Judo

Judo is an Olympic sport rooted in respect and mutual welfare. In School Games, pupils can explore its movement, balance and partner principles through the Judo Activators Circuit, or take part in a supported Humble Warrior Festival. Activities can be adapted for different abilities, experience and needs, including SEND pupils.

• Who can do Judo? Judo is fully inclusive and accessible to all young people, regardless of ability, background or experience
• Finding a Club: Locate a nearby club
• Grading System: A recognised progression system aligned to long-term participant development, supporting motivation, skill development, and retention.

Primary formats

Primary judo formats are delivered through inspiring Humble Warrior Festival experiences and an innovative Judo Activator Circuit, designed to provide safe, inclusive, fun, inspiring and memorable opportunities for all participants.

Judo Activators Circuit (KS2, ages 7-11): a teacher-led, non-combative circuit using four to eight of the activity cards. Choose at least one activity from Move, Think, Feel and Connect. Stations use movement challenges, controlled partner work and reflection. Young leaders can explain activities, organise rotations, time stations, and encourage others. The recommended group size is 8-32 pupils; adapt the space, task, equipment and grouping for the pupils taking part.

Humble Warrior Festival (KS2, ages 7-11): a supported, values-led event focused on confidence, character, respect and emotional regulation. It can be adapted for girls only or mixed groups, young people with SEND, less active pupils, and pupils who benefit from support with behaviour or confidence. A typical session serves a class of up to 30, or around 6-20 for a SEND-focused group, according to support needs.

Contact British Judo to plan a festival that meets its Three Steps Safe requirements.

Secondary formats

Secondary judo formats are delivered through Humble Warrior Festival experiences and a Judo Activator Circuit, designed to provide safe, inclusive, fun, inspiring, and memorable opportunities for all participants.

Judo Activators Circuit (KS3 and KS4, ages 11-16): the same adaptable, non-combative circuit, with older pupils able to lead stations and select more advanced activity options. It can run in PE, lunchtime clubs or school festivals, and can lead to a Humble Warrior Festival or local club participation.

Humble Warrior Festival (KS3 and KS4, ages 11-16): a supported festival tailored to the group, with progressive challenge and opportunities to demonstrate respect, self-control and positive behaviour. Pupils may take coaching, refereeing and officiating roles linked to British Judo’s Kanji Leadership Awards. The awards require a British Judo-qualified coach.

Contact British Judo for delivery and workforce support.

Equipment needed

Judo Activators Circuit: use the equipment specified on the chosen activity cards. Most stations need clear open space and no specialist equipment; some need cones. The Dead Ant activity requires gym or judo mats, or a suitable grass surface, and must not be performed on a hard floor. No judogi or specialist judo mats are required for the general circuit. Keep safe walkways between stations and use controlled movement only: no throwing or sparring.

Humble Warrior Festival: equipment, mats (40mm thickness), coaching and the venue must be agreed with British Judo for the activities planned. Festivals must meet Three Steps Safe: qualified coaches, safe environments and a quality-assured syllabus or curriculum.

Email British Judo before arranging an event.