The 2026 Parent Survey paints an incredibly encouraging picture of judo for young people across Northern Ireland. Parents consistently highlighted excellent coaching, strong club culture, and high standards of safety and safeguarding as the most valued parts of their children’s experience.

Many families described judo as a sport that builds confidence, discipline, fitness, and a real sense of belonging.

A major positive insight is the level of long‑term commitment from families. The vast majority of respondents — well over 80% — have children who have been in judo for more than two years, showing strong retention and deep trust in their clubs. This is reinforced by the high number of parents rating their child’s experience as 4 or 5 out of 5, with many commenting that their children “love judo,” “never want to miss a session,” and “feel part of a brilliant community.”

Parents also expressed enthusiasm for more opportunities, not because current provision is lacking, but because their children are eager for more:

• More local competitions, especially beginner‑friendly ones
• More fun‑based activities, camps, and social events
• More advanced sessions and regional development camps
• More parent education to help them understand rules, gradings, and pathways

A recurring theme was the desire for greater accessibility, particularly through localised events and clearer communication — but the tone throughout was constructive and supportive. Many parents praised their clubs by name, describing coaches as “amazing,” “homely,” “formative,” and “ambassadors for the sport.”

Overall, the survey shows a thriving judo community with committed families, motivated young people, and a strong appetite for continued growth. The feedback reflects a sport that is valued not just for physical development, but for the confidence, friendships, and life skills it gives to children across Northern Ireland.

What the Data tells us…

1. Participation & Retention

Retention is exceptionally strong. From the dataset, over 80% of respondents have children who have been in judo for more than 2 years. This is one of the strongest indicators of satisfaction and trust in the sport.

Breakdown of time in judo:

• 2+ years: ~82%
• 1–2 years: ~10%
• Less than 1 year: ~8%

This shows a stable, committed membership base and a sport that families stick with long‑term.

2. What Parents Value Most

Across the entire dataset, five themes dominate:

Top‑Rated Aspects (ranked by frequency)

1. Coaching quality & club culture
2. Safety & safeguarding
3. Progression & grading
4. Competition opportunities
5. Communication from clubs

These appear repeatedly in responses such as:

“Coaching quality and club culture, Safety and safeguarding, Progression and grading”

“Marshall and all coaches are very formative and bring a real homely feel to the club.”

Parents overwhelmingly trust their coaches and feel their children are safe, supported, and progressing.

3. Why Children Take Part in Judo

The most common motivations:

• Fitness & wellbeing
• Discipline & respect
• Confidence building
• Self‑defence
• Fun & social connections
• Competitive opportunities

This aligns with judo’s identity as both a character‑building and physically beneficial sport.

4. Barriers to Attendance

The most frequent challenges:

• Travel distance
• Session times
• Cost of training/competitions
• Other sporting commitments
• Lack of beginner options in some areas

Notably, many parents reported “No issues”, reinforcing the positive experience.

5. Barriers to Progression

The most common limiting factors:

• Cost of events and additional training
• Distance to Pathway sessions
• Lack of information/communication
• Other sports taking priority
• Limited competition opportunities

A recurring theme:

“It’s a lack of competition… not a lot of opportunities.”

6. Competition Participation

• Regular competitors: High proportion
• Occasional competitors: Also high
• Not yet but keen: Very common
• No interest: Small minority

Parents consistently want more local, beginner‑friendly, and better‑organised competitions.

7. What Would Make Judo More Appealing

The strongest themes:

• More competitions (especially local)
• School taster sessions
• Better communication
• More beginner sessions
• More fun‑based activities
• More advanced sessions for older/keen players

Parents repeatedly emphasised local events, e.g.:

“Local events closer to home” “More competitions in Belfast would be great for our family.”

8. Additional Needs & Inclusion

Most parents said Yes, they would feel comfortable declaring additional needs. Where concerns existed, they centred on:

• Trust
• Coaches perhaps not having enough specific education on additional needs, or resources
• Worry about the possibility of singling out their child

One parent wrote:

“She needs more support… she understands better being shown personally than verbal group instructions.”

This highlights a need for the Federation to put a focus on more coach education and parent‑coach communication pathways.

9. Interest in Additional Opportunities

Parents showed strong interest in:

• Regional development camps
• Strength & conditioning for youth
• Technical masterclasses
• Fun days/holiday camps
• Parent education sessions
• Youth forums & committees

This shows appetite for both performance and community‑building activities.

10. Satisfaction Levels

Satisfaction is extremely high.

• 5/5 ratings: Very common
• 4/5 ratings: Also strong
• 1–2 ratings: Very rare and usually tied to governance concerns, not club experience

Quotes include:

“Nothing, the access and opportunities are good.” “My boys adore judo.” “It’s excellent in our club.”

Key Takeaways for Decision‑Makers

1. Retention is a major strength

The fact that over 80% stay beyond 2 years is a huge endorsement of clubs and coaches.

2. Parents want more competitions — especially local and beginner‑friendly

This is the single strongest theme across the entire dataset.

3. Communication improvements would have immediate impact

Parents want clearer guidance on:

• Rules
• Gradings
• Competition expectations
• Pathway structure

4. There is strong appetite for both performance and community activities

S&C, regional camps, fun days, and parent education all score highly. The Board have noted this and it has gone onto our priority plan for the next year of delivery.

5. Inclusion support is needed

We need to provide more opportunities and outreach, especially for children with additional needs or anxiety. This will be actioned as the year unfolds ahead.