Why The Judo Dan Academy?
At the Judo Dan Academy, we've built something deliberately different: A non-competitive, pressure free judo academy that still honours the timeless values laid down by the founder - Jigoro Kano - just delivered in a way that fits modern family life.
**Judo Dan is deeply passionate about the sport and the life it has given him. If this approach isn’t what you’re looking then we encourage you to visit the British Judo website to find other clubs in your local area.
friendship
Friendship plays a huge role in children’s judo — often just as important as the throws themselves. Here’s how it really benefits judo kids, both on and off the mat:​
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Kids relax more with friends and therefor have less fear when practicing throws
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Children feel like they belong
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Sessions feel fun and less pressured
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​​Less scarred of failing in front of others
respect
Respect is foundational in children's judo. Its not a "nice extra", it's the framework that makes everything else work, both on and off the mat:
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Such as Bowing, lining up, waiting turns, following instructions
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From an empathetic standpoint respect teaches children how ones actions can affect others​​
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​From a self control standpoint, respect teaches restraint over aggression​​
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Judo teaches children how to respect their sensei and others​
courage
Courage in children’s judo isn’t about being fearless — it’s about acting despite fear. That lesson carries far beyond the mat:
Children learn to face discomfort safely
Children learn to try new techniques without fear of failure
They speak up when something feels wrong
Children are more likely to stand up to
bullies
exercise
Exercising through judo gives children whole-body, whole-mind benefits that few other activities combine as well. It’s structured, playful, and purposeful — which is exactly what kids need.
They learn body awareness, understanding space, pressure, and movement
Balance & coordination – falling, turning, gripping, stepping
Cardiovascular fitness – bursts of effort mixed with recovery
Emotional regulation – calm breathing, waiting turns, restarting etc
Membership Pricing
FREE JUDO SUIT FOR ALL CHILDREN THAT SIGN UP
Incentives
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At The Judo Dan Academy, we regularly run an Attendance Incentive to encourage consistency and commitment.
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Each child is given their own Attendance Card, which they bring to every session to receive a stamp. Once the card is full from attending training, they’re rewarded with a free gift — celebrating effort, dedication, and showing up.
​​​Alongside our Attendance Incentive, we also run a rotating Player of the Week award.
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Each class has its own trophy, which the chosen child gets to take home, show at school, and share with family and friends — celebrating effort, attitude, and positive behaviour both on and off the mat.
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And just between us… Judo Dan is a sucker for Jelly Babies — so if the trophy comes back full of them, we may just become best friends!
