British Judo Launches Trauma-Informed Coaching and Clubs Initiative
Creating Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Spaces for Every Judoka
Working alongside JudoScotland, British Judo are proud to announce the launch of our Trauma-Informed Coaching initiative—a new movement designed to make our judo community even more welcoming, inclusive, and resilient.
For decades, clubs across Great Britain have gone above and beyond to support judoka from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced trauma. Now, we’re taking the next step—equipping clubs, coaches, and volunteers with some tools and understanding that they may need to actively support members with compassion, safety, and respect.
Trauma can touch anyone. Whether from violence, abuse, neglect, or other life-altering events, its effects can be lasting—impacting mental health, physical wellbeing, and personal development. As a sport that thrives on discipline, mutual respect, and community, judo is uniquely placed to offer healing, connection, and growth.
But to truly harness that power, we must acknowledge the reality: trauma is everyone’s business.
That’s where Trauma-Informed Coaching comes in. It’s not about being a therapist. It’s about recognising that people carry experiences with them and responding in ways that promote safety, trust, choice, empowerment, and inclusion.
What This Means for Clubs
The Trauma-Informed Coaching initiative offers a practical pathway for clubs to develop supportive environments, with four clear stages:
- Trauma-Aware – Begin to understand how trauma might affect judoka.
- Trauma-Sensitive – Adjust coaching styles and policies to be more inclusive.
- Trauma-Informed – Make trauma-informed principles part of your club culture.
- Trauma-Responsive – Embed these principles into everyday practice.
Through this initiative, we want to support clubs to:
- Build stronger relationships
- Recognise signs of trauma
- Respond with empathy
- Encourage participation from all
Whether your club is just beginning or already working in this space, we invite you to join us on this journey. Start by sharing the guide with your team, discussing your current practices, and exploring available training.
“After the sudden and tragic loss of one of our young members, we took on some additional trauma informed learning and we found it to be really beneficial to both the club and the coaches. I would encourage anyone running a club to look into this subject” Gordon, Ultimate Judo.
“What we have seen with our ‘Chat on the Mat’ sessions goes far beyond the sport itself. In just 10 weeks we watched people transform – from isolated and unsure to confident, connected and genuinely looking out for each other” Callum, Destination Judo.
This isn’t about changing your role. It’s about using what you already do—coaching, mentoring, supporting—to help people thrive. It’s about making sure every judoka, regardless of their past, feels safe, valued, and supported on the mat.
British Judo and JudoScotland would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this piece of work—particularly those within our clubs and the wider judo community, as well as the individuals and organisations beyond judo whose insights and support helped shape this guide.
For further support, contact:
- Andrew Bowly, Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing: andrew.bowly@britishjudo.org.uk
- Sam Ingram, JudoScotland Club Support Officer: samuelingram@judoscotland.com
Click here to read our full guidance
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