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Excel in Judo

ABBI BLACKIE - TEAM SPORTIF, TEAM GB

Talent Pathway

Sportif judo is, and always has been committed to providing players and young athletes with the best possible opportunities to succeed in judo. We achieve that through the Sportif Talent and Performance programme. The Talent and Performance programme provides a structured pathway and has a proven track record which has produced Commonwealth, European and World medallists, as well as Olympic Team members.

THE FOUR STEPS FROM BEGINNER TO OLYMPIAN

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1. Enjoy Judo
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2. Talent identification
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3. Academy and Squad
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4. Full-time Judo Athlete Team GB

1. Enjoy Judo

Every great journey starts with just one step on to the mat. At Sportif Judo we have a structured coaching system and philosophy for all age groups, abilities and motivations. In the beginning children should simply enjoy being on the mat, learning fundamental movements and the skills of judo, meeting new friends, building self-confidence, self-discipline and learning how to listen and work together with other children. Children and adults will have the opportunity to take part in technical gradings to achieve their different coloured belts from white to black.

2. Talent identification – The Rookies – Learning to train

As individual players progress some may wish to train more and take part in club tournaments. It is at this stage that motivated players are invited to a Talent identification day and offered a 6 week trial in the Rookies Team which is the first rung of the Sportif Talent Programme. In the Rookies programme players will be asked to train twice a week and will have the opportunity to compete in regional competitions and take part in special training camps with indoor and fun outdoor team building activities.

3. Academy and Squad – Training to compete

Step 3 on the Sportif Talent Programme pathway is where players make the transition from player to young athlete. At this stage selected athletes maybe invited into a structured strength and conditioning programme and begin to train with the National Team and compete nationally and internationally. Recognise the girl with the GB kit? Look again at the “Enjoy Judo” image. Yes that’s Imogen Walls the smiling little girl now Team GB member.

4. Training to win – Fulltime Judo Athlete Team GB

The final step in the Beginner to Olympian Pathway is when our young athletes move from the Sportif programme into the Team GB fulltime athlete programme. The friendships and bonds created in the club remain as strong as ever when our athletes move onto the Team GB programme. Sportif continue to offer support and advice. Bonds and friendships forged over many years, victories and defeats. We call it the Sportif family……….

Judo is a fantastic sport for boys and girls and Sportif Judo is a great place to start. I started as a beginner with Sportif when I was seven years old, in a small village hall club. Little did I know 10 years later I would become a fulltime judo athlete representing Scotland and Great Britain at tournaments around the World. Sportif is my judo family

Abbi Blackie Team GB - Team Scotland - Team Sportif

You have no idea what a positive impact your encouraging words have had on her. This is the girl that did zero sports /exercise before judo... All she was interested in was science and books... Now look at her... Wanting to train outside in all weathers!!! It's brilliant. You have given her the confidence to do physical stuff that she thought she couldn’t do. - it's a real joy to see! Thank you Clare & Ross

Clare & Ross Ketteridge Nell's parents

Judo is much more than an Olympic sport or an art of self-defence. Judo is one of the best ways to shape positive character and physical form for a lifetime. I have worked with and strongly recommend the Sportif Judo program for children, young adults and adults looking for the very best training through Judo with ambitions to succeed in life

Nuno Delgado Olympic Medallist Portugal

In the 11 years, we have been involved in the Sportif family we have seen both our boys grow and develop both as athletes and people. Through a well structured and supportive programme that promotes the core values of respect, responsibility, discipline and team spirit, our boys have developed independence, resilience and ambition - key skills which will serve them well in their futures. Through a mixture of fun and hard work, our boys have been encouraged to be the very best they can be, both on and off the mat.

Zoe & Steve Walker Ollie and Sam's parents

Sportif judo has not only provided consistent excellence in judo coaching, but they have managed to take individual athletes and create a big team with congruent values of respect, integrity and honour. This is invaluable for success both on and off the judo mat.

Lori & Chris Thomson Luke & Maia’s Mum and Dad

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