NI Judo Celebrates First “Finding Your Feet” Class

Binevenagh Judo Club had the pleasure of hosting Northern Ireland’s first ‘Finding Your Feet’ course this month.

This judo based initiative, is a course aimed at using Judo ukemi (or breakfall) techniques to aid people with balance and mobility issues feel more confident, how to try to maintain balance, fall with less chance of causing injury and how to check themselves over before getting up and finding assistance.

This was Northern Ireland’s first class of it’s kind, and they had two brave trial participants, undertaking the course, which covered eight sessions throughout the Summer.

When reviewing the questionnaires completed at the beginning and end of the course (which contained statements relating to injury, fear and lack of confidence) all the responses had changed from strongly agree and agree to disagree and strongly disagree!

Both participants felt a great benefit by the end of the course, and here’s what they had to say;

“Following a stay in hospital and the Covid 19 lockdown, I had become quite weak and my mobility had been decreased.  When I heard about the finding you feet course, I hoped it would be beneficial to me.”

“The course has exceeded my expectations. My mobility and flexibility have both increased. I still walk with a stick, but am able to walk increasing distances without it. I have gained knowledge of how to fall more safely and how to get up if I do.”

“My confidence has increased enormously and I am able to relax and perform tasks I could not before. The movement performed during the course are gentle and assisted. I was never pushed beyond my limit and encouraged-to reach it. I am grateful to the judo coach, Russell Brown, for his patience and knowledge during the course. I would encourage anyone who feels they would benefit, to at least give the course a try. You could be pleasantly surprised.” Katharine Culleton (80).

“I’ve just completed a FYF course for the over 60s. Never, in my wildest dreams did I ever think those words would come out of my mouth! All due to Russell and his coaching. During the pandemic I had a bad fall.”

“Although badly bruised, no broken bones – a bit of a miracle. Thinking back however, it did affect me mentally. I became very anxious about being out on my own e.g. – looking for potential problems, avoiding crowds/alighting from a train or bus – in order not to fall again! What I’ve learned now has made me more confident in my everyday life. Keeping my balance (after all I am a Libran) much easier.”

“I can now manage all the recommended exercises – using muscles I didn’t know I had! Keeping on my toes? No problem. Last but not least – BREATHING (properly). Now if or when I do fall again I know the safe procedures for getting up. See Russell and over a few sessions he will assess what you could do. Have a good time and enjoy your coffee afterwards.” Madeline T

The FYF course as a successful pilot will now be rolled out to the full clubs and coaches from the NIJF to help them further develop members of their community, whilst also empowering the coaches with new skills!

Congratulations to everyone involved.

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