GIRLS WHO THROW
Increasing girls' participation in sport through safe, progressive judo pathways in schools
Increasing Girls’ Participation in Sport
Many girls disengage from sport during their school years due to confidence, accessibility, and limited progression opportunities. Girls Who Throw was created to address this by providing safe, inclusive and structured judo programmes within schools. The aim is to help girls build confidence whilst achieving recognised British Judo gradings and develop long-term engagement in physical activity through clear pathways of progression.
MORE THAN A SPORT
Judo provides a unique enrichment opportunity for girls to develop confidence, resilience, discipline, and physical literacy within a safe and supportive environment. Through structured sessions and progressive learning, students are encouraged to build self-belief, develop positive relationships with physical activity, and work towards recognised achievements through the British Judo grading system. As an official British Judo affiliated programme, Girls Who Throw offers schools a trusted and nationally recognised pathway for student development both on and off the mat.
An Introduction to judo
In partnership with Active Surrey and British Judo
"None of the pupils have participated in this sport before and it’s been amazing watching them get encouraged into an independent activity. Coming in we had a few pupils very nervous, but minds were quickly changed after encouragement."
In collaboration with Active Surrey and British Judo, Ippon Judo London recently hosted its third Introduction to Judo for Girls event, welcoming over 120 girls from 13 primary schools to experience judo for the very first time.
The event was created to support girls’ participation in sport through safe, structured, and inclusive judo provision within schools. Delivered by qualified British Judo coaches, the sessions introduced students to a nationally recognised sport with clear pathways for progression, achievement, and long-term engagement in physical activity.
Following the event, schools, parents, and students provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many participants continuing into regular judo training afterwards. The success of the project highlights the growing importance of providing meaningful enrichment opportunities that encourage long-term participation in sport for girls.
The event was created to support girls’ participation in sport through safe, structured, and inclusive judo provision within schools. Delivered by qualified British Judo coaches, the sessions introduced students to a nationally recognised sport with clear pathways for progression, achievement, and long-term engagement in physical activity.
Following the event, schools, parents, and students provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many participants continuing into regular judo training afterwards. The success of the project highlights the growing importance of providing meaningful enrichment opportunities that encourage long-term participation in sport for girls.
A CLEAR PATHWAY OF PROGRESSION
Girls Who Throw has been designed to provide a clear and progressive pathway for girls entering judo for the first time. Students begin through school enrichment sessions before progressing through official British Judo gradings, developmental opportunities and club pathways where appropriate. For students wishing to further their participation, Ippon Judo London will also host a schools judo event in June 2027, providing a safe and low-key introduction to friendly competition and student achievement.
GIRLS WHO THROW THIS AUTUMN
Schools joining the Girls Who Throw initiative for the Autumn Term will receive up to four free taster sessions to introduce students to judo within their school environment. In addition, all girls enrolling during the Autumn Term will receive a complimentary judo kit as part of the programme, helping to reduce barriers to participation and encourage long-term engagement in sport and enrichment activities.
Extra-curricularStructured and progressive judo enrichment sessions designed to engage both recreational and competitive judoka, providing students with a safe and supportive environment to develop confidence, achieve recognised British Judo gradings, and progress within the sport.
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physical educationCurriculum-based judo sessions aligned with the England PE National Curriculum, supporting the development of physical literacy and personal development through safe and inclusive activity.
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HEALTHY LIVINGInclusive introduction sessions designed to encourage long-term engagement in physical activity, helping students develop confidence, wellbeing, and positive relationships with sport through accessible and enjoyable judo experiences.
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