Masters Judo Coaching Conference Announced for 2020

Former Olympian and World Bronze medallist Steve Gawthorpe 7th Dan will join forces with Sam Dunkley 5th Dan to lead British Judo’s “Masters” Coaching Conference at the British Judo Centre of Excellence.

The hugely popular seminars have seen over 200 keen coaches attending across British Judo’s coaching seminars (previously hosted by the likes of Hiroshi Katanishi 8th; and Dr Yoko Tanabe 7th Dan and Joyce Heron 7th Dan).

Aimed specifically at Masters athletes (athletes over the age of 30), Gawthorpe and Dunkley will lead a day of specific judo drills and exercises designed for Masters athletes. Gawthorpe has a glittering judo CV from a long career on the mat, including achieving 5th at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, European bronze in Liege and becoming World bronze medallist in Seoul. He currently hosts masterclasses across the World and we are thrilled that he will be teaming up with Sam Dunkley.

Dunkley was a British International judo player for over 20 years and has competed all over the world. He has been a British Open Champion and achieved a 7th place in the -60kg category at the 1997 World Championships in Paris.

There will also be a special guest appearance from Japan’s Dr Yoko Tanabe 7th Dan during the Saturday session. The two-time Olympic Silver medallist Tanabe won silver medals in the -72kg competition at the Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996) editions of the Olympic Games to compliment the five World Championships picked up during her glittering career on the mat.

This edition of the seminar will see a particular focus on Gawthorpe’s speciality groundwork whilst Dunkley will have a particular focus on strength and conditioning for the older athletes. It is part of an on-going process of engagement with coaches as part of our drive to continue to ‘Raise Technical Standards’ and help guide the direction of future programmes and initiatives.

Each day will also act as one of your coach revalidation modules.

There are limited places, so to avoid disappointment book now.