British Judo & Home Nations Collaborate to Strengthen Female Participation
November 14, 2026
British Judo, in collaboration with England Judo, JudoScotland, Welsh Judo and the Northern Ireland Judo Federation, has launched new coaching guidance designed to help clubs and coaches create more inclusive, welcoming and supportive environments for women and girls across the sport.
The new resource is the result of a collaborative effort involving all four Home Nations, bringing together shared experiences, research and best practice to help increase female participation, engagement and retention in judo.
Developed through the Home Nations Women and Girls Working Group, the guidance recognises the important contribution women and girls make to the sport as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders, while acknowledging the barriers that can prevent them from getting involved or remaining in judo.
By working together, the four Home Nations have been able to share knowledge, identify common challenges and develop practical recommendations that can be implemented by clubs and coaches at every level.
The guidance draws on research into female participation in sport, alongside feedback gathered directly from female judoka through surveys conducted by JudoScotland and Welsh Judo.
It explores a range of factors that can influence participation, including confidence, physical contact, cultural considerations, female representation, coaching environments and the different stages of women’s lives. Importantly, the resource goes beyond identifying challenges, providing practical steps that clubs and coaches can take to create more positive experiences.
These include:
- Creating welcoming and inclusive club environments where women and girls feel valued and supported.
- Understanding female-specific considerations, including puberty, menstrual health and menopause.
- Increasing the visibility of female role models across coaching, officiating and leadership.
- Providing opportunities for women and girls to participate, develop and progress beyond competitive judo.
- Listening to female members and adapting club activities to better meet their needs.
- Exploring female-focused sessions, festivals and development opportunities to encourage participation and retention.
The guidance also highlights the importance of recognising that every individual’s experience is different, encouraging coaches to adopt flexible, supportive approaches that reflect the needs and motivations of their members.
British Judo and all four Home Nations encourage coaches, clubs, volunteers and officials to read the guidance, share it within their communities and consider how its recommendations can help strengthen female participation at every level of the sport.
By continuing to work collaboratively, the Home Nations aim to ensure that more women and girls have the opportunity to discover judo, enjoy its benefits and remain involved for years to come.
