British Judo runs a bespoke Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) which specialises in judo.

The programme runs from 5 locations within England and will offer the opportunity for players to increase their weekly training volume while working towards a vocational qualification that is now recognised by UCAS. DiSE is designed to support and complement a fighter’s club and squad training.

Places on the course are limited, places are prioritised to those athletes on the England Talent Development Squad as well as VI/Paralympic fighters on the talent pathway and then to those likely to progress in the sport.

All fighters looking to enrol on DiSE need to be:

• 16 years of age
• English & Maths GCSE’s (Grade 4 / 5 Minimum)
• Currently a minimum of Green belt
• Competing regularly in Area Open and National Level / Home Nation Open events
• Attending state-funded education. If attending privately funded then must be in receipt of a bursary of at least 50%

Selection will be a phased approach:

Phase 1 – Fighters that are currently part of ETD

Phase 2 – Fighters that have previously been part of REDS and have the potential to progress onto ETD

The closing date for applications is Sunday 6th August 2023

Those without the required grades may be considered if they opt-in to re-sit the exams or complete Key Skills certificates.

The British Judo DiSE programme is a key part of the British Judo Performance Pathway and technical & physical delivery will soon be linked to the British Judo Trademark model.

Current Junior European and British Champion Kelly Petersen-Pollard is an alumni of the programme and was full of praise for the positive effect that it has had on her career:

“The DiSE programme has played a vital part in my transition into becoming a cadet and junior. It allowed me to experience life training as a full-time athlete alongside studying sport after school.”

“It was a great test for me to see if I could cope as a full-time athlete and also gave me the tools I needed to reach the next level in my performance.”

“This paved the way to me collecting the first of many medals in my career.”

“Post DiSE, I have now progressed to my second year of university studying Exercise and Health, combined alongside my full-time training programme at the British Judo National Training Centre.”

The 5 Performance Pathway Centres that run the DiSE programme are:

If you have any questions about the course, why not read our Frequently Asked Questions to see if these will answer your enquiry.

If you’re interested in taking part in the programme please complete the expression of interest form or get in touch by emailing dise@britishjudo.org.uk

Click here to register now