising or minor abrasions from practicing with beginners. 


Familiarity 

Due to media coverage you might be less familiar with judo than other sports. This introductory guide, 3minute video was produced to explain the sport to the public. It features some of my former students. Enjoy. A quick guide to judo: https://youtu.be/pgfKasoI5yc 


Coaching Dr Mike Callan (UH member of staff) is a qualified coach with the British Judo Association, and a black belt 7th Dan. He is the head of the International Judo Research Unit at UH, and Education Director for the Commonwealth Judo Association.