Judo Without Barriers

At Westerleigh Judokwai, we believe that judo should be accessible to everyone.

For more than 31 years, we have welcomed children, young people and adults with a wide range of additional needs and disabilities, creating an environment where every individual can learn, develop and enjoy the many benefits of judo.

Our focus is always on the individual. We recognise that every judoka has different strengths, abilities and goals, and our coaching is adapted where required to ensure every member has the opportunity to succeed.

Inclusive Coaching

Our additional needs judoka train alongside our mainstream members in a safe, supportive and respectful environment. Rather than separating athletes into different sessions, we promote inclusion by encouraging everyone to train together as one club.

Where appropriate, techniques and activities may be adapted to suit an individual's needs, while maintaining the same values of effort, respect, discipline and enjoyment that are at the heart of judo.

Experienced Coaching Team

Our coaching team has extensive experience supporting athletes with a wide range of additional needs and disabilities.

Every one of our coaches has received British Sign Language (BSL) training, enabling us to communicate more effectively with Deaf and hard of hearing judoka and helping to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, understood and included.

We work closely with athletes, parents, carers and support workers to understand each individual's needs and ensure they receive the best possible experience both on and off the mat.

Competitive Opportunities

For those who wish to compete, we support athletes through a range of competitive pathways, including:

• Pan Disability Judo
• Special Olympics
• British Judo Association competitions
• Regional, National and International events

Over the past 31 years, our athletes have achieved success at the very highest levels, including becoming Pan Disability European and World Champions, as well as Special Olympics European and World Champions. While we are incredibly proud of these achievements, we believe every accomplishment deserves recognition—whether that's learning a new technique, stepping onto the competition mat for the first time, achieving a new personal goal, or standing on the podium.

Everyone Belongs

At Westerleigh Judokwai, we don't define people by disability—we recognise potential.

Whether your goal is to improve confidence, develop new skills, make friends, keep active or compete at the highest level, you'll find a welcoming community ready to support you every step of the way.

Our philosophy has always been simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to experience judo. By training together in an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment, our members develop not only their judo skills, but also confidence, resilience, friendships and mutual respect.

At Westerleigh Judokwai, everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone trains together.