4 February 2025
Over the past year, several members of our Ultimate Judo family have experienced personal loss and bereavement, reminding us just how important it is to look after one another, both in and out of training.
To strengthen our ability to support members through difficult times, coaches Stuart and Gordon have completed bereavement support and awareness training. The programme, designed for educators, youth mentors, and community leaders, focuses on understanding grief, developing listening skills, and creating a safe, compassionate environment for those coping with loss.
This training helps our coaching team provide emotional support to members who may be struggling — not to act as counsellors, but to offer understanding, reassurance, and a sense of connection within the club.
In any close-knit club, loss can affect everyone — not just the individual directly experiencing it. Teammates, friends, and coaches often feel uncertain about what to say or how to help. By learning how to respond with sensitivity, our goal is to ensure Ultimate Judo remains a supportive space where members can be honest about how they feel and know they won’t be judged.
Sports and physical activity can play a positive role in recovery, helping people rebuild confidence, routine, and purpose after a bereavement. But sometimes, simply having someone listen is the most valuable support of all. We want to make sure that happens here.
The principles of judo — Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficient use of energy) and Jita Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit) — lie at the heart of this initiative. Supporting each other through grief embodies those same ideals.
Our aim is to nurture an environment where mental health and emotional wellbeing are treated with the same care as physical training. Whether someone needs a quiet chat before class, a short break, or just reassurance that they’re valued — that’s what being part of Ultimate Judo is all about.
If any member, parent, or young judoka ever wishes to talk privately, please reach out to one of the coaching team. All conversations are handled respectfully and confidentially.
Together, we continue to grow — stronger in body, mind, and spirit.
28 October 2025
