Northern Ireland Judo Welcomes Dan Powell and other guests, for a Full Day of Training, Learning and Collaboration

The NIJF brought its community together for a packed day of development as players, coaches and parents gathered for a programme led by World Champion Dan Powell, supported by Frances, and Leigh from White Ribbon NI.

The event, hosted by Kookateki Judo Club, blended on‑the‑mat training with essential off‑the‑mat learning, creating a powerful step forward for judo across Northern Ireland.

A High‑Energy Training Session with Dan Powell

Dan led an engaging technical session on the mat, working closely with players and coaches to refine skills, sharpen movement, and reinforce high‑performance habits.

His enthusiasm set the tone for the day — and with talk of him being keen for some Randori, many participants found themselves training directly with a World Champion.

The mat was full, the energy was high, and the wide‑angle camera was needed just to fit everyone in.

Learning Beyond the Tatami

The day wasn’t just about throws and transitions. Coaches and parents also took part in two important learning sessions:

• Anti‑doping education delivered by Frances, strengthening understanding of clean sport and athlete welfare and how the process of Anti-Doping works within Judo. Also how coaches have a massive part to play in the delivery of clean sport
• Leigh at White Ribbon NI, gave the coaching attendees valuable insights into the amount of violence happening everyday against women and girls, and how we can all play a part in reducing this.The session delivered by Leigh from White Ribbon NI was more than an educational workshop — it marked the beginning of a deeper, ongoing partnership between the Northern Ireland Judo Federation and White Ribbon NI, an organisation dedicated to ending violence against women and girls. Their message aligns closely with NIJF’s values of respect, responsibility and community leadership, both on and off the mat.
  The Federation will now be working closely with White Ribbon NI to embed their mission across the judo community.

This includes:

– Supporting awareness campaigns that challenge harmful attitudes and promote positive behaviour.
– Providing coaches, volunteers and club leaders with continued access to training that strengthens safeguarding, respect and equality.
– Creating safe, inclusive club environments where women and girls feel empowered, protected and valued.
– Encouraging players and parents to become active advocates for the White Ribbon pledge, reinforcing judo’s role as a force for good in local communities.
By integrating White Ribbon NI’s principles into everyday practice, NIJF aims to ensure that judo is not only a sport of physical skill, but a platform for social responsibility. This partnership represents a long‑term commitment to helping end violence against women and girls, and to shaping a culture where respect is lived, taught and modelled at every level of the sport.

All of these learning sessions reinforced NI Judo’s commitment to holistic development — not only producing better athletes, but better communities.

Community Effort and Collaboration

The event highlighted the strength of the NI Judo community. Thanks were extended to:

• Dan for his involvement and support both before and on the day (Lea as well)
• Frances and Leigh for delivering impactful learning
• Kookateki Judo Club for hosting and assisting with logistics
• Players, coaches (on and off the mat), and parents for their commitment and enthusiasm

The message was clear: progress happens when everyone works together.

Pathway Squad Ready for the BJA Schools Championships

A special moment in the day saw the Pathway Squad receive their kits ahead of the British Judo Association Schools Championships. With a large contingent heading to compete, excitement is building — and the entire NI Judo community is behind them.

Good luck to all athletes representing Northern Ireland.