British Judo Association

First squad training at British Judo Performance Institute

The first British squad training session took place at the newly formed British Judo Performance Institute, at Dartford, at the weekend.

The British women’s squad, which included those preparing for the European Championships, took part in the two day session, which was led by coaches Mark Earle, Kate Howey, Darcel Yandzi, Jurgen Klinger and Joyce Heron.

If sufficient funds are raised, there are plans for the Institute to be housed in a £5 million extension. The facilities in the Institute will include access to the two existing full mat areas, plus an additional small matted room for focused coaching and sport science work, a high performance gym and rehab area, a coach planning facility, a performance analysis suite, medical consultation and treatment rooms and staff offices.

Also over the weekend the British men’s squad took part in a two day training camp at one of British Judo’s recognised Performance Centres, Ratho, in Edinburgh.

The 2008 European Championships will take place from the 11th -13th April, in Lisbon.

The British Women's Squad for the 2008 European Championships.

Left to right: Sarah Clark, Faith Pitman, Georgina Singleton, Sally Conway, Michelle Rogers and Karina Bryant.

The British Women's squad and team line up at the end of training

The British Men's squad line up in Ratho, Edinburgh