Secondary school students from across the Bath area are being invited to join the judo club at the University of Bath and train with some of the best judo players in the region.
The University of Bath judo club is run by Finn Gleeson of Gleeson Judo, a fifth dan black belt, hugely respected teacher and a popular figure through his judo sessions with primary schools across the city.
“With Gleeson Judo, we’ve been teaching children at schools across the area for a number of years now,” said Finn. “This gives them a perfect opportunity to learn about the skills of judo, gain confidence in their own abilities, work on their fitness, strength and balance, and have a really great time as well.
“More recently this has extended to sessions at the University of Bath’s superb purpose built dojo at the campus’s sports village, which is home to an impressive number of national and international sportspeople, including many Olympic medallists.
“We’ve been coaching an increasing number of the students at the club here, with many already going on to win medals at competitions across the country. Additionally, after barely a year of training, some of the students are taking part in elite level training sessions, which is a truly remarkable achievement.”
Finn explained that the club is now keen to share this experience with students from senior schools from across the area, giving them the chance to experience the same level of training and achievement
“With the world class facilities at the university, we’re in a position to invite students from secondary schools to send potential athletes to train with us and learn the core skills and disciplines that have been so successful with the existing members. The name of this project is J.I.T.A., which stands for Judo Intensive Training Aspersion, although more importantly it is also the ancient Sanskrit word for conqueror!
“We would love to see judo grow across the city and beyond. After all, take a quick look across the Channel and there are around half a million judo players in France, with world champion Teddy Riner being one of the country’s most well known and celebrated sports stars.
“Recently we were honoured to have a visit from Olympic silver medallist Prisca Awaiti Alverez, who grew up in England and studied and trained at the University of Bath. This was a great experience for everyone who took part, giving them the chance to learn from a judoka who has excelled at the very highest level and inspire them to be the very best that they can.”
If you would like to know more about this project, you can contact Finn at email hidden; JavaScript is required and find out more at gleesonjudo.com.
