Primary school children from across the South West – representing schools such as Hazlegrove Prep, Oldfield Park Juniors, St Stephen’s and Dauntsey’s Academy – recently converged on the judo dojo at the University of Bath for a unique sporting opportunity – the 23rd Special Training Session organised by local coach and judo advocate Finn Gleeson of Gleeson Judo.
The young athletes, aged 7 to 11, arrived eager to learn and train alongside elite-level talent. Some watched curiously from the sidelines, while others enthusiastically took to the mats.
These Special Training Sessions are designed to expose young judoka to high-performance environments, bridging the gap between grassroots participation and elite competition. Each session features guest appearances from accomplished athletes, providing both inspiration and hands-on learning.
This session’s guest was Ralf Callaway – a rising name in British judo who began the sport at university and has since earned his black belt and represented Great Britain internationally. Callaway led demonstrations, shared insights from his competitive journey and even sparred with the children – giving them a rare opportunity to train with an athlete on the rise.
“These are the moments they’ll remember,” said Finn Gleeson. “One day, they might be able to say, ‘I trained with Ralf before he became a household name.’”
Previous sessions have welcomed notable judoka including Olympic silver medallist Prisca Awiti Alcaraz and Team GB’s Tom Reed. The initiative aims to build confidence, discipline and camaraderie through exposure to the highest standards of the sport.
The sessions are also deeply personal for Gleeson. Inspired by stories from his father – a respected judo coach – about young children in Japan playfully engaging with senior black belts after training, Finn has sought to recreate that spirit of joyful, spontaneous learning here in the UK.
Results speak for themselves. Gleeson Judo athletes regularly return from competitions with medals, some just weeks after beginning their training. A recent tournament in Bristol saw five young judoka take home two golds, two silvers and a bronze – all matches won decisively.
Beyond competition, judo is increasingly recognised for its role in developing focus, resilience and respect in young people. With sessions running both at the University of Bath’s state-of-the-art dojo and in schools throughout the region, the sport is more accessible than ever.
For parents or schools interested in introducing children to the world of judo, more information is available at gleesonjudo.com.
