The IJF Academy Returns for 2026
January 15, 2026
We are excited to continue to share IJF Academy development opportunities with our coaches as the IJF Academy once again launches for 2026.
Entry for the 2026 cohort of coaches for the IJF Academy Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor (UCJI) programme is now open.
The UCJI programme requires students to complete an 18-week online course, with assessments along the way. Subsequently, students can complete the qualification at an IJF Academy practical assessment which take place all over the world.
British Judo have been proud to host an IJF Academy practical assessment for the past four years, with students from Great Britain, United States, Iceland, Ireland, Poland, Jamaica and Germany in attendance.
The demanding practical sessions pushed all participants to challenge themselves and their partner to develop their technique in a positive learning environment. IJF Academy experts shared their expertise across the week, offering support to participants where necessary to uphold the high standard of teaching delivered in both practical sessions and the learning process behind the techniques.
The course was very well received by all participants with many sharing their experience through feedback upon completion.
As part of the 2025 cohort, we welcomed the courses’ oldest-ever participant, Eddie Cassidy, an 8th Dan Judo Scotland Hall of Fame judoka, at an incredible 81 years old.
“I would recommend it for people who are trying to achieve something, and coaching is the thing, especially with katas and teaching involved. It’s very good for that aspect.Mark Huizinga and Daniel Lascau are ex-European and World champions, and they see this as a way forward for judo, and I see it that way as well.”
“I recently stopped competing around a year ago now, and I wasn’t sure what avenue to go down. But coaching is definitely something that I’m very passionate about, and this is a great opportunity to learn all the techniques on both sides and learn to be a good uke.” Natalie Powell, former World No.1 and GB athlete.
The IJF L1- Instructor and UCJI qualification is mandatory when coaching matside on the IJF World Tour and at EJU European Tour World Ranking Level (WRL) events.
Dates and Fee below:
COURSE FEE
- £790 for new enrolments
NEXT SEMESTER TIMELINE
First day: Monday 2nd March 2026
Last day: Sunday 5th July 2026
The upcoming course is a fantastic development opportunity for coaches to gain the UCJI whilst also connecting and up skilling with the support of IJF Academy experts. British Coaches must be a minimum Level 2 Coach to register. Students complete an 18 week online course, on successful completion they choose a practical session to attend- hosted worldwide.
The course fee for new enrolments is £790. This fee does not include the participation cost of the practical session. The students or the Federation must cover flights and the cost of board and accommodation during the practical session.
The IJF Academy have provisionally confirmed that the BJA can host the UCJI Practical session on 31st August – 6th September 2026 at British Judo’s National Training Centre in Walsall. Further practical assessments are available around the world and can be found on the IJF Academy web page.
Applications are now open for the course, and will close on Sunday 15th February 2026.
