Finding Your Feet Success in Accrington

In 2023, British Judo launched an initiative called ‘Finding Your Feet,’ aimed at reducing fall-related hospital admissions across the UK. This programme teaches older adults how to fall safely, addressing a critical health concern, as falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions each year.

Since its introduction, British Judo has conducted a series of Coach Education Workshop sessions for Judo coaches. Clubs across the UK are now rolling out these sessions. One of the early adopters, St. Christopher’s Judo Club in Accrington, has received positive feedback this autumn.

Christian Pountain runs St. Christopher’s Judo Club, a recreational judo program for secondary school students (ages 11–18) at his school.

Inspired by a ‘Finding Your Feet’ training day he attended in Manchester earlier this year, Christian introduced the course to the grandparents of his students free of charge, creating a unique intergenerational experience.

The initial course at St. Christopher’s Judo Club was attended by about a dozen grandparents of the students, alongside regular student members.

It was structured as a three-week programme to keep participants engaged and eager for more, allowing students to return to their regular training after the ‘Finding Your Feet’ sessions.

During the course, participants learned the fundamentals of safe falling techniques in various directions, explored micro-progressions in judo rolls, and practised the essential skill of getting back up after a fall.

The feedback was incredibly positive; one grandparent said, “It was great fun and a wonderful confidence builder. Meeting others of a similar or older age was enjoyable, and the micro-progressions were manageable and easy to follow.”

Plans are underway for the club to offer another three-week course later in the academic year as a follow-up and refresher, hoping to also attract new participants.

As the Finding Your Feet program gains momentum, British Judo will be hosting an upcoming FYF Coach Education Workshop on November 17th at Cherry Judo Club in Lincoln, running from 10 am to 3 pm, as well as a course at Miramar Judo Club in Rotherham on December 1^st. The course is priced at £30, and additional sessions will be announced soon.

For further details on the Finding Your Feet programme, please reach out to Laurence Kenyon, Club Support Officer, at laurence.kenyon@britishjudo.org.uk or 07854 215654.

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