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Kingsley Judo Academy
Judo is an integral part of Kingsley School, featured in both our PE curriculum and community club programs. We also provide a pathway to Bath University for 6th form students through the DiSE program. Our judo training at Kingsley extends beyond physical development; with pride we help build mental resilience, respect, and self-confidence. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Judoka, our effective coaching methods and supportive environment will help you gain the confidence to tackle any challenges. Judo is an excellent sport that highlights technical precision, strategy, and body control, allowing you to unlock your full potential and enjoyment in the sport.
Judo is one of the most participated individual sports worldwide and has recognition as being the best physical education activity, with several benefits for the vital development of children set out by UNESCO. “Journal of Human Sport and Exercise (JHSE) (2019)”.
Meet Our Coaches
Name: Simon Ward
Position: Head of Judo
Qualifications: Level 5 British Judo Association Coach – International Judo Federation Academy Instructor Award – MSc Advanced Sports Coaching Degree with Sheffield Hallam University
Bio: Simon has dedicated his entire professional career to the sports industry. He began as a fitness instructor before transitioning to leisure centre management in Torquay. Simon also gained experience working in school sports partnerships throughout the southwest, as well as with organisations such as the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and British Judo. Simon has a successful career in Judo, earning national and international recognition before becoming a coach in 2002. He has achieved all five British Judo coaching qualifications and is one of only 12 coaches in England to attain Level 5. He also earned the International Judo Federations Instructor award, which is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee in 2022 and completed his MSc Degree in Advanced Sports Performance Coaching from Sheffield Hallam University. Simon is a highly accomplished coach, having successfully trained 19 Judoka who went on to win National Judo Titles. In 2017, he led the England U18 judo team to victory in the UK School Games. Simon is currently serving as a Great Britain Support coach for the National Team. Additionally, he is the Performance Director within the Western Area’s Judo Association and the Judo Academy at Kingsley School on a local level.
Contact Information: sward@kingsleydevon.com
Timetable & Events
Weekly Schedule:
Monday:
EC & GC Adaptive Judo Training – 8:50 – 9:35am
Judo Team S&C Training - Lunchtimes
Prep Club – 3:50pm – 4:45pm
Community Club
Active Start Judo Program - Under 8’s. 5:15pm – 6pm
Fundamentals Learning 2 Judo Train Program Under 12’s. 6pm – 7pm
Training to Train Judo Program - Combined Development & Advance Squad Session 7pm – 8:30pm
Recreational Adult Judo Program – 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Tuesday:
Year 7 - 8 Judo Program with PE 10:45am – 12:20pm
Year 11 –13 Judo Program within PE 2pm – 3:30pm
Wednesday:
Judo Academy Technical Support Training – 7pm – 8:30pm
Thursday:
Year 9 - 10 Judo Program with PE 11:35am – 1:10pm
Community Club
Active Start Judo Program - Under 8’s. 5:15pm – 6pm
Fundamentals Learning 2 Judo Train Program Under 12’s. 6pm – 7pm
Training to Train Judo Program - Combined Development & Advance Squad Session 7pm – 8:30pm
Friday - Weekends:
Judoka attend regular additional training or competitions around the Country.
Annual Calendar:
Autumn Term – September to December
Peninsula Independent Schools Judo League Round One
Grand Prix Schools League Round One
Kingsley Novices Tournament Red & Yellow Belts
Home Nations Judo Tournament Welsh Open
Western Area Regional Schools Judo Championships
British National Judo Championships
Spring Term – January to March
Peninsula Independent Schools Judo League Round Two
Grand Prix Schools League Round Two
Home Nations Judo Tournament English Open
Kingsley Judo Tour Weekend Liverpool Open
Bedminster Junior Tournament
British Nationals Schools Judo Finals – Sheffield
Summer Term – April – July
Peninsula Independent Schools Judo League Round Three
Grand Prix Schools League Round Three
IAPS Judo Tournament – Surrey
Kingsley West Country Green Belt & Below Open Tournament
Home Nations Judo Tournament Northern Ireland Open
London Open – UEL Docklands
Patchway Novices Tournament - Bristol
Western Area International Open – Bath University
Summer Holiday – August
John Davies Western Area & England International Judo Summer Training Camp at Kingsley
What is Judo?
An introduction to Judo
Judo is a highly disciplined martial art that promotes strategic thinking, physical fitness, and mental toughness. It involves techniques that require strength, balance, and agility, making it an ideal sport for developing well-rounded individuals. Kingsley School is on route to becoming one of the best private sports schools in the UK, offering an environment where students can thrive both on and off the mat. Judo not only enhances physical fitness but also teaches valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and respect.
Benefits:
Physical: Enhances strength, builds agility, improves coordination, and increases stamina. Regular participation in judo helps students maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for their overall well-being.
Mental: Develops strategic thinking, boosts confidence, promotes resilience, and enhances problem-solving skills. The mental toughness required in judo translates into better academic performance and personal growth.
Social: Encourages teamwork, builds camaraderie, and fosters a strong sense of community. Practicing judo helps students form lasting friendships and learn the importance of working together towards a common goal.
Scholarship Options
100% Scholarships available for 6th form students
We currently offer scholarships for Judo and 100% scholarship options for sixth form students. To read more about judo scholarships and find out whether you quality, follow the link below!