Ladies Judo - First ever camp!

This year, the United Kingdom Armed Forces Judo Association (UKAFJA) held its very first ‘Ladies Judo’ training camp over the period of the 29th-31st March 2017 at RAF Cosford with the aim to promote Judo within the Armed Forces.

The camp was run by Cpl Sarah Hawkes, 2nd Dan (Tri-service representative) and Cpl Rachael Hawkes, 2nd Dan (British Army representative), both of whom have been practicing judo since their early years.

Three ladies from 203 Squadron attended the event, and all were complete novices in Judo. With no preconceived ideas or expectations about Judo, the ladies were able to fully experience (and enjoy) their first tastes of judo throws, and be thankful for the floor mats!

On the first day, the players were introduced into the history and practices of Judo before learning break falls, tachi-waza (standing techniques), ne-waza (ground work) before culminating everything they had learnt that day with four minute fights.

The following day there were confirmatory judo sessions with demonstrations and a quick practice session on choke holds before exciting talks about upcoming camps and events within the tri-service.

Everyone who attended the camp has nothing but pleasant comments, great feedback, and compliments for Sarah and Rachael who put in hours of work in order to get this camp organised.

Based on the turnout and interest from this camp, it’s looking good for the future ventures from the Hawkes sisters!