British Judo Launches New Weight Management CPD Course

British Judo is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a new Weight Management Continuing Professional Development (CPD) e-learning course, designed to support pathway athletes, coaches and parents in developing a greater understanding of safe, healthy and sustainable weight management practices within judo.

The new educational course builds upon the Weight Management Guidance for Youth Athletes, launched in 2025 following an 18-month collaborative project involving British Judo, the Home Nations and Sport Wales.

Developed in association with sport science experts from Sport Wales, the course aims to provide athletes and their support networks with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions around nutrition, weight management and long-term athlete development.

As a weight-category sport, judo presents unique challenges when it comes to managing body weight, particularly for young athletes progressing through the performance pathway. Recognising the importance of protecting athlete welfare, the new CPD course will reinforce the need to prioritise health, growth and development over short-term competitive outcomes.

The course has been designed to engage the three key groups involved in an athlete’s development, recognising the important role each plays in creating a positive and healthy sporting environment.

Through the e-learning modules, participants will develop a greater understanding of:

• Long-term athlete development: Encouraging athletes to focus on developing their technical skills, building confidence and achieving their potential rather than concentrating on making weight.
• Age-appropriate weight management: Recognising that growth and development must come first, and that athletes under 18 should not be cutting weight to compete.
• The risks associated with rapid weight loss: Raising awareness of potentially harmful practices, including dehydration, excessive food restriction and acute weight cutting.
• Nutrition and performance: Understanding the importance of fuelling appropriately to support health, growth, recovery and sporting performance.
• The role of coaches and parents: Helping those supporting young athletes to recognise their shared responsibilities in promoting positive behaviours and athlete wellbeing.

Speaking about the importance of the initiative, GB Home Nations Coach Chloé Cowen explained:

“The health of the athlete is always a priority. Everyone involved – athletes, parents, coaches and support staff – shares the responsibility to create a safe and supportive sporting environment.”

A key feature of the new course is a series of interviews with British Judo Performance athletes and coaches, who share their personal experiences and journeys with weight management throughout their careers.

These interviews provide participants with valuable first-hand perspectives on the challenges of competing in a weight-category sport, bringing the course’s educational content to life through real experiences from within the British Judo performance environment.

By hearing directly from those who have navigated the demands of weight management at a high level, pathway athletes, coaches and parents will gain a greater appreciation of the importance of making informed decisions, accessing appropriate support and prioritising long-term health alongside sporting ambitions.

Chloe reinforced this message, stating:

“Instead of worrying about making weight, the focus should be on developing skills, building confidence, and becoming the best judoka you can be.”

Matt Craythorne, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Sport Wales, said:

“We are really excited about this project and the impact that it can have on a young athlete’s long-term performance, health and experience of judo. Our collaboration with British Judo and the Home Nation coaches and staff has been integral to shaping this work to benefit judoka in the pathway.

We look forward to players completing the course and have more conversations with coaches, parents and athletes about how we can enable them to create a strong foundation for Judo and for life.”

This marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the welfare of judoka while promoting good practice across the pathway.

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