British Judo Champions Inspire Local Residents in Lichfield
October 22, 2026
British Judo joined forces with Team England and MoveMojo to introduce the sport to new audiences in Lichfield, with four international judoka helping to inspire participants of all ages and abilities through a series of inclusive community sessions.
The event, held on Tuesday 20th October at MoveMojo’s Movement Hub in Lichfield, marked the first of six community activations as part of Team England’s Glasgow 2026 Legacy Programme.
More than 40 participants, ranging in age from 12 to over 80, took part in the activities, which showcased how judo can be adapted to suit different needs and abilities, while helping individuals develop confidence, coordination and new skills.
Supporting the sessions were Commonwealth Games Gold medallists Kelly Petersen-Pollard and Ethan Nairne, alongside Adaptive European Champion and Chair of British Judo’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, Rowan Kinsella, and IBSA European Championships bronze medallist Jack Hodgson.
The four athletes spent time engaging with participants, sharing their experiences and demonstrating that judo is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.
The event provided an opportunity for individuals who may never have considered trying judo to experience the sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Led by Wayne MacDonald, the activities provided participants with an opportunity to learn practical skills in a welcoming and supportive environment, regardless of their previous sporting experience or physical ability.
Young people from Braidwood Trust School for Deaf Children and individuals with learning disabilities supported by Creative Choices participated in introductory judo sessions, discovering some of the sport’s fundamental movements, techniques and principles through accessible activities.
While some participants were initially apprehensive about trying something new, the sessions quickly developed into an atmosphere of encouragement, enjoyment and achievement.
Led by British Judo coach Wayne MacDonald, the sessions were tailored to participants’ individual needs, allowing everyone to engage with the sport at their own pace while developing confidence and enjoying a new experience.
Having four accomplished judoka supporting the initiative helped demonstrate the inclusive nature of judo and the opportunities it provides for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Commonwealth Games champions Kelly Petersen-Pollard and Ethan Nairne brought their experience of representing England on the international stage, while Rowan Kinsella and Jack Hodgson highlighted the achievements and opportunities available through adaptive and visually impaired judo.
Nick Shepherd, Head of Club Support at British Judo, praised the success of the initiative and the contribution of the athletes involved.
“It was fantastic to see so many people embracing the opportunity to try something new, particularly those who may not have previously considered judo as an activity for them.
“Having Kelly, Ethan, Rowan and Jack supporting the sessions was particularly special. Their involvement demonstrated not only the incredible achievements of our athletes across different areas of the sport, but also their commitment to inspiring others and giving back to their communities.
“We’re incredibly proud to be working alongside Team England and MoveMojo to deliver this initiative, showcasing the wider social value of judo and helping to create a lasting legacy of participation, inclusion and improved wellbeing.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Rob Francis from MoveMojo praised British Judo’s contribution and the opportunity to introduce participants to a different form of physical activity.
“I think it shows that [we should] not judge the disability, to train the person, not their label,” he explained.
“And I think that’s what we really believe in at Move Mojo. But I think that was elevated with the expertise of British Judo and the judo facilitators that you had today.”
Rob also highlighted how the sessions had challenged perceptions around contact-based activities, providing valuable learning opportunities for both participants and the MoveMojo team.
Having previously delivered activities such as tag rugby and other non-contact games, he described seeing participants engage with judo-based activities as an exciting development that could help inform future sessions.
For many of those attending, the sessions provided valuable skills that could make a real difference to their everyday lives.
Local resident Tracey Rhodes, who has experienced falls previously, spoke about the benefits of taking part:
“I have enjoyed it. I have a number of disabilities but I have always thought you have to push yourself and I pushed myself today. Recently I have been falling and learning how to fall, or the steps to preventing injury, is really good. It is something I can take home and practise.”
She also praised the supportive environment created by the coaches and athletes:
“The staff and the athletes have been wonderful. They were showing us the moves, helping us practise and understanding people’s limitations. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but I really enjoyed it.”
The event highlighted the importance of providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to participating in traditional sporting environments.
As the opening activation of Team England’s Glasgow 2026 Legacy Programme, the day provided a powerful example of how sporting success can be used to inspire participation and create opportunities within local communities.
For British Judo, the initiative reflects the organisation’s wider commitment to growing participation and ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to experience the sport.
By introducing judo to new audiences and showcasing its inclusive and adaptable nature, British Judo hopes to inspire more people to take their first steps onto the mat and discover everything the sport has to offer.
Stay tuned to watch some of the exciting features on BBC Breakfast, BBC Midlands and ITV Central.
