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Harlow Judo Club has attracted
a host of newcomers to the sport through Judo Fit, the Olympic
sport’s new fitness class which was launched by the British Judo
Association in July.
The prominent club held
their first Judo Fit session on July 22 as the British Judo’s
latest Widening the Market initiative – which is funded by Sport
England – encourages a wider audience into the sport.
The new class, which caters
for all ages and fitness levels, sees the Olympic sport’s free-flowing
patterns and movements performed to music as part of a high-energy
cardiovascular workout.
Nicole Nunn, the British
Judo Association’s East London Development Coach, has led the
sessions alongside her husband Joe and has seen numbers rise every
week.
“Word has spread and from
initially having mums of players we’re now attracting new people
to the sport as the numbers increase every week,” said the respected
former British international.
“Everyone is having a lot
of fun; I think its proving popular because it’s such a new and
exciting way to develop your fitness.”
Judo is often hailed and
practiced purely for its well-documented fitness benefits and
now the sport can be performed without the physical contact and
with an emphasis on conditioning.
“We change the sessions
week-to-week and use circuits to emphasise cardio work,” said
Nunn, a 2nd Dan.
“It’s a very relaxed environment,
there’s no pressure, and those who take part are benefitting from
being around like-minded people. A lot of the women have expressed
interest in trying an actual judo session with just women and
that’s something we’re looking to provide.”
Harlow’s Judo Fit session
takes place every Thursday at 20:30 - 21:30. For more information
call 01279 414060.
Harlow Judo Club train
at Stewards School, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7NQ.
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